Using Insulated Concrete Forms Translates Into an Energy Efficient Home

Winter is always a harsh taskmaster, calling for greater commitment to non-renewable sources of heat. In regions where electrical power is produced in oil or coal-burning facilities, electricity is not only costly but also proves to be a drain on scarce commodities. One way to reduce the high demand for these limited resources is to construct a home which needs little heating while at the same time experiences little or no heat loss. To build an energy efficient home, homeowners should opt for insulated concrete forms.

Insulated concrete forms

These are easily stacked, polystyrene form panels or blocks built on site into forms by concrete contractors like Ellcon. Typically, they are filled using cement to create the walls of the house. This means that the form panels act as the home's insulation after the cement cures. Steel reinforcing bars are positioned in customized trenches in the plastic spacers to provide strength. Additionally, the plastic webbing acts an anchor support for siding on the external and drywall inside.

Besides insulation, insulated concrete forms act a sound barrier which makes the idea of building your home next to a busy street or airport a more practical one. Further to that, homes made of insulated concrete forms are very durable and can withstand fires, tornadoes and hurricanes which makes such homes a valuable risk for insurance firms and thus in many regions homeowners accrue cost savings in indemnity premiums.

Constructing using insulated concrete forms

Construction using insulated concrete forms begins with the footings just like any other home. Right before the cement dries in the footings, concrete contractors place the vertical rebar in consistent intervals in the midpoint of the footing. This serves to hold the walls against the footings.

The subsequent series of blocks interconnects with the block neighbouring the footing to offer the beginning of the sold wall. At this juncture, adjustments are made by contractors for any inconsistent sections of the footings to make certain the wall rises up square.

Rebar is then positioned horizontally against the plastic webbing and the end sections intersect for strength. Before cement can be poured, the walls are usually supported using lumber and strapping. Once poured, the cement is settle using a vibrating rod. Normally, contractors place special rebar over the doors and windows for additional support. Once the wall construction is finished, trusses may be positioned above and fastened with special fittings.

At the end of the day, homes built using insulated concrete forms are very energy efficient much to the delight of homeowners.


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