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Our First Job
We started Icf almost 30 years ago. Back then the products weren't very robust and blowouts weren't that uncommon. We learned a lot using the weaker products. When we started there were no manuals or bracing available. We had to do everything on the fly.
Concrete roofs and floors
Reinforced concrete is much stronger than wood so we can span much larger distances without intermediate supports. Overpasses are made out of reinforced concrete for a reason. We have done "man caves " that are totally buried underground that you can drive over top of them. Think parking garage. That can't be done with wood
Options
When doing interior framing we prefer steel studs over wood. They stay straight and don't burn or rot.
World of concrete
In 2000 Amvic was a start up company. By that time I had almost 10 years experience with Icf. I had tried many products and found many problems with them. I followed them for a bit on a chat room and thought what they were offering looked interesting. We ordered a truckload that came from Toronto Canada. We built a 10,000 sq. Ft. House with amvic and was very impressed with it. I let the owner of the company know that I liked working with his product. He invited me to come to the world of concrete in Las Vegas to help out in his booth. I answered most of the technical and code questions for people. I did that for 14 years. It was very interesting to see all the products evolve into what we have today. I have used over 30 different Icfs since the start. I was involved in writing the installation manual for Amvic. Amvic is now a global company and one of only a handful of Icf companies still around.
Training
The Icf industry knew that without qualified installers they couldn't sell their product. Still today there is a lack of qualified Icf installers. Unlike wood, if something is out of wack after the pour you can't just pull nails and fix it. I put together a power point presentation and started doing training classes. I was the western United States trainer for Icf installations. I have trained hundreds of home owners and contractors in the western United States. I did that flying all over the us to do classes. Once my oldest daughter started school and sports I had to shift priorities
Flexibility
Icfs can be formed to almost any shape you want. A radius is something you can do and come out with a true circle or ellipse. It takes more time but it can be done. gable ends and peaks are easy to do with icf. Doing a gable gives a continuous strong concrete wall
Many Options
Since reinforced concrete is so much stronger than wood there are many more things possible
Building Envelope
With the energy codes becoming more stringent all the time we can meet that need. The processes we use for building exceeds any current code for energy efficiency. With air exchanges , how much air a building leaks per hour ,at 1 or less we can meet any energy code.
Off Grid
Do you have a piece of land that you love but can't get commercial power we can help with that. We have been living without commercial power for over 10 years now. We have learned the most economical and most efficient way to build so living without commercial power is easy Sent from my iPhone
Radiant Heat
Radiant heated floors go well with Icf. We do that too