What are ICFs [Top]
Insulated concrete forms are interlocking, lightweight polystyrene blocks that serve as a form for poured concrete walls. The forms remain in place to provide insulation, a vapor barrier and attachment surfaces for interior and exterior wall finishings. Businesses and homes built this way are more energy efficient, stronger, safer and quieter.
Energy efficiency [Top]
The foam in Logix walls provides a thermal resistance of R-24. Logix walls maintain their thermal performance over their lifetime, compared to other types of insulation that tend to lose R-value due to moisture, settling and age. When taking into consideration the thermal mass characteristics of concrete, as well as the lack of air infiltration, a 6-inch Logix wall is superior to a wood-framed wall. According to one study, ICF buildings are 44% cheaper to heat and 32% cheaper to cool than woodframe homes. The combined mortgage and utility payments are typically less than for a traditionally built structure.
Strength, safety, health [Top]
ICF buildings are up to 8.5 times stronger than woodframe buildings. ICF walls will remain virtually undamaged in hurricane conditions. ICF foundation walls resist buckling and cracking five times better than concrete block walls. Since Logix buildings have a 3-hour fire rating compared to 15 minutes for a comparable woodframe building, they typically qualify for lower insurance rates. Improved air quality is another potential benefit since ICF construction eliminates the studs and cavities that can hold moisture and foster mold and mildew growth.
Sound, moisture and bug resistant [Top]
A sound transmission classification of STC 50 (inaudible) is easily attainable. By comparison, a typical woodframe-constructed building has an average STC of only 25, which allows you to hear and understand voices from outside.
Logix walls eliminate the need for an additional vapor barrier. For below-grade applications, Logix provides a waterproofing system that ensures a completely dry basement.
Environmentally sound [Top]
Buildings constructed with Logix are designed to last for centuries, not decades. Logix walls conserve forest resources and their energy efficiency reduces fossil fuel consumption. Logix webs are made entirely with recycled plastic. In addition, Logix foam scraps are entirely recyclable.
Resale value [Top]
Because of all these benefits, ICF buildings command higher resale values than those constructed with more traditional methods.
Thicker, more rigid 2.75-inch foam panels are standard in all Logix block. This creates the strongest block available, facilitates easier electrical and plumbing rough-ins, reduces handling damage, and eliminates distortion and concerns about internal vibration during concrete placement. The thicker foam also increases R-value.
To accommodate a wide range of applications, a variety of forms are available, including brick ledges, one-sided taper tops (shown left), four-inch height adjusters, and end caps. In addition, Logix is the first to offer a half-height version of its basic forms.
Logix webs feature wider attachment surfaces for interior and exterior wall finishings, thick plastic that holds screws in place better, and slots that easily receive and properly space a range of rebar up to #6. The webs are also designed to facilitate easy concrete placement.
Better service/prices [Top]
Along with product expertise, Logix has learned the importance of partnering with those who share a passion for quality service. Logix is committed to helping customers succeed by providing them with high quality forms, superior training and technical support. Logix is also committed to continually updating and improving its products to meet the changing needs of the building industry.
In addition, the simplified Logix distribution plan provides for very competitive pricing. With manufacturing sites across the country, Logix assures product availability and timely delivery across North America.
What are ICFs [
Thicker, more rigid 2.75-inch foam panels are standard in all Logix block. This creates the strongest block available, facilitates easier electrical and plumbing rough-ins, reduces handling damage, and eliminates distortion and concerns about internal vibration during concrete placement. The thicker foam also increases R-value.
Logix webs feature wider attachment surfaces for interior and exterior wall finishings, thick plastic that holds screws in place better, and slots that easily receive and properly space a range of rebar up to #6. The webs are also designed to facilitate easy concrete placement.