Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are revolutionizing modern construction and rapidly changing the way we build. Allied Concrete recognizes the need for alternative building methods that are sustainable, affordable, energy efficient and green and offers to their customers Amvic ICF wall systems as well as Am-Deck ® floor and roof systems.
Amvic ICFs with FormLock™ technology is leading this revolution by providing the highest quality and highest performance ICF on the market.
Products:
Amvic manufacturers a flat wall ICF block with 4”, 6”, 8”, and 10” concrete cavities. The block is made up of 2 ½” of EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) panels on each side. The panels are moulded to form a block together with polypropylene webs spaced 6” o.c. Blocks come in straights, 90 degree corners, 45 degree corners, taper top, and brick ledge blocks. The 4”, 6”, and 8” straight blocks are 16” high x 4’ long. The 10” block is 2’ high x 4’ long.
New in 2005 Amvic introduced its new decking system, Am-Deck®. Am-Deck® is an EPS foam product used to frame floors and roofs.
Features and Benefits:
~ Comfort ~
Sound Barrier
An ICF wall provides exceptional sound attenuation. While a conventional wood framed house has a sound transmission class (STC) rating of 36-38, an Amvic home has an STC rating of 50+, a reduction of over 2/3rds of transmitted noise.
Superior Insulation
The Amice ICF system replaces commonly used fiberglass insulation with expanded polystyrene (EPS). EPS is made of a collection of closed plastic cells which prevent air movement and create an airtight seal around your home.
High Indoor Air Quality
The use of EPS results in the elimination of all air borne glass fibers and insulation settlement in the home caused by traditional fiberglass insulation. In addition, the impermeable walls prevent the entry of dust, pollens, and pollution.
Superior Structure
An Amvic ICF wall system will maintain its structural integrity. Your concrete home will remain solid, strong, and quiet over time.
~ Cost Effectiveness ~
Energy Efficient
While EPS provides insulation, the concrete thermal mass in an Amvic wall reduces temperature fluctuations by absorbing and storing heat. Drafts and hot and cold spots are virtually eliminated and a room’s temperature remains consistent from floor the ceiling. This results in approximately a 30 – 50% savings in monthly heating and cooling costs.
When HVAC contractors calculate the load for an Amvic ICF home considering the high insulation rate, thermal mass, and air infiltration reduction, the overall HVAC unit can be downsized.
Indirect Savings
Amvic ICF homeowners may also enjoy indirect cost savings from flexible financing through energy efficient mortgages (Mid-Country Mortgage) and reduced insurance premiums. Appraisal groups are now recognizing and reflecting the benefits of ICF construction.
Lasting Value
Over time, Amvic ICF homes become stronger and sturdier and require much less maintenance than conventionally built homes. Amvic ICF homes are built to last and as a result, retain their value.
~ Sustainability ~
Fire Resistant
Amvic ICFs are manufactured using only approved raw material bead with flame-retardant agents and have a 3-hour fire rating. Consequently, Amvic homes provide much greater fire resistance than traditional homes.
Wind and Storm Resistant
Amvic ICFs are constructed with steel reinforced concrete, which greatly increases strength and maximizes resistance to high winds and storms.
Mold Resistant
Amvic ICF homes reduce the potential for mold and mildew growth since they are constructed using only non-organic materials.
Insect Barrier
Since there is non food value for insects in the Amvic ICF system, the possibility of structural damage due to insects like termites is virtually eliminated. Also, insects cannot penetrate the concrete core of an Amvic ICF wall and therefore cannot invade your home.
~ Environmentally Friendly ~
Reduces Emissions
An Amvic ICF home reduces energy consumption by about 30 – 50% monthly, which results in an equivalent reduction in harmful emissions. The construction waste generated is also less than 1%, which reduces land filling and methane emissions. Furthermore, Amvic uses steam and cold water to produce ICFs; non CFCs, HCFCs, formaldehyde or any chemicals are used.
Conserves Trees
Every Amvic home conserves at least ten trees, which absorb carbon dioxide and give us oxygen.
Uses Recycled Materials
Amvic ICF webs are manufactured using recycled polypropylene. This means that over 60% of the weight of an Amvic ICF block is comprised of recycled materials.
~ For The Building Professional ~
Minimal Machinery Required
Amvic ICFs are lightweight, weighing less than 10lbs on average per form. This allows you to benefit from commercial grade construction without heavy machinery costs. Forklifts, man and masonry block lifts, cement mixers, heaters, tarps, all become obsolete with ICF construction. The removal of these ongoing soft costs from the construction site can be substantial.
Minimal Tool Investment
A handsaw, foam gun, portable rebar cutter/bender, and bracing are all that are required for ICF construction other than typical carpentry hand tools. In addition, electricity is not mandatory on an ICF jobsite.
Labor Savings
Amvic ICF “5 in 1” system incorporates structure, insulation, vapor barrier, sound barrier, and attachments for drywall and exterior siding all in one step thus reducing labor requirements and construction delays when relying on sub trades. An experienced ICF crew can often complete the foundation and/or walls of a typical home in a matter of days. No specialized tradesmen are needed to install an ICF wall. Typically the contractor’s framing crew will set, brace, and pour the ICF walls, which will maintain the scheduling and manage of the work to one crew further enhancing the quality of work.
Due to Amvic’s FormLock™ technology, there is no need to glue or tie the blocks together in the stacking process. The webs are also designed to grip the rebar so no tying or “pig tailing” required. Lastly, the blocks are fully reversible, so crew members can stack them either way, there are no left and right corners, and the block can be ripped in half for irregular wall heights and both halves can be used.
ICFs are lightweight and reduce back strain, injuries, and ultimately workman’s compensation claims. One square foot of masonry wall is equivalent in weight to 42 square feet of Amvic ICFs walls. ICFs are also easy to cut and shape making unconventional walls shapes manageable.
This combination makes Amvic ICFs the easiest, most user friendly block on the market and greatly reduces your labor costs.
Waste Reduction
Amvic ICF webs are moulded into the block every 6” o.c. Any cut off piece that still has a web can be reused somewhere in the wall construction. Amvic places webs 6” o.c. for added strength and waste reduction.
Price Stability
Lumber prices have historically been volatile with huge fluctuations in price, mostly increases, with deforestation and devastating storms like Katrina in 2005. Concrete and steel prices have remained relatively steady and consistent.
Training and Technical Support
Amvic offers a unique training program which covers the basics of ICF construction from footing to rafter including floor and roof connections, consolidation, proper rebar placement, and much more. Classroom presentations and discussions as well as hands on wall building make this an interactive event. For training opportunities please contact Gary Brown at the corporate office toll free at 1-877-470-9991 or e-mail at gbrown@amvicsystem.com.
Amvic has the most qualified staff in the ICF industry. Company President, Victor Amend, has a PHD in civil engineering and is the designer of our block along with other engineering staff in house to serve you. Amvic has also partnered with Consulting Engineers Corporation to provide:
• Detailed structural plans and sections
• Detailed calculations and construction sequences
• Highly optimized designs for minimal reinforcing
• Appropriately dimensioned and annotated drawings
• All designs are duly stamped by professional engineers
For more information on Amvic ICFs please contact:
Butch Wade – Distributor - The Eagle Corporation / Allied Concrete
434-981-3564 e-mail: butchwade@eagle-corp.com
Deb Brown – Northeast Account Manager – Amvic Building System
434-531-102 e-mail: dbrown@amvicsystem.com
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90 degree corner |
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Brick ledge |
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