ICFFORMS llc Insulated Concrete Forms -- Benefits and Features

A shell of unmatched structural strength protects the residents in the Premerè home. The insulation in the formwork provides a perfect environment for the concrete to cure within; tests have shown that curing in these conditions significantly enhances the compressive strength of the concrete.

Natural 
                    Hazards -

The extremes of the New England weather pose little problem for a system that has successfully withstood hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes.

Hurricanes 
                    -

The strength and durability of a Premerè ICF wall provide unmatched resistance to survive the devastation of major storms.

Tornadoes 
                    -

Wood framed walls fail to stop the penetration of airborne hazards while Premerè walls have the strength and mass to resist the impact of flying debris.

 
                    Fire -

Concrete is a non-combustible material. In tests, ICF structures with stood exposure to intense fire without structural failure longer than wood framed walls. Premiere-s polystyrene foam will not support combustion and reduces the amount of flame that is transmitted. ICF walls are more resistant in allowing fire to pass from one side of a wall to another.

In a fire test conducted at the Building Research Establishment in April 2003, a section of 8 inches Premer was exposed in a furnace to temperatures that reached well over 1650F. After one hour the temperature on the outside of the wall had raised only 57F - 61F! There was no failure of integrity in any of our samples.

Fire Rating (Siliceous Aggregate) by test: 6 inch and 8 inch Concrete Wall 3 hours and 5 hours respectively.

Impact Resistance - In what was probably the harshest test that could be imposed upon any structure, several ICF structures were exposed to high explosive detonations. These tests were carried out at the Quantico US Marine Corps base, on 6th & 8th May 2003. Detonations of 50lbs of military grade TNT were blasted at various distances from the structures. The detonations generated lateral forces well in excess of 10 times the weight of the structure and created a fireball of approximately 200 ft wide and 100ft tall.

The ICF all withstood the detonated blasts. Even from a detonation of 6 ft away from the wall the only structural damage was minor surface cracking of less than 0.078 inch (22mm) in width. There was no deflection, spalling of concrete or structural damage. The timber structures all disintegrated from 80ft away.

Freeze/Thaw 
                    Cycles -

The cycles have not effect on a Premerè ICF foundation. The strength of the Premerè wall far exceeds the forces extended by these cycles.

1. A Thermal Envelope of Insulation - with 2 inches of high performance insulation to both the interior and exterior of the wall over a concrete wall create a highly insulated mass that blocks heat and cold variations, a Premerè home stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer. The typical R-Value of Premere ICF wall is 22.5 without considering the thermal mass. This is reflected in low U-values that other forms of construction find difficult to match. The table below shows our standard U-values for either Expanded or Extruded Polystyrene. However it doesn't end with U-values...

`Type of Board`	`U-value`
`Expanded Polystyrene`	`0.055 BTU/-F hr sf`
`Extruded Polystyrene`	`0.046 BTU/-F hr sf`



                    2. 
                    Low Air Infiltration - The monolithic concrete core of 
                    Premerè provides a continuous air barrier, there are 
                    no convection air currents within the wall cavities, which 
                    eliminates unwanted cold air infiltration in the form of draughts 
                    and cold spots, which find their way through gaps in timber 
                    frame houses, and mortar joints in traditional block construction. 
                    Premerè ICF homes have one-third to one-half as much 
                    air infiltration as a typical stick home.

3.Greater Thermal Mass - The concrete walls have a high thermal mass that buffers the home-s interior from extremes of outdoor temperature changes. The typical R-Value of Premere ICF wall is +38 when considering the thermal mass.

4.Lower Energy Costs - The energy bills may be cut by 2/3 over typical wood framed structures. In colder climates, basements that are not insulated account for up to 40% of a home's heat loss.

Although 
                    Premerè is a high performance product it is not a high 
                    cost product. The speed of build produces cost savings throughout 
                    the construction phase - and beyond!

Energy 
                    Efficiency -

The high insulation factor of Premerè means that the home is warmer in winter and cooler in summer, so the householder will receive much lower fuel bills. Moisture will not be taken on or retained in Polystyrene Foam Installation the way fiberglass insulation does. The moisture causes an increase in heat transfer, reducing R-values in fiberglass insulation.

Noise Reduction - The polystyrene insulation in Premerè provides an absorbent barrier to reduce the effect of impact sounds within a building. The concrete core provides the high mass necessary to create a highly effective sound barrier against airborne noise; such as loud music, traffic etc. This makes Premerè an ideal choice for problem sites situated near roads, airports or railways. In tests, ICF walls allow less than one-third as much sound to pass through compared to frame walls filled with fiberglass insulation. STC (Sound Transmission Class) for 8-inch concrete wall with forms in place is 59 by calculation.

Personal Stress - Much of modern day stress is attributed to unwanted noise. The quieter environments of Premerè home helps relieve personal pressure (as do the lower fuel bills).

More Secure Feeling - Enhanced solid structure with high mass walls creates the feeling of a significantly rock-solid structure that reduces the flex in floors and reduces shifting and vibrations caused by high winds.

Air 
                    Quality & Allergies

- Premerè homes do not have an issue with condensation, nor will it absorb moisture or provide conditions for mold and mildew to grow. Premerè and all its components are completely inert. The Premerè home is therefore ideal for allergy sufferers. Toxic fumes are non-existent in the polystyrene and concrete; nothing held within or ordinarily emitted by a Premerè ICF wall is toxic.
Premere ICF houses are so tight that ERV units are necessary to circulate the air to maintain the interior air quality.

Safer Environment - The structural strength of Premerè will withstand any storms, floods, and very high impact, and because the concrete core at the center of the wall is non-combustible it will maintain its structural integrity, in the event of fire, for longer than other forms of construction.

Termites and carpenter ants are blocked from entering the structure by Premerè ICF horizontal rails. Should they enter the foam, they cannot use the foam as a vertical path to wood materials.
Premerè Forms is inorganic so it has no food value to all those little wood boring insects and fungi that feed on wood. Fortunately, the creature that can munch into concrete does not exist.

Premerè offers the designer great flexibility and surpasses current building regulation requirement and expected future changes. Premerè combines off-site construction principles with on-site flexibility to create the most sustainable development.

ANY LAYOUT - Although Premerè is a system of building, and is a form of off-site construction, it does not impose standard plans upon clients, unlike inflexible timber frame or concrete panel construction. It gives the architect complete freedom to design.

UNUSUAL FEATURES - Details that may be cost prohibitive using other forms of construction can be easily incorporated into Premerè construction. Curved walls, custom angles, radius walls and virtually any shape of arch can be created quickly and easily on site, using our standard parts.

ANY STYLE - Premerè can be designed to suit any shape or period, whether it be contemporary, or in the local vernacular. Premerè Forms can accommodate tall walls, curved walls, large openings, long ceiling spans, custom angles and cathedral ceilings. The exterior surfaces finishes for Premerè structures are the same as for traditional structures. The visible 2 1/4" wide rigid PVC rail at 1 foot intervals allows for materials to be easily attached - brick, stone, render, tile, slate or weatherboard.

GREATER SPANS - The inherent strength of the Premerè structure allows for greater spans and loadings to be incorporated making it ideal both for commercial buildings, and for those who require open space living.

CHOICE OF WALL THICKNESS - Premerè can be built with a nominal concrete core of 4.5 inch, 6 inch, 8 inch, 10 inch, and 12 inch. Most above ground construction will be using the 6 inch. The larger walls are generally used in below ground construction or in situations where exceptional forces may be applied. The 4.5 inch wall is primarily for internal partitions where noise may be a factor, as we usually advise that partitions are simply of timber or metal studwork, thus allowing for ease of any future alterations.

COMPLETE INTEGRATION - Premerè can be used in conjunction with virtually any other building components; any types of floor, roof, chimney, window or door, can be incorporated.

LINTELS - The lintels are created simply by including the necessary amount of reinforcement rebar above the opening.

DESIGNED FOR BUILDERS- The Premerè System was originally designed for builders. It is the latest generation in ICF technology and offers building advantages that the older type of block system just cannot do. ICF builders will love the fact that fastenings do not have to be made into the concrete every time, and everything can be done quickly and efficiently on site and without need for special parts. Builder may elect to have the HER test done by the EPA Energy Star Program, which may lead to designated a Five Star Energy Builder.

SIMPLICITY OF PARTS - Premerè is designed for simplicity and there are very few parts in the system. Ease of use is second-to-none with Premerè. The foam and rails are easy to cut and shape. Contractors can build curved walls and custom angles reducing the worry about structural load considerations. It is a very quick construction; a trained and experienced installer can assemble up to 50 square feet of simple wall per hour.

INTEGRATED BRACING SYSTEM - The Premerè Bracing and Alignment system comprises corner and straight wall metal supports. These are easily adjustable to ensure straight and true alignment of construction. They also provide a secure working platform on the hinged supports, which are an integral part of these braces, and this reduces the requirement for external scaffolding.

ALLEVIATING SKILL SHORTAGES - Premerè can help builders with the -skill shortage- currently affecting the building industry. Most practical people can be taught the Premerè building techniques. We find that carpenters and ground workers have the skills and experience to readily understand Premerè.

LIGHT WEIGHT & SAFE CONSTRUCTION - Because the formwork is lightweight, work can progress faster with less strain and fatigue to personnel, and without any of the dangers of heavy items and equipment found on other building sites.

The polystyrene foam planks in 1X4 foot section weighs less than 2 pounds. Working with this lightweight product means construction crews are less fatigued throughout the day. Also the rails and cross ties are compact and lightweight for easy handling and assembly.

NO -DRYING OUT- A Premerè building requires no -drying out- period, and consequently there will be far less shrinkage cracks than in other forms of construction.

FINISHING & FIXINGS - Any exterior finish can be applied to Premerè. Some ICF systems are designed primarily for a render finish; however Premerè has courses of horizontal rails running at 12 inches on center. These rails, which are embedded into the concrete, provide the necessary support for any exterior finish.

Screwing plasterboard to the horizontal rails that are already embedded in the concrete wall finishes most interiors. The rails provide secure fixing points for most cupboards, pictures etc., and particularly heavy items can be secured into the concrete core.

CUTTING CHASES - Service chases are quickly cut into the polystyrene and through the rails with a small router.

ALL WEATHER PRODUCTS - Concrete can be poured into Premerè formwork in any weather, even in below freezing temperatures, due to the external insulation. Premerè allows the builder to reach roof level much sooner than in traditional construction, thus allowing the building to be made watertight at an earlier phase. Extreme cold and heat has little effect on a Premerè ICF wall. Our walls can be poured down to 10ºF with the top of the form protected with insulation blankets. Plus, evaporation concerns are reduced in the hot weather.