Insulated Concrete Forms – Performance
Choosing the right material makes all the difference in the performance of your home and with Nexcem insulated concrete forms, your building will last for generations. Made from sustainable materials, our products have a minimal impact on the environment around us, providing you with a high-performance building that is energy efficient, strong, healthy, and green.
Read a detailed comparison of Nexcem products versus other ICF systems.
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Fire Performance
For maximum safety in concrete home design or in the design of any other building, the Nexcem ICF wall system has a 4-hour fire rating. The surface burning characteristics of our ICF units far surpass all other types of ICF products. Our products have a flame spread and smoke spread rating of zero. Unlike foam, Nexcem will not ignite, melt, sustain fire, or release toxic smoke in the event of a fire.
- Over 4-hour fire resistance rating
- 0 flame spread – Does not burn or melt
- Can be left exposed
Strong and Durable
Impact Resistant
Standard stuccos applied over the Nexcem ICF substrate result in a finish that is less expensive and far more impact resistant than conventional EIFS systems (polystyrene and stucco). Detailed information regarding the use of stuccos and other finishes with the Nexcem wall system can be found in the Technical Guide.
Moisture Resistant
The Nexcem material is moisture resistant and will not rot or degrade in the presence of moisture (short or long term)
Termite Proof
Unlike wood and other materials that absorb moisture from the air, Nexcem effectively resist termites. A number of testing programs have been conducted by independent agencies such as the U.S. Forestry Service. In these tests, Nexcem samples were placed in termite-infested areas for as long as six years without any destruction of the Nexcem material.
Termite Test Report Summary is contained in our Technical Guide.
Soundproof Insulated Concrete Forms
STC 54 – 72 and NRC 0.70 – 0.95
Nexcem materials are perfect for any ICF home construction or commercial construction project where noise is a consideration. The sound-absorbent properties of each unit, in combination with the wall system’s mass, provides excellent soundproofing for any building. Standard wall Sound Transmission Coefficient (STC) ratings can range between 54 and 72, while Nexcem materials provide Noise Reduction Coefficients (NRC) ratings as high as 0.95. This means that 95% of the sound that reaches the Nexcem unit is absorbed and not reflected back into the airspace.
More information is available in our Technical Guide.
Healthy and Breathable
Nexcem ICF material is inert with no VOCs or off-gassing, and the cement content of each unit creates an above-average pH environment at the wall surface that inhibits growth of fungi and mold. Furthermore, the hygroscopic nature of the material regulates relative humidity levels (65% RH maximum) and provides an inherent moisture regulator that keeps humidity low. This helps to further prevent any type of fungal growth.
Click here to learn more about Nexcem ICF units and indoor air quality.
More Energy Efficient
Because we put the majority of the insulation on the exterior of the concrete core (where it belongs), thermal mass gains are maximized
Green and Ecologically Friendly
Made from only clean recycled softwood waste, our insulated concrete forms lower the ecological and carbon footprint substantially.
Leed Points
A summary of LEED credits made available or contributed by the Durisol ICF System is contained in our LEED Credit Summary for Nexcem Insulated Concrete Forms.