Despite the growing popularity of Nexcem ICF walls, there are still countless property owners using traditional construction. Insulated concrete form construction materials are incredibly durable and energy efficient, but without knowing the facts, you won’t be able to decide for yourself whether they’re a good investment for your property. Here are just a few myths and misconceptions about ICF walls that you just shouldn’t believe.
ICF walls aren’t protective during a natural disaster.
Though ICF walls haven’t always been as protective as they are now, FEMA and other scientific authorities agree that Nexcem ICFs can protect a family from an F5 tornado with ease. With that in mind, the idea of needing an underground safe room to protect your family during a natural disaster is obsolete — just invest in insulated concrete forms to protect your family from the elements: earthquakes, winds, hurricanes, and more. Ultimately, ICF construction is capable of protecting properties from natural disasters because they’re capable of withstanding 402 kph winds.
ICF walls are an eyesore.
For some reason, many people are under the impression that ICF walls are extremely visible, and for that matter, unattractive. This is a bit of a ridiculous misunderstanding, seeing as homes with Nexcem ICFs look just like any other home. The untrained eye wouldn’t even be able to tell the difference by looking. There are some small signs, like slightly deeper window sills and door jambs, but for the most part, ICFs are unnoticeable — all you’ll notice are their astounding benefits. After all, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, insulated concrete forms can save homeowners 20% to 25% on annual heating and cooling costs.
ICFs are overly complicated to install.
ICF installation is not overly complicated – many owners have built with Nexcem DIY (as long as they have time and patience), either. When looking for an installer / builder, it is more important to find a person that you can trust and has the same vision for your home as you do. You don’t want to be fighting for your vision with your builder. As long as they have construction experience, are known to do quality work, are willing to tackle something new and work with you, that is more important than specific ICF experience. Just make sure to find an installer who’s experienced and can answer all of your questions. The quality of your build will come down to the general quality of your builder. When all is said and done, many builders think that using ICFs is easier than building with wood.
Ultimately, ICF systems have been used in global construction for over 60 years. Knowing the truth behind these misleading misconceptions can help you make the best decisions regarding the structural integrity of your property. For more information about Nexcem’s energy efficient ICFs, contact us today.