Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF) are an important part of today’s construction technologies. Basically, ICF are easy-to-handle interlocking foam building blocks that serve as the forms for poured concrete wall systems. These forms are then left as part of the permanent wall to provide the vapor barrier, air barrier, insulation and furring strips.
Depending on the project and engineer’s requirements, ICF forms can be easily reinforced with steel to provide excellent flexural strengths.
AVR, Inc. has chosen ICF construction for our own new facilities being built around the metropolitan area. Incredible savings from the thermal performance of the product are the first reason most are attracted to ICF construction, but the storm safety aspect and reduced outside noise transfer are also reasons owners fall in love with ICF.
Developed in Europe, where wood resources are at a premium, ICF technology brings high performance and low maintenance to each application. Imagine R-50 Insulating standards coupled with tax, insurance, and energy efficient mortgage savings, it’s possible with ICF.
ICF foam insulating building blocks allow easy building in the cold winter months and wrap residential and commercial concrete walls in a blend of quiet, strong, and energy saving construction techniques.
Sustainability and Durability
With ICF Technology, there is nothing to break, maintain, or to wear out. Your savings continue year after year, and ICF buildings offer unmatched protection from fires, storms, high winds, and other natural disasters. Concrete’s strength can lower your insurance costs and your building will hold its value for generations.
ICF Buildings are also very environmentally friendly.
The forms are manufactured right here in the Midwest. Ready mixed concrete used in ICF buildings is manufactured locally from abundant natural resources. Both ICF forms and ready mix concrete are inert. Neither one can rot, mold or mildew, offering long-term low cost of ownership.
Energy Savings: Because an ICF system wraps a poured concrete wall in foam it provides exceptional energy efficiency and saves you money throughout the life of the building.
Strength: Reinforced concrete walls are better able to withstand strong winds than typical wood-frame construction.
Quiet: Above grade ICF construction gives you an unmatched soundproofing to virtually eliminate exterior noises from getting into your home.
Safety: Four hour fire rating that can mean a safer home for occupants resulting in a possible reduction in your homeowner's insurance.
Clean Air: Your exterior walls become air-tight which results in a clean indoor air environment and eliminates the possibility of mold growth within the exterior walls.
AVR, Inc. & Affiliates is a distributor of Insulated Concrete Forms.
AME Red-E-Mix - Monticello Batch Plant
Location: Monticello, MN
Contractor: Summit Concrete & Masonry
The project consists of a 64 foot high ICF plant along with the 60’ x 140’ 6 bay ICF garage, both of which have energy efficient in-floor radiant heat. There is also approximately 250,000 ft2 of concrete pavement as well as a decorative stained concrete bunker retaining/screen wall surrounding the entire 12.5 acres. This project will benefit AME Red-E-Mix for years to come. AME Red-E-mix is just beginning to see the cost savings they will receive by using ICF construction and in-floor radiant heat. All of their clients will benefit as well just by knowing that AME Red-E-mix truly believes in what they sell. The construction of this plant will further the promotion of ICF and other concrete construction practices.
AME Red-E-Mix - Monticello Batch Plant
Location: Monticello, MN
Contractor: Summit Concrete & Masonry
The project consists of a 64 foot high ICF plant along with the 60’ x 140’ 6 bay ICF garage, both of which have energy efficient in-floor radiant heat. There is also approximately 250,000 ft2 of concrete pavement as well as a decorative stained concrete bunker retaining/screen wall surrounding the entire 12.5 acres. This project will benefit AME Red-E-Mix for years to come. AME Red-E-mix is just beginning to see the cost savings they will receive by using ICF construction and in-floor radiant heat. All of their clients will benefit as well just by knowing that AME Red-E-mix truly believes in what they sell. The construction of this plant will further the promotion of ICF and other concrete construction practices.
AME Red-E-Mix - Buffalo Batch Plant
Location: Buffalo, Minnesota
Contractor: Summit Concrete & Masonry
One good way to promote concrete is to use it in every way you can possibly think of. AME Red-E-Mix utilized concrete throughout this entire project and did exactly that. The project consists of a 60 foot high ICF plant along with the 60' x 140' 6 bay ICF garage, both of which have energy efficient in-floor radiant heat. There is also approximately 160,000 ft2 of concrete pavement as well as concrete bunker retaining/screen walls.
AVR, Inc. - Burnsville Batch Plant
Location: Burnsville, MN
Contractor: Summit Concrete & Masonry
When built, this project was the one of the tallest single story ICF building in North America at 64’2” tall. It was a major challenge to construct 64 foot tall ICF walls and columns with very little or no support to shore off of. This is the first plant that we have built with a concrete wash water recycling system. This plant will be the first plant that we plan to be completely closed-loop. All of the waste generated will be reused back into the concrete or it will be used for recycled concrete base.
Staples
Location: Apple Valley, MN
Contractor: Northland Concrete & Masonry
This project is a showcase of what our customers and building owners can expect from an ICF Building. We constantly educate our customers on the energy benefits and cost savings associated with ICF construction. This project was one of the last buildings and parking lot to be built in Fischer Marketplace. We use this development to promote concrete and show owners what they can expect ICF buildings that are designed, placed, and cured correctly.
The Staples project also consists of a large concrete parking lot with colored and stamped sidewalks and entryways. A cast in place concrete parking lot is one of strength, built to last a lifetime. This project sits adjacent to our main office, and we can use it as a showcase of what our customers and building owners can expect from a quality concrete pavement. This project helps show that when the pavement are designed, placed, and cured correctly, they will last a lifetime.
Educators Credit Union
Location: Apple Valley, Minnesota
Contractor: Steenberg Watrud Construction
This project is a showcase of what our customers and building owners can expect from an ICF Building. This project is one of many projects in a high profile and busy development, which will help to showcase the benefits of ICF construction as well as other innovative uses of concrete.