What are insulating concrete forms?
Polysteel ® is a hollow "block" made of plastic foam with steel ties that construction crews stack into the shape of the walls of a building. The workers then fill the center with reinforced concrete to create the structure. ICF construction sandwiches a heavy, high-strength material (reinforced concrete) between two layers of a light, high-insulation material (foam). This combination creates a wall with an unusually good combination of desirable properties: air tight-ness, strength, sound attenuation, insulation, and mass.

How does the homeowner benefit?

• Comfort. Houses built with Polysteel ® walls have a much more even temperature throughout the day and night. They have virtually no "cold spots", and sharply fewer drafts.  

• Solidity. The rigidity of concrete construction reduces the flex in floors and cuts shifting and vibration from the force of the wind or the slamming of a door. Concrete houses survive high-force winds like hurricanes far better than wood homes. And when properly reinforced, they should also withstand earthquakes well.

• Quietness. About one-sixth as much sound gets through an Polysteel ® wall compared with an ordinary frame wall. This sharply cuts the intrusion of noise from outside.

• Energy efficiency. The superior insulation, air tightness, and mass of the walls cut the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling by 30-40%. This can save $200-300 per year in a typical home. In addition, it allows the installation of smaller heating and cooling equipment. That can reduce the initial cost of a house by over a thousand dollars.

• Design flexibility. Polysteel ® houses can be completed with almost any interior and exterior finishes and can take any shape as easily as wood frame. 

Don't the workers have trouble learning something so new and different?
Actually, Polysteel ® construction has big advantages for the workers. The foam is light, and power equipment moves the concrete. So crews stay fresh and sharp. In fact, the simplicity of assembly and the lightness of the work help keep labor costs below those of frame construction.

How much do ICF walls cost?
Because of low labor requirements, total construction cost is only slightly above the cost of wood frame despite the use of high-quality materials. When built by crews experienced with Polysteel ® construction, completed concrete homes cost about 5 - 10% more than they would if they had been built of frame.

That's The Beauty Of Today's Concrete
With volatile wood prices, logging's high environmental price tag, and a growing shortage of high quality lumber, concrete offers a variety of products and construction techniques to provide cost effective, quality alternatives to wood-frame home construction.  The basic virtues of concrete - beauty, strength, durability, low maintenance, energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, and peace and quiet can be yours today. With a DBG built concrete home, you can rest assured that your beautiful home is built to last.

CREDIT: Portland Cement Association