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Construction
Insulating Concrete Forms for better foundations
Another example is the use of insulating concrete forms (ICFs) that do plain
concrete foundations one better - or rather, two better, by giving you two
built-in layers of foam insulation. ICFs are basically forms for poured
concrete walls that stay in place as a permanent part of the wall assembly.
The forms, made of foam insulation, are either pre-formed interlocking blocks
or separate panels connected with plastic tiles. The left-in-place forms
not only provide a continuous insulation and sound barrier, but also a backing
for drywall on the inside, and stucco, lap siding, or brick on the outside.
Its properties are believed to account for the amazing 25% to 50% energy
savings of ICF versus wood or steel-framed homes.
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uses
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