The traditional house building techniques that have worked for centuries are being replaced by a non-traditional system. This system entails constructing buildings with a concrete form technique. The forms interlock and once placed in their permanent position are filled with the cement-like substance. The practice of using this system has become more accepted and in the UK has been approved for mortgage applications as a mainstream construction technology.

Concrete forms are a system of lightweight, hollow molds that contain concrete. They are used for insulating the walls, floors and roofs of buildings and structures. Several different kinds of insulating materials can be used to fabricate the molds.

The insulating materials most commonly used are foams such as polystyrene, soy based polyurethane and cement-bonded polystyrene beads. A cement-bonded wood fiber is also used. Foam is recommended because it doesn\’t crack or sag. Polyurethane for instance has been around since WW II when it was used to reinforce airplane wings. Rodents also do not like foam so this wall acts as a barrier for rodents and insects not to enter. The foams adhere well to the filled in material and last as long as the life of the building.

The hollow space in the form has concrete pumped into it. These insulated forms are integrated into the walls. The size area is anywhere from one to twelve feet. The forms can be used as foundations and upper housing structures. The hole patterns can be chosen from 6-12, 8-8 or 8-24 and are easy to transport. They are placed into position prior to the pouring.

The desired insulation properties are both for thermal purposes as well as sound. Concrete has a tendency to resonate sound vibrations but when blocked by insulating materials sound cannot be carried far. The insulation will also keep the buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Its second function is to provide the space for mounting conduit and electrical wiring. Its third function is to provide interior and exterior wall structures. Drywall is used for the interior and materials such as bricks or stucco are used on the exterior.

It provides better insulation and quiet than the traditional system. While curing it expands to fill in any spaces increasing too the stability of the structure. It can be produced in small quantities and most of the foams are fire retardant. The closed cell foam requires barely any trimming at all. Some foams like cementitious foam are fireproof and will not smoke if in contact with flames.

The disadvantages are the cost which is much higher than traditional insulating methods. The additional cost is 5-10% more on the construction costs. Some foams contain toxic chemicals that can harm the environment and humans when being installed. It is important to always wear a respirator, gloves and have all skin areas covered up.

The insulated concrete form can be used by the basic home builder as well as a large commercial property enterprise. The concrete form is flexible and fast so that builders and designers have the freedom to build any shape and configuration they choose. It is a sustainable system that is cost effective since installation transpires more quickly than traditional building methods. The super insulation properties help keep the buildings at a low energy consumption level.

Author Bio: The leading supplier of Concrete Form for energy-efficient, green commercial and residential construction.

Category: Real Estate
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