Introduction to Insulated Concrete Forms
From the outside of a building constructed with Reward Wall Systems insulating concrete forms (ICFs) things look the same as any other building on the street. It’s on the inside that concrete and foam are working together to create a strong, efficient structure.
At their most basic level, ICFs serve as a forming system for poured concrete walls. The ICFs remain in place and become part of the wall structure, providing insulation on both sides of the wall.
Reward forms are made of expanded polystyrene (EPS), a material similar to that in styrofoam ice chests you can buy at the grocery store. The forms consist of two panels of EPS held together by plastic ties. The ties are embedded into the foam to hold the form together. The embedded ends of the ties flatten out to form fastening surfaces recessed within the foam to allow for any type of finish from dry wall to stucco stucco.
To see how Reward ICF walls are assembled, take a look at our step-by-step construction overview.
Built in Rewards
Going beyond an adequate structure to a superior building has a great deal to do with the building materials you choose. With ICFs from Reward Wall Systems, know that your home, office, movie theater or school will perform at the level you expect from the places where you spend the most time.
Built in Quality
A Better Product – Here at Reward, we pride ourselves on the innovation that has brought the industry’s first universal and reversible ICF, a stronger tie design and forms designed to reduce waste. With unmatched strength and versatility, Reward’s ICFs stack to make the building you want, no matter how intricate the design.
Standards of Design – With ICFs, the design flexibility of alternate building methods can be easily accomplished. Work with Reward’s design support team to achieve architectural features from archways to curved walls. The integrity of ICF construction will ensure that your building can stand the test of time.
Sustainability – ICFs take advantage of recycled materials for their creation and unused portions are recyclable. By reducing the number of elements taken from trees and slow renewing sources, ICFs are a product with a positive impact on the environment. Plus, the insulated concrete means significantly lower energy usage.
Built in Savings
Return on Investment – Choosing a more advanced building material means an initial investment that will pay dividends as time goes on. With the durability of a concrete structure and the potential for increased resale value, Reward’s ICFs are the perfect fit for projects of any type.
Lower Energy Costs – In a Reward built structure, energy savings from 50 to 80% provide an evident benefit. Fully insulated concrete walls keep cold and hot air where it should be, maintaining a more consistent temperature inside.
Built in Peace of Mind
Strength & Safety – Reward’s steel-reinforced concrete walls are engineered to withstand winds of up to 200 miles per hour. ICFs proved their strength in 2005 when a tornado ripped through a Wisconsin town, destroying everything in its path. Only a Reward-built home remained standing, with no damage to the walls themselves. Reward walls have withstood fire for as much as four hours, providing safety and security for those inside.
Training & Support - Whether you’re new to ICFs or have a vast amount of experience, ICF builders get the training and support they need when building with Reward. We offer the best support in the industry by giving builders the reference materials, building evaluation reports and engineering support they need. This produces buildings of integrity that have the strength to last.
Built in Comfort
Clean Air – A Reward built structure is a safe haven from irritants that can aggravate occupant’s allergies and health. Concrete-filled, steel-reinforced walls help eliminate worries about incoming particles, mold, moisture and outside allergens while creating a clean air environment.
Peace & Quiet – ICFs rated the quietest building product on the market mean an environment undisturbed by outside noises. The concrete walls deliver unmatched soundproofing to effectively shut out unwanted noise from room to room or outside to inside.