User:Jerry marcum
Integrated Framing Assemblies
Integrated Framing Assemblies (IFAs) are proprietary patent-pending hollow metal frames designed for the commercial insulating concrete form (ICF) industry. Their primary distributorship is Stala Integrated Framing (www.stalaframing.com) in Louisville, KY, USA.
ICFs have become a popular method of poured-concrete construction due to their increased structural stability and energy-efficiency. For example, in warm-weather climates ICF homes have proven to be hurricane-proof.[1] Similarly, in cold-weather climates home-owners can take advantage of high R-values (thermal ratings) and lowered air infiltration.[2] ICFs have also become a popular green-building method of construction, with some contractors using them to attain or increase LEED status for their projects.[3] ICFs became popular enough that, in 2007, a popular-level guide for homebuyers was published.[4]
The downturned North American home market, however, has caused the ICF industry to turn toward commercial construction, with some industry professionals even advising contractors on how to make the move.[5]
- ^ See the image of the home that survived Hurricane Katrina in Pieter A. VanderWerf, The Concrete House: Building Solid, Safe & Efficient with Insulating Concrete Forms (New York: Sterling, 2007), 23.
- ^ Pieter VanderWerf, "Energy Comparisons of Concrete Homes versus Wood Frame Homes (Portland Cement Association, 1997).
- ^ As one example, see Brian Baker, "Insulated Concrete Forms on Rise: Hamilton Student Residence is Setting a Precedent," Daily Commercial News and Construction Record (December 5, 2006).
- ^ VanderWerf, Concrete House.
- ^ Randy Wilkerson, "Taking Your ICF Business Commercial," ICF Builder 4.5 (October/November 2008): 28 - 33.