Hurricane Homes by Allan Ricketts
Custom Home Builder

As a Florida Home Builder, Allan Ricketts prefers poured concrete form houses over traditional concrete block. The difference in structural strength and insulation properties justify the slight increase of approximately 2-3% in added material costs. The method used is called Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF) that provides a dual purpose being a form (mold) for the reinforced poured concrete walls and insulation to reduce/eliminate environmental transfer of temperature and moisture. Over the last 4 years, ICFs are fast-becoming the preferred mainstream building product worldwide for all of the right reasons. These large, hollow blocks are filled with reinforcing bar and concrete. The end result leaves the home owner with a high-performing wall that is structurally sound, insulated, strapped, and is easy to finish with stucco, plaster or modern siding material.

Why should you build with ICFs?

A better question would be, “Why would you consider building with anything else?” Here are a few of the best reasons to build with ICFs:

Comfort – Nothing blows through reinforced poured concrete. There will be absolutely no drafts or cold spots. ICF homeowners have commented on how constant temperatures stay within their homes. Because of the tremendous thermal mass of the exterior wall surrounded by 2.5 inches of 1.5lb/cf density expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam on both sides of a form, temperature peaks are smoothed, and therefore homes are noticeably warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Peace of mind during hurricane season is another important attribute of a poured concrete ICF home.

Safe & Healthy – There are no CFCs, HCFCs, or formaldehydes, and also no wood to rot and mold. ICFs are the answer for allergy and asthma sufferers. ICFs have a two-hour fire rating and are termite and pest resistant. But most importantly, these structures can withstand a severe hurricane storm hit over 200 miles per hour!. Have you considered climate change into your future structure’s design?

Flexibility in Design – Reinforced concrete has tremendous proven design capabilities. ICF wall systems can support concrete floor and roof systems and give you the ultimate in innovative design.

Quiet – Your outside noises are eliminated. Is your future building site near train tracks, airports, highways or busy roads? Maybe you simply do not wish to hear the neighbor mowing his lawn or the teenager driving by with the stereo blaring.

Energy Efficiency – Homes built with ICF exterior walls require an estimated 44% less energy to heat and 32% less energy to cool than comparable frame houses. Consequently, your HVAC systems can be downsized. Since floor systems are hung on the inside of the wall, real energy savings come when you design above-grade, thereby eliminating a huge heat loss area in conventional housing.

Below are pictures of the ICF forms being installed by Allan's crew
prior to being filled solid with poured reinforced concrete: