IntegraSpec ICF FAQ's
- What is an IntegraSpec I.C.F. System?
- What are IntegraSpec’s major benefits?
- What are IntegraSpec’s other benefits?
- Are IntegraSpec homes airtight?
- How is heating made easier with IntegraSpec?
- What about other Construction Trades?
- What distinguishes IntegraSpec from other ICF’s?
- What are the cost comparisons?
- How do I learn more about IntegraSpec?
1. What is an IntegraSpec I.C.F. System?
IntegraSpec is an Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) system, consisting of two panels of expanded high-density polystyrene (EPS) married with high impact polystyrene spacers used to hold patented webs designed to hold rebar as needed. Once stacked together, these forms represent a mould ready for concrete placement, similar to a traditionally poured concrete wall. IntegraSpec’s forms never leave the concrete. This wall system now serves a multitude of tasks:
- Structural Support: (Unbeatable Concrete & Steel)
- Super Insulation: (High Density EPS panels & Thermal Mass of Concrete)
- Strapping / Furring: (38mm Spacers at 200mm centres)
- Render Substrate: (Single material EPS Type II)
2. What are IntegraSpec’s major benefits?
- Speed of build: Lightweight, simple, strong and easy to handle.
- Special Bracing / Scaffolding / Alignment System (WASS): the WASS (Wall Alignment & Scaffolding System) was developed by IntegraSpec to provide a superior simple & fast method of setting up the IntegraSpec walls. The complete system can be adjusted before and during the concrete pour to give perfect results. One person can fit the WASS system. Concrete can be poured to full height of wall in one lift.
- Energy efficiency: with the combination of insulation on the outside of the wall attacking cold or heat and the insulation on the inside of the wall defending the comfort that has been paid for, a synergetic relationship occurs. This is a relationship where the total U-Value can be as low as 0.20. “R Performance” takes into consideration the benefits of greatly reduced air infiltration. Because of the insulated thermal mass that is created with IntegraSpec walls, a “heat sink” effect occurs. Therefore, outside temperature swings are greatly moderated within the area protected by the IntegraSpec.
- Acoustic Value: Almost soundproof – particularly to outside noises. IntegraSpec buildings are very quiet i.e. semi detached houses, apartments can be virtually soundproofed inside to outside, door to door, floor to floor.
3. What are IntegraSpec’s other benefits?
- Wind resistance: In coastal areas and storm zones, IntegraSpec walls can be constructed with increased steel reinforcement bars to withstand extreme wind forces. Reduced damage from airborne projectiles in extreme storms is also a major benefit.
- Improved air quality is for everyone living in an IntegraSpec home.
- Elimination of mould mildew and volatile organic compounds (VOC) is such that IntegraSpec homes recently won “Environmental Excellence” and “Envirohome” awards, “Healthy Homes” and “Built Green” designations in Canada and the US.
- Vermin Proof: Unlike timber frame or standard build, the IntegraSpec’s system ensures that unwanted vermin stay where they should be i.e. outside.
- Moisture Protection: IntegraSpec walls have an important benefit even for buildings totally above ground. Condensation can be eliminated because of the outside insulation and inside insulation working together. Living areas below ground level are called “Lower Levels” in an IntegraSpec home, not basements or cellars! Many below ground water proofing or “tanking” systems can be easily and economically applied to ensure dry, healthy and safe usable living spaces.
- Structural stability is important when considering longevity, shelter from storms and our future generations. IntegraSpec walls can also support greater loads (i.e. steel trusses and multi storey buildings) with maximum strength concrete, cured under optimal conditions inside the IntegraSpec walls system. Also, as open spans and higher backfill heights increase in demand, IntegraSpec offers simple solutions.
- Fire Resistance is a major benefit. IntegraSpec forms are fire retardant and designed to be economically upgraded to meet commercial fire resistance standards ensuring superior safety.
4. Are IntegraSpec homes airtight?
Yes! Ask the professionals: controlled ventilation is always preferred. Houses built with today’s technologies should all include an Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) system or Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system. These systems filter and buffer fresh air into the buildings and exhaust stale air and moisture from laundry, bathrooms and kitchens. Remember you control the ventilation and you can always open a window.
5. How is heating made easier with IntegraSpec?
Heating: Professionals recommend 50mm of rigid insulation underneath a concrete floor. The insulated thermal mass created with this technique within IntegraSpec walls is very energy efficient and the entire IntegraSpec home becomes very resistant to outside temperature fluctuations. It is also interesting to note, research is disclosing increased health and wellness of those living in such houses. However, underfloor and standard heating systems are economical in IntegraSpec Buildings because they require boilers with smaller outputs. The use of energy efficient heat emitters is recommended in preference to standard radiators. Insulation on the outside means that heat is not extracted from the building, irrespective of the outside temperature and air movement over the exterior. As the heating requirement in an IntegraSpec building can be as much as 60 / 80% less than in a conventional building.
6. What about other Construction Trades?
- Plasterboard: Gypsum plasterboard slabs are easily and quickly installed on the 38mm studs / furring strips on 200mm centres. Your gypsum slab is now mounted onto furring strips embedded onto a reinforced concrete wall.
- Electricians working with IntegraSpec walls use a hot wire gun to cut the chases for your wiring. Standard electrical boxes are mounted to the concrete and metal stud flange boxes are mounted to the furring strips.
- Cladding Professionals have the 38mm furring strips at 200mm centres and at each outside corner to fasten and waterproof the cladding.
- Bricklayers can support the brick with metal ties fastened to the furring strips. The outside corners also have a vertical cavity for metal or wood inserts for additional fastening capabilities.
- Plasterers quickly realise the benefits of applying render products to an IntegraSpec wall. There are no exposed furring strips or “webs” and the steel reinforced wall is so stable that cracks are eliminated unlike conventional construction and some other ICF’s. No need to install insulation board, as the IntegraSpec walls are ready for the base-coat and fibre mesh.
- Plumbers typically use the interior walls to run their systems; sleeves are easily placed through the ICF wall for water, hosepipes, sewer/septic connections, etc. prior to the placement of concrete.
- Roofers have anchor bolts placed into the concrete as specified for floor and roof connections.
- Studding Contractors can use any conventional studding method and the use of steel studs in IntegraSpec houses is on the rise.
- Snagging operatives find that they spend less time in an I.C.F. Building than in a traditional build or timber framed building and even less time still in an IntegraSpec building.
- Cleaning: The minimum amount of cleaning is required in an IntegraSpec building and several houses / apartment buildings can be completed per day.
- Waste Disposal: with the IntegraSpec system waste is kept to the very minimum, no large skips and associated costs are required.
- Storage: pre-packed components containing the exact amounts of components required mean less handling and storage on site.
7. What distinguishes IntegraSpec from other ICF’s?
IntegraSpec was designed by Professional Commercial and Residential Builders to be “The user friendly ICF”.
It is stronger / more site friendly / quicker to install and fill / has no “form lift” / can be poured from 4m in one lift.
Concerns regarding transportation costs and site storage are quickly alleviated. The forming units are easily transported in flat bundles 4’ long shrink-wrapped in plastic. The “webs” are transported separately in cardboard boxes. Also, because of the plastic wrap, freezing rain, snow and ultra violet sunlight problems are eliminated.
IntegraSpec forming units are assembled on your site. When the patented webs are placed into the forming units they lock together. This unique feature eliminates form lift and compression during the placement of the concrete. No other ICF registered as of 2000 offers this feature. IntegraSpec’s interlocking web also reduces the number of braces required during concrete pour and greatly reduces the use of fibre tape.
IntegraSpec’s new alignment/bracing system is lightweight, safe and takes only one person to operate when aligning the wall after concrete placement.
IntegraSpec’s patented reversible, interlocking design is one of the best kept secrets in the ICF business. Waste is virtually eliminated since forming units cut horizontally and for gable angles are easily reversed and used elsewhere. House design with numerous doors, windows and gables are efficiently constructed with IntegraSpec. Contractors quickly realise the waste reduction benefits and no large fees for waster disposal.
Experienced installers use a table saw or mitre saw on site to quickly and efficiently cut panels, a luxury not available with pre-assembled ICF’s.
The dovetailed ridges on the inside of the forming units ensures permanent contact between the concrete and the IntegraSpec form, thus reducing air infiltration.
IntegraSpec is truly the toughest ICF in the industry today. With their very simple product line, the Customer is now able to build a 4", 6", 8", 10", 12" (or any combination upwards), concrete core wall system using the patented “H-Clip”).
Recently a 4m high wall was completed with a 480mm concrete core. IntegraSpec performed with amazing strength and accuracy. Previous to this project, the same Architect completed a 5m high wall with a 300mm concrete core. Such concrete widths have not been available with any other ICF system so far.
Competitive quotes, including speed in layout and set-up time, ease of concrete placement, along with all of the benefits mentioned above are reasons why Contractors and Developers choose IntegraSpec wall systems.
8. What are the cost comparisons?
IntegraSpec walls typically cost no more than traditional non-reinforced, damproofed concrete walls at the “ready for slabbing stage”. The extra cost, if any, is easily attributed to IntegraSpec’s steel reinforcement bar, double insulation inside and outside of the concrete wall, furring strips every 200mm on centre and the waterproofing.
When comparing IntegraSpec concrete wall to standard construction, the comparables are more diverse. Obviously IntegraSpec is more expensive than a 2 x 4 timber frame wall with minimum building code comparables, but every component added to provide the necessary specification for comfort or security brings IntegraSpec’s cost similar to those of conventional and in some cases less. To what are you comparing IntegraSpec? Do you require protection from high winds? Is air conditioning considered necessary and is electricity expensive in your area? All of these questions and more will help determine the overall cost difference for an ICF Building. Ask the professionals in your area. Local distributors and installers are available.
9. How do I learn more about IntegraSpec?
Call our Irish office at 046 9074064 or contact us via email and we will provide you with the nearest IntegraSpec Distributor / Rep. to help with your IntegraSpec needs.
