Eco-Friendly Home Construction Materials.

 Since Q Forms forms are constructed from concrete—one of the most durable building materials available—structures made from Q Forms ICFs offer high impact resistance, providing a superior level of fire protection and maximum safety in hurricane and tornado-prone areas.

 1. Wood

Wood is a versatile building material that comes in varieties ranging from pine to heavy-duty lumber to even more exotic species. As the primary material for a house, like log cabins, or an accent for moldings or walls, wood offers endless possibilities. A key benefit of wood is its ability to lock out moisture while providing a light and cozy atmosphere.

However, although sturdy, wood will decay over time and could be subject to dry rot and fire. There is also the risk of the wood being compromised by wood-eating insects like termites​​​. Wood is also a very combustible material.

Brick is one of the oldest and strongest building materials in history, and it dates back thousands of years. It provides a layer of protection against harsh weather conditions and is invaluable for keeping heat inside a home, which makes it ideal for colder areas. However, brick does erode and chip after several years.

Moreover, bricks are less strong than stone and must be plastered together, which makes them vulnerable to moisture.

Stone stands out as one of the most durable and longest-lasting building materials. It's a heavy-duty material that gives homes a unique look and lasts for countless years. Stone supports an impressive amount of weight and can be stacked without the need for mortar, unlike bricks. It can help maintain a stable temperature in your home while protecting from fire, withstanding elements, and resisting deformation.

However, it is quite expensive due to the quarrying process that involves excavating, moving, and accurately cutting the stones​​.

Concrete, especially reinforced concrete, is a relatively new, but reliable material in the construction industry. The addition of rebar inside the mixture of concrete before it solidifies makes it stronger and longer-lasting. It's an inexpensive option that stands out for building foundations, frames, walls, and entire houses. However, given the ratio of weight to tensile strength, concrete often needs to be reinforced to prevent it from cracking.

It’s important to monitor it and repair any damage in brittle spots.​​

5. Steel

Steel, introduced during the Industrial Revolution, has remained a reliable and durable material for construction. Whether it's a beam or the entire structure of a building, steel is strong and sure to withstand the years. Prefabricated steel can make construction go very quickly, allowing builders to rivet, bolt or weld it into place. However, steel is almost always less fire-resistant than the other materials on this list – even wood.

The costs of fabrication and the material itself can also be expensive​​.

Known as SIPs, these panels consist of foam insulation sandwiched between plywood or strand board pieces. The panels are designed to be installed quickly while also providing strength and energy efficiency. They can be used in walls, floors, and sometimes even basements.

Arguably, the most durable option on this list is insulated concrete forms (ICFs). ICF blocks consist of two layers of insulating foam that form a hollow block that is held together with a proprietary tie system. The lightweight blocks are stacked together on site and then steel reinforcements are placed in the hollow gap. Finally, concrete is poured into the gap and allowed to set. The final structure is an incredibly durable, steel-reinforced concrete structure. ICF engineering for residential construction is listed in the building code, for commercial use ACI 318 Concrete Design.

ICF blocks from Fox Blocks are unparalleled when it comes to durability. The blocks are designed to withstand some of the toughest conditions while still requiring very little maintenance. Not only are ICF blocks durable, but they provide significant acoustic and energy efficiency benefits as well.

Two layers of insulating foam and a thick slab of concrete make it difficult for sound to travel through an ICF wall. The inner layer of foam also acts to dampen sounds inside the house. Adding these factors together results in buildings and homes that are much quieter than traditionally built homes.

Not only are ICF homes durable, but they are energy-efficient too. ICF blocks from Fox Blocks provide two layers of continuous insulation: an inner and an outer layer. The thick concrete slab also provides a great deal of thermal mass which retains heat and dampens any temperature swings. The high thermal mass and low thermal conductivity of an ICF wall results in more consistent indoor temperatures and lower energy bills.

When deciding on a durable material for residential construction, ICF blocks should be at the top of the list. ICF blocks not only provide durability, but a whole host of other benefits that will keep your home safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient for the entire life of the building.

To learn more about Fox Blocks and the durability of their ICF blocks,

 Q Forms insulated concrete form technology is specifically designed to create less waste during the construction process. Since all waste generated is 100% recyclable, less waste ends up in our landfills. 

Above and below-grade walls of a building or home can use insulated concrete forms (ICFs) in their construction. Both above and below-grade ICF walls are durable, sound-reducing, energy-efficient, and disaster-resistant. However, because of soil conditions, below-grade walls require added waterproofing steps, unlike above-grade walls. Both the 2018 International Residential Code(IRC) R703.1 and the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) 1404.2 require a weather- or water-resistive-barrier on a solid monolithic concrete wall, like Fox Blocks, when placed below grade.

While both above and below-grade walls can utilize ICF, only below-grade walls require an additional application of a waterproofing membrane.

  4 conditions MUST apply for mold to be present

• Mold Spores have to be present
• Good temperature for mold to grow
• Considerable Moisture (70% RH)
• Food (organic) for mold to eat
• 
  

The first of those conditions is out of your control and the next two are managed by building occupants. So, even if the first 3 conditions apply, there is ZERO organic material in an ICF. There is no dew point and no condensation within the wall in any climate with ICFs- so you have effectively removed moisture from the equation. With ICFs your interior temp and humidity levels are better controlled by mechanical systems and the occupants, eliminating the risk of mold within the walls.

Using other best practices for mitigating moisture for the whole building and there should never be an issue.

https://www.foxblocks.com/blog/icf-moisture-problems

 Combining Q Forms forms with other energy-efficient construction methods can help significantly reduce the amount of carbon emissions produced.  This is thanks to the structure’s high energy efficiency levels, which reduce the amount of fossil fuels needed for heating and cooling. Q Forms forms also offer a much longer lifespan (several hundred years compared to less than 80 years for wood frame buildings), eliminating the carbon emissions that would otherwise be produced when repairing or replacing the home or building. 

 LEED for homes is a rating system that promotes the design and  construction of high-performance green homes by using energy efficient  construction materials, resulting in less energy, water, and natural  resources being used, as well as a more comfortable environment for the  occupants. LEED homes provide a range of benefits, such as lower energy  and water bills, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and less exposure to  mold, mildew, and other indoor toxins. Q Forms insulated concrete forms  can contribute a significant level of LEED points, helping you create a  home built to LEED standards.