Why Choose Quad-Lock ICF

ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms)  have emerged as a superior alternative to lumber and cement block for construction of both residential and commercial structures. 

R-value is the measurement of heat transfer through a material. In construction, the higher the R-value, the less heat is lost through the exterior wall of the home. Typical lumber structures claim to have R-values around R-15, the reality is with all the lumber thermal breaks between the insulation, R values are much lower. In addition to this, standard insulation tends to sag over time, leaving sections of walls without any insulation. Quad-Lock ICF boasts an amazing R-value of R-22 - R-59.  When considering this very high R-value, in combination with the lack of air infiltration, thermal radiation and thermal mass, in head to head comparisons, the ICF wall provided 58% more effective efficiency than the tested standard 2"x6" wall.

Common consensus in the building industry agrees that concrete structures are far stronger than lumber structures. This has been proven time and again as natural disasters have wreaked havoc, ICF structures have withstood, with little to no damage. Quad-Lock is also unique in its comparison to other ICF materials, with its 12"OC horizontal rebar placement, increased strength is a leading feature. 

When ICF started to expand in popularity, it was common for the comparative costs to end up around 20% higher to build using ICF products in relation to a lumber build. This made sense at the time, more expense for a better result. However, in the last 6-10 years the cost of lumber and other building supplies has increased dramatically in cost and become very volatile. Quad-Lock has stayed consistent in price, now showing comparative to lumber builds, it is about 12% cheaper. Also, ICF continues to benefit the homeowners as they save in HVAC systems and ongoing monthly energy savings. For builders, Quad-Lock can be installed faster, saving money in construction costs for labor. Bottom line, Quad-Lock ICF is more affordable for the homeowner and the builder.

Have a unique or complex building design? This is no problem for Quad-Lock, in fact, this is an area where Quad-Lock excels. With the custom, easy to assemble panels, custom tie placement, unique corner system and the option of curved panels, Quad-Lock remains a step ahead of all the competitors. Having just completed a residential project with 37 corners, Superior Foundation Solutions knows first hand the value of the customization and variability that Quad-Lock ICF offers. No other ICF system on the market can compare to the versatility of the Quad-Lock system.

Protection against fires has become  increasingly more important as many insurance plans have more requirements to be met regarding fireproofing. Using ICF products is a way to build your dream home in wooded areas or areas prone to wildfires. ICF structures have been given a fire rating of 4 hours, in comparison to the 3 hours for CMU structures and no rating at all for lumber structures.

Quad-Lock ICF has been approved in many locations prone to natural disaster for its resilience during hurricanes, tornados and flooding. Some examples of endorsements include, Quad-Lock ICF has been given the FORTIFIED Resilience Standard for Insurance Incentives, the FLASH Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, and approval through the Miami-Dade County for safe structures. Due to the Quad-Lock ICF system strength, buildings built using this ICF have withstood torrential wind, protection from flying objects in the storms, and resistance to the damage that comes from severe flooding. There also have been several instances where entire neighborhoods have been leveled to the ground, while the ICF structure remains. In addition to these natural disasters, the combination of concrete with steel reinforcement can minimize the risk of collapse due to earthquakes.

When you first walk into a home or business building that was built with ICF, one thing will stand out immediately...the sound, or we should say the lack of sound. The quiet within the structure is greatly noticeable. Sound Transmission Class (STC) is a rating of how well the walls, ceilings and floors reduce airborne sound. The higher the number, the better the sound isolation. A typical wood framed structure has a STC rating of 15-16, CMU structures are rated at 8-9, but Quad-Lock ICF is proud to have a STC rating of up to 59. 

Quad-Lock ICF is constructed out of a double-layer of EPS insulation that has gone through testing and been proven to not offgas. Unlike other building materials, this provides unparalleled health and comfort. Quad-Lock has also extensively addressed moisture issues that can arise in a home, eliminating musty smells and other off-putting odors that are typically found in basements. In addition, Quad-Lock is mold resistant, which is beneficial in any environment, particularly areas with high humidity.

Because of the Quad-Lock system, it is possible to build structures with no break in concrete or insulation, thus decreasing air transmission from the building to the outside. This provides a consistent temperature, which in combination with the high R-values mentioned above, comfortability is a definite strength of Quad-Lock ICF.  The ICF walls lock in heat in the winter and cool air in the summer, providing year-round comfort. Also, homeowners can save on energy costs as smaller HVAC systems are adequate to heat and cool ICF homes, in comparison to homes of the same size not built with ICF.