Fox Blocks Supports Industry Study Showing Thermal Benefits of ICF

March 31, 2017

First analysis of Insulated Concrete Forms and wood walls shows major energy savings from ICF. Omaha, Nebraska - March 30, 2017 - Fox Blocks, as part of the Insulated Concrete Form Manufacturers Association, supported an independent study by CLEB Laboratory that revealed superior insulating value and energy savings in testing comparisons of a typical 6-inch (150 mm) ICF wall over a 2x6 wood framed wall. CLEB Laboratory conducted whole-wall thermal studies comparing 6-inch (150 mm) thick wall assemblies made with ICF and wood. They evaluated their findings against U.S. and Canadian codes, both of which revealed higher thermal insulating properties and energy saving capabilities from ICF wall assemblies over traditional wood wall assemblies. An improvement in R value and energy savings with ICF over wood frame construction were reported based on North American climate zones and other conditions. The full report is available at: www.icf-ma.org/thermalstudy “Fox Blocks is pleased to support the ICF Manufacturers Association in this first of many CLEB Laboratory analysis of ICF. We can scientifically quantify benefits that our customers have experienced for many years,” says Mike Kennaw, Vice President of Fox Blocks. “This study, funded by the united ICF market shows that we are growing as an industry and together will bring thermal benefits, and many other benefits of Insulated Concrete Forms, to North American building owners.” Kennaw noted that this first in a series of CLEB Laboratory studies for the ICF Manufacturers Association comparing full wall assemblies of a traditional 2 x 6 insulated wood frame wall to a standard ICF with a 6-inch core. Previous ICF tests were based on limited field comparisons or thermographic computer modeling. “Even though ICF has been around for decades, this type of formal analysis will help building owners feel more comfortable with the ICF approach compared to stick frame construction,” Kennaw said. The study was SCC & IAC accredited and used ASTM testing procedures as it confirmed measurable energy savings from the continuous interior and exterior insulation surrounding the concrete wall thermal mass. The study investigated heat flow, surface temperatures, surface conductance and other thermal conditions. CLEB Laboratory concluded that up to $140 - $190 per month could be saved in extreme cold conditions (-30°F) using ICF instead of traditional wood frame construction. “We look forward to getting the word out about this breakthrough study, supporting future studies and working in other ways with ICFMA members to promote the many benefits of building with Insulated Concrete Forms,” said Kennaw. About Fox Blocks: Fox Blocks Insulating Concrete Form Wall Systems provide an extremely energy efficient building envelope offering superior strength, sound, air quality, and well insulated walls. Fox Blocks ICF building blocks is a division of Airlite Plastics Company. www.FoxBlocks.com About CLEB Laboratory: CLEB is based in Montreal, Canada with offices in New York and elsewhere. It includes consulting offices and a test laboratory offering a range of expertise, testing, and quality control. About the ICFMA: The Insulating Concrete Forms Manufacturers Association is the North American, non-profit trade associations for the Insulated Concrete Form industry. It was founded in 2014 to improve the quality and acceptance of Insulated Concrete Form construction.

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