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Seriously, I am so glad to hear that, as we were thinking of using the ICF to build a house on some land we bought in Missouri. What would you say is an accurate price difference between stick built and ICF? Also, is there a moisture problem at all? I would love to hear the honest truth. Also, if you could comment on the expanding foam that seals all air leakages....Is it going to cause a too-tight, unhealthy environment? How energy-efficient are the air exchangers to run? How do they work...just a fan of some sort? Would love to hear more. Hope this isn't too far off the OP's question.
I usualy dont deal with the stuff once we get the plans out to the builders. So I can only awnser from a Design standpoint. I think our last client that used them ended up spending 25% more than he would have using a standard stick frame. He will probably get that money back in the long run do to the efficency of the blocks. I do not know about moisture since we are in a very dry climate in Colorado where moisture is almost never a problem. (maybe K'ledgebuilder might have more information) Anytime you cut off all air infiltration you can cause a problem for your health, I belive that the energy star rating for five stars will only allow 9% air infiltration which seems to be ok for your health. The air exchangers are called out in the plans done by the HVAC people, and we generaly dont have anyinformation on them. Sorry I could not be of more help. I generaly just call out the use of the green blocks (IFC's) and design for the use of them. We give the space that the HVAC says they need.
I usualy dont deal with the stuff once we get the plans out to the builders. So I can only awnser from a Design standpoint. I think our last client that used them ended up spending 25% more than he would have using a standard stick frame. He will probably get that money back in the long run do to the efficency of the blocks. I do not know about moisture since we are in a very dry climate in Colorado where moisture is almost never a problem. (maybe K'ledgebuilder might have more information) Anytime you cut off all air infiltration you can cause a problem for your health, I belive that the energy star rating for five stars will only allow 9% air infiltration which seems to be ok for your health. The air exchangers are called out in the plans done by the HVAC people, and we generaly dont have anyinformation on them. Sorry I could not be of more help. I generaly just call out the use of the green blocks (IFC's) and design for the use of them. We give the space that the HVAC says they need.
Thanks Noahma,
Maybe some of the other posters will be able to offer their expertise....anyone? I keep hearing wonderful things about how great it is to live in Colorado. Now, I have to add, dry to the list! Tambre
Oops, I neglected to check back on this thread in the past week. Lot's of input, thanks to all.
Expanding foam would make a great seal, but what about out-gassing? Isn't this stuff toxic?
Also, anyone ever install an air-to-air heat exchanger? They recapture heat, while exchanging indoor air with outdoor air.
Not the stuff they use in houses. You are thinking of the old stuff they used for commercial warehouses and the like many years ago. New stuff, better product. Way better product.
FYI another super insulator that unfortunately didn't get to complete its longevity testing due to hurricane katrina was rice hull insulation. Its organic, won't burn, is considered nuisance waste for the rice industry because they can't incinerate it, has no nutritional value to any critter because its mainly silica making it waterproof/mold resistent, and I got to talk to the guy who was doing the trial first hand. He said its virtually free, if not for the frieght charges. He went into a standard stick built wall with a shop vac on blower mode and filled the walls and attic completely with exception of his attic access panel. The only critter problem he had was indian head moths were trying to nest in it, but with the addition of some diatomous earth to the blown mix it solved everything. It exceeds the foam coverage for cracks and gaps because it doesn't degrade as quickly nor does it respond to temperature changes, which he claims made the R value more like 30 or better. It also let him know when the problem was outside sheathing if he saw some hulls in the landscaping surround. I've unfortunately lost contact with him since katrina but hopefully someone else has since put this material to the test. I hear some folks in washington or colorado are promoting its use. It's a win win because it also reduces the waste stream. Owens corning might finally have met its rival. I couldn't find negative reports on rice hulls anywhere.
New construction projects for energy efficiency seem to push for weather envelopes around the house that oftentimes serve as indoor/outdoor spaces like solariums or greenhouses. A blueprint for my own design incorporates that plan and still allows for a healthier flow and solar powered humidity sequestering. The greater the buffer to the core temp of the house, the less BTU's is the general philosphy. Should you be in an area where real estate cost is prohibitive pricing, then leaning on the layered materials in smaller spaces makes more sense.
I've heard good things about geodesic domes, but I can't even begin to guess how they manage hvac efficiently with a vaulting cathedral ceiling. I'm thinkin- dayum thats more math to account for alpine elevation. hahahaa
Retrofitting older construction I was told by a contractor that fan fold insulation under siding works well, but I have no personal experience with this material, nor have I met a home owner to report its performance, so you'll have to ask around on that keyword.
Good luck on your project, and thanks for your efforts.
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I keep hearing wonderful things about how great it is to live in Colorado. Now, I have to add, dry to the list! Tambre
