Disaster resilient construction builds a safer future

Disaster resilient construction

Your home is likely one of the biggest and most important investments you will ever make, so it’s critical to protect it from natural disasters. Utilizing ICFs in the building process is an easy way to ensure your investment is safe and sound.

ICFs are a proven method of providing a better choice to traditional building methods and protecting your home investment. These energy efficient ultra-durable concrete walls create a strong envelope for homes as an alternative to wood framing.

Looking for performance focused solutions?

Tornadoes and other natural disasters are becoming more frequent every year due to the drastic changes in climate. This alarming trend has led builders, municipalities and homeowners to look for more durable building solutions to withstand the inevitable destructive onslaught from Mother Nature.

ICFs can help your home to withstand high winds, fire, the elements and the test of time. NUDURA ICFs can resist winds of up to 250 mph, according to extensive lab and in-field testing, ensuring your family and home are safe and secure in almost any situation.

Where does the strength come from?

NUDURA Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) are stay-in-place forms that are simply stacked, steel-reinforced, and filled with concrete.

When compared to a wood frame and soft bat insulation, this building approach is proven superior not only for disaster resilience, but for longevity as well. With core thicknesses ranging from 4 to 12 inches, there is a size option for every type of home or property.

Proven Results

The American Business Continuity (ABC) Domes and Wind Science & Engineering Research Center makes it a point to heavily test every ICF product. Through rounds of extensive testing, NUDURA ICFs easily withstood the impact of debris at tornado wind speeds. The debris test required a 15 lb wooden 2x4 to be propelled at a 250 mph ground speed. All tests were conducted in strict accordance to the guidelines of the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) 320/361 and International Code Council-500. FEMA works diligently to maintain specific requirements for disaster resilience in building to protect families and their investments from property damage and destruction.

ICFs in Action

When Hurricane Katrina ripped through the Gulf Coast in 2005, rescue crews worked on saving families in flooded areas like Biloxi, Mississippi. Along the journey, rescuers discovered areas of complete devastation, but in one specific neighborhood a three-story residential structure still stood tall. The resilience of the structure was due to a building envelope made up of ICFs. Those rescuers later learned that the homeowner was an engineer who had lost everything to Hurricane Camille in 1969, and he vowed he would only build with ICFs.

A home is a huge investment. More importantly, it’s the place that houses your loved ones and keeps you safe in times of danger. There’s no question that you can protect your family and your home by building with ICFs. Is there anything more important?

For more information about building with NUDURA Insulated Concrete Forms, visit www.nudura.com.