IntegraSpec® Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an ICF ?
2. What is IntegraSpec®’s major benefit?
3. What Are IntegraSpec®'s Other Benefits?
4. Are IntegraSpec® Homes Too Airtight?
5. Why is Radiant Floor Heating so Popular with IntegraSpec®?
6. What About other Construction Trades?
7. What Distinguishes IntegraSpec® From Other ICF's?
8. What are the Cost Comparisons?
9. How Do I Learn More About IntegraSpec® ?

1- What is an ICF ?
IntegraSpec® is an Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) consisting of 2 panels of expanded polystyrene (EPS) married with high impact polystyrene spacers used to hold patented webs designed to rebar as needed. Once stacked together, these forms represent a mold ready for concrete placement, similar to a traditionally poured concrete wall. IntegraSpec®'s forms never leave the concrete. This wall system now serves a multitude of tasks:

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2- What is IntegraSpec®’s major benefit?
Energy efficiency; with the combination of insulation on the outside of the wall attacking cold, or heat and the insulation on the inside of the wall defending the comfort that has been paid for, a synergetic relationship occurs. This is a relationship where the total “R” performance is greater than the sum of the insulating components. “R Performance” also takes into consideration the benefits of greatly reduced air infiltration. Because of the insulated thermal mass that is created with IntegraSpec® walls, a “heat sink” effect occurs. Therefore, outside temperature swings are greatly moderated within the area protected by IntegraSpec®. Link to the most energy efficient home on record in Canada

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3- What Are IntegraSpec®'s Other Benefits?
Wind resistance. In coastal areas and "tornado allies", IntegraSpec® walls can be constructed with increased steel reinforcement bars to withstand extreme wind forces. Reduced injury from airborne projectiles in extreme storms is also a major benefit.

Improved air quality is for everyone living in an IntegraSpec® home. The elimination of mould, mildew and volatile organic compounds (VOC) is such that an IntegraSpec® homes, recently won an "Enviromental Excellence" and "EnviroHome" awards, "Healthy Homes" & "Built Green" designations. EnviroHome (Teixeira's Feature Layout)

Moisture protection from IntegraSpec® walls is an important benefit even for house plans totally above grade. Condensation can be eliminated because of the outside insulation and inside insulation working together again. Living areas below grade are called "Lower Levels" in an IntegraSpec® home, not basements or cellars! Many below grade waterproofing systems can be easily and economically applied to ensure dry, healthy & safe usable living space.

As noted above, structural stability is important when considering shelter from a storm. IntegraSpec® walls can also support greater loads (i.e.. log homes and steel trusses) with maximum strength concrete, cured under optimal conditions inside the IntegraSpec® wall system. Also, as open spans and higher backfill heights increase in demand, IntegraSpec® offers simple solutions which is why architects and designers are confidently specifying IntegraSpec®.

Fire resistance is a major benefit for those living in wild land / urban interface zones or shared wall residences. IntegraSpec® forms are designed to be economically upgraded to meet commercial fire resistant standards ensuring superior safety for your family. IntegraSpec® homes are also very quiet. IntegraSpec® homeowners all comment regarding how much they enjoy the quiet comfort provided by IntegraSpec®.

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4- Are IntegraSpec® Homes Too Airtight?
No. Ask the professionals, controlled ventilation is always preferred. Houses built with today's technologies should all include an Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) system or Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system. These systems filter and buffer fresh air into you home and exhaust stale air and moisture from laundry, bathrooms and kitchens. Remember, you control the ventilation and you can always open a window.

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5- Why is Radiant Floor Heating so Popular with IntegraSpec®?
Professionals recommend 2" of rigid insulation underneath a heated concrete floor. The insulated thermal mass created with this technique within IntegraSpec® walls is very energy efficient. When the concrete slab is heated by hot water running through tubes within the slab, the entire IntegraSpec® home becomes very resistant to outside temperature fluctuations. It is also interesting to note, research is disclosing increased health and wellness of those living in such houses.

EnviroHome (Teixeira's Feature Layout)

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6- What About other Construction Trades?

Drywall is easily installed on the 1 5/8" studs / furring strips, every 8" on center. Your drywall is now mounted onto furring strips embedded onto a reinforced concrete wall. Say goodbye to drywall screws damaging your drywall because the wood studs twisted. Technical Manual

Electricians working with IntegraSpec® walls are using electric chainsaws to cut the chases for your wiring (vegetable oil is used instead of chain oil to eliminate VOC's) . Standard electrical boxes are mounted to the concrete with a "tapcon" and metal stud flange boxes are being mounted to the furring strips. Technical Manual

Siding professionals have the 1 5/8" furring strips at 8" on center and at each outside corner to fasten the siding, as do masons when supporting the brick with metal brick ties. The outside corners also have a vertical cavity for metal or wood inserts for additional fastening capabilities. Technical Manual

Stucco installers quickly realize the benefits of applying their products to an IntegraSpec® wall. There are no exposed furring strips or "webs" and the steel reinforced wall is so stable that stucco cracks are eliminated unlike conventional construction. No need to install insulation board as the IntegraSpec® walls are ready for the prep-coat and fiber mesh. Melburn residence

Plumbers typically use the interior walls to run their systems , sleeves are easily placed through the wall for water, hose bibs, sewer/septic connections, etc. prior to the placement of concrete. Technical Manual

Framing contractors can use conventional framing methods and the use of steel studs in IntegraSpec® houses is on the rise. Anchor bolts are placed into the wet concrete as specified for floor and roof connections. Technical Manual

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7- What Distinguishes IntegraSpec® From Other ICF's?

IntegraSpec® was designed to be "The user friendly ICF".

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