ICFs are a main-stream building technology. You don't have to look
any further than the picture on the left. The extent of integration with
other preferred building methods - not only structural but architectural
and aesthetic, let homeowners have the features they want in their homes
- without compromise. Features like exposed logs, vaulted ceilings,
fiber-cement siding, large windows and multi-storey's to name a few.
Plus, they get all the ICF-specific attributes like energy efficiencies,
superior indoor air quality, quiet and comfortable environment that adds
to the livability of their dream home. Note the gable ends and the
rather thin profile posts and gables in the front of this home. They
were all done with concrete. Usually this portion of timber-frame homes
is constructed with a steel moment frame which presents problems in
integrating to the rest of the home and finishing.
Click here to see more photos of this home.
The installer, Rusty Lorentz of Rusty's Carpentry is receiving his
Gold Level Quad-Lock Installer Certification. Way to go Rusty!
Hot
Topics / Events
Good Old Customer Service - Does it still Exist?
We've all heard stories about bad customer service. Most likely,
we've experienced it ourselves. Have you ever been left high and dry
after being promised the world? Companies work so hard to get the sale
but once they do, they act like their job is done. If the customer has a
question or concern, it's near impossible to get any follow-up from the
company.
It's refreshing to hear about positive experiences...
Al Wendorf of Gerdau Ameristeel in Madison, WI truly believes in good
old customer service! Where as for some, the sale is the end - for Al
the sale is only the beginning. After educating the contractor on the
benefits of building with ICF (energy efficiency, solid concrete
construction and ease of assembly, etc.), Al provides the necessary
training and follow-up to ensure that the job goes smooth. He makes
himself available to answer any questions and, if necessary, visit the
jobsite with hands-on help.
And it's paying off! Al's commitment to the product and his customers
have enabled Gerdau Ameristeel to triple their previous year's ICF sales
and almost double their 2007 projections.
It's nice to see that great customer service still exists! Al, hats
off to you! Quad-Lock is proud to be associated with such dedication.
Technical and Training
NAHB Offers ICF Educational Programs
As the demand for ICF construction rises, it's becoming apparent that
more education is needed to address issues such as how contractors can
make ICF a part of their business and training contractors to properly
install ICFs.
In response, NAHB Concrete Home Building Council is now offering two
ICF courses directed towards the contractor.
An 8-hour classroom-based course designed for the home builder
or general contractor wanting to learn how to transition their
business from wood-framing to ICF.
A hands-on 1-2 day course designed to provide the installer with
enough information and basic skills to correctly install ICF walls.
For more information on either course or available instructors,
contact Kate Driscoll, Senior Manager, Concrete Home Building Council of
NAHB at 202.266.8362 or
kdriscoll@nahb.com
Projects
on the Go
Seattle Sees Green
One of the Northwest's highest profile public events - the
Seattle
Street of Dreams - is going green this year! Over 80,000 people will
attend the Seattle Street of Dreams at Quinn's Crossing in Snohomish, WA
between July 14 and August 19. They will all get to see green building
in action.
Event organizers believe that tour-goers want to see the most
innovative and cutting edge products and practices in new home
construction. Much of that innovation is in addressing how our buildings
impact the natural environment.
Sustainable Update
USGBC Toughens Energy Efficiency Criteria
In a move aimed at improving the energy performance of USGBC-certified
buildings, projects will be required to incorporate at least two
rating points (above prerequisite) under the Optimize Energy
Performance criterion in order to be eligible for LEED recognition.
This is positive for ICF construction because specifiers will be
looking for more energy efficient building methods. It's currently quite
easy to obtain the first two rating points, but now builders/ developers
will need to build new construction projects 17.5% more energy efficient
than code. ICF and Quad-Lock easily offers that and MORE!
This is good news for the occupants of the building as well. ICF
construction provides occupants a more energy efficient building, better
air quality, peace and quiet and a safer place to live or work.
Hope you enjoyed reading
your Quad-Lock
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