Insulated Concrete Forms vs other Building Materials

Quad-Lock ICF vs Wood Frame Construction

A Quad-Lock building is:

Ultra Energy-Efficient because of continuous EPS Insulation (higher & uniform R-value), greatly reduced air infiltration, and the "thermal mass effect" of concrete. Learn more about ICF energy-efficiency vs wood-frame.
Much more Comfortable and Healthy because of very even inside temperatures (no cold or drafty spots), far better sound attenuation, and low risk of mold growth and allergen infiltration.
Longer-lasting and more resistant to natural disasters, rot, mold, and pests because the solid reinforced concrete is up to 8 times stronger and nearly impenetrable (even for car crashes) - it's what gives bunkers their strength!

Read more details about ICF vs Wood. Acrobat Reader PDF

Quad-Lock ICF vs other Insulating Concrete Forms

Quad-Lock has the highest available insulation. Using combinations of Quad-Lock Panels many different Insulation Values are possible, giving you the choice of true R-Values of 22, 30, 38, 45, 53 and more.
Quad-Lock offers less thermal bridging because internal bucks are possible. "External bucks" - required for ICF block systems - create a significant thermal bridge around every window and door opening.
Quad-Lock is highly versatile using a few standard parts. Quad-Lock can easily be shaped to form all the design elements of modern buildings - wide openings, arches, corners, any angles, and real curves with almost any radius.
Quad-Lock has very strong corners because of ingenious metal brackets - no additional bracing or zip-ties needed!
Quad-Lock costs less to ship and store compared to leading ICF block systems because it is a flat panel & tie system. Up to 100% more wall area can be shipped per truckload. With Quad-Lock, you're not shipping air!
Quad-Lock creates much less waste compared to ICF block systems. With Quad-Lock most parts that needed to be cut can be reused in the same project. See Reduce, Reuse & Recycle Tips (pdf).
Quad-Lock is ISO 9001 and 14001 certified to ensure and improve product and service quality and minimal impact on our enviroment.
Quad-Lock offers great technical and instructional support and material. Local dealers and distribution partners are equipped to answer your questions, prepare detailed estimates, and assist at the jobsite. Quad-Lock Field Representatives are also ready to assist with quantity pricing, job site training, product seminars etc. Our Installation Video, Product Manual, and other informative technical and promotional literature tells you exactly how to build with Quad-Lock. Read more about Value & Service.
Quad-Lock produces a flat, solid concrete wall providing a constant thickness of concrete throughout the wall (no thin/thick sections like grid or post-and-beam systems).
Quad-Lock is Code approved. See approvals & tests.

Quad-Lock provides a better surface for stucco application. Quad-Lock creates an all-foam surface compared to some ICF systems where the surface consists of both EPS and the material used for ties, making it tougher to finish it.
Quad-Lock's unique and patented tie design offers low likelihood of problems by positively connecting the EPS panels at both the horizontal and vertical seams where the pressure during concrete placement is most likely to cause failures.

Commercial & Multi-Storey - Advantages over other ICFs

No other ICF can build around pre-tied rebar as easily as Quad-Lock.
No other ICF can be assembled with as little laborers' exposure to the outside of a multi-storey structure. Quad-Lock's unique Corner, Angle, and T-wall solutions allow building from the safety of the inside of the building. This minimizes the amount of outside scaffolding required and the risk of long falls for workers.
No other ICF can build columns and pilasters like Quad-Lock. Almost every commercial project needs them.
No other ICF can offer the range of wall thicknesses that Quad-Lock can...period. See Quad-Lock Ties & Extender Ties.
No other ICF can provide Quad-Lock's unlimited range of wall angles with so little labor.
No other ICF can integrate concrete walls and concrete floors or roofs as well. Quad-Lock developed and tested unique solutions, such as Slab Brackets & Ties, and actively sells and supports an ICF for concrete floors & roofs - Quad-Deck. Also refer to our CAD Drawings.
Few other ICF companies offer access to a LEED AP (Accredited Professional) who can help designers identify & accrue LEED points for Quad-Lock projects.
Quad-Lock offers 'green roof' technology with a rot-resistant roof structure that will carry the loads imposed by these designs. See CAD drawing.