When most of us think about the weather, we often think about sun-filled days, breezy afternoons, or changing seasons. Frequently, we use the weather as an excuse for small talk with people we have just met. Lately, I can not help but recall recent headlines and newscasts from across the world regarding extreme weather. Recently the earthquake in China and just today, I read about a waterspout and tornadoes in the United States. Other media have shared stories of the devastation caused by hurricanes, tsunamis, forest fires and other acts of Mother Nature. After these events have come and gone, we are left with staggering numbers of people and dollars lost due to property damage and crumpled infrastructure.

I have found statistics from several sources that indicate both the frequency and the severity of weather are increasing worldwide. While discussion to the causes of this phenomenon would be intriguing, it is secondary to the purpose of this article.

What I find astonishing is the rebuilding of these areas affected by storms. I have seen firsthand, wooden structures completely ripped apart by a hurricane only to be reconstructed using the same material. Recently, a national cable television show in the United States had footage of an entire town that was decimated by an F5 tornado. Not one structure was left standing. The premise of the show was the rebuilding of this town with green and sustainable structures. So far, I have primarily seen wood structures being built. Am I missing something here?

There is a better way to build that is safe, green and sustainable ICF construction is building with reinforced concrete. From a severe weather perspective, not only are you building an inherently safer structure, you get the added benefits of energy savings, comfort, and durability.

So, in addition to sharing information about ICF construction with people building new structures, we all need to do a better job of sharing ICF knowledge with communities devastated by acts of Mother Nature. Be prepared with statistical data or information regarding weather-related losses in your regions. Some potential clients may find this sobering information which pushes them to choose ICF construction over another method. How does the story go: "I will HUFF and PUFF and blow your house down". I know which way I am going to build my house, how about you?

Happy Selling,

DJ Ketelhut Director of Sales, Eastern North America

(Picture courtesy of FEMA - Hurricane Katrina ICF Home)

One of the most popular components of the Quad-Lock ICF system are the metal brackets for supporting corners, T-walls, window/door openings - and now, 4-way wall intersections. Metal brackets interlock with panels and ties to provide critical support against concrete pressure while requiring no external bracing. This means that in most cases, crews can work safely from the inside of the building (from successive floor levels) with no ladders or scaffolding necessary on the outside of the building.

The new Straight Bracket (Part Number: CBS) allows the installer to secure a 4-way wall intersection by placing pairs of 34 inch long Straight Brackets that span across intersecting walls. This provides a solid connection between two wall segments that have been interrupted by another wall plane. For example, the diagram below shows an exterior wall that passes between an interior wall and an exterior buttress wall. This situation is common in commercial and multi-family residential buildings, in areas like:

• Deck areas requiring separation between units
• Support of heavy roof components
• Reinforcement of tall retaining walls

The buttress wall can now be secured back to a longer wall section, and will not have to be braced from outside the building line. In the case of multi-story construction, the higher the building, the more safe and economical this becomes, as crews can work from the safety of the inside of the building. Straight Brackets should be used in pairs and secured with at least 4 tie flanges on each end of the brackets. If the normal tie layout does not result in 4 tie flanges in the bracket, cut additional flanges and insert between the normal ties. Place ties as close to the wall intersection as possible. For more information on the Straight Bracket, read our technical bulletin or contact the Training and Technical Services Department.

 It's that time of year...

Hot weather conditions can present challenges when pouring any ICF. "Hot Weather" may include any or all of the following:

• High Ambient Temperatures
• Low Relative Humidity
• Wind Velocity
• Solar Radiation

Read our suggestions for building in sustained hot weather conditions (excerpt from Quad-Lock Product Manual).

 Proven Energy Efficiencies

As part of our on-going development of materials to assist in the sale of Quad-Lock, we want to create a library of statistics about structures built with Quad-Lock Insulating Concrete Forms. You can help us by submitting your energy bills, along with the bills from a comparable house in your neighborhood for us to add to our library. When you do this Quad-Lock will pay your highest month's energy bill for your troubles.

Contact us for more information.

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Best regards,
Quad-Lock Building Systems