2 minute read
PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR THE NEXT NATURAL DISASTER
from Summer Home
by Perham Focus
Make your new home disaster-proof, with ICFs
Everyone wants their home to be a safe, comforting space that offers refuge and protection from the outside world. The global pandemic has taught us this, as well as the importance of preparation — not just for illness — but also for natural disasters like fires, floods and tornadoes.
Making sure your house is a secure and resilient structure is critical no matter where you live, as severe weather events can happen anywhere. Fortunately, thanks to advances in design and innovative materials, building a stronger, disaster-proof home is possible.
An alternative to traditional wood-framing, insulated concrete forms, or ICFs, are an excellent option that many engineers and designers are turning to. The steelreinforced solid concrete cores range from four to 12 inches, providing far superior strength and safety compared to
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wood. Non-toxic, fire-retardant expanded polystyrene foam provides a fire protection rating of up to four hours.
Homes built with these ICFs are proven to survive natural disasters — houses that faced Hurricane Michael in Florida and Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans are still standing. ICFs even offer wind resistance of up to 250 mph, equivalent to an F4 tornado.
Homes that use ICF construction have other added benefits, including enhanced insulation for lower energy bills, a reduced carbon footprint, and improved ventilation for better indoor air quality and lower susceptibility to mold.
C oncrete forms also require less maintenance over time, saving you the expense and effort of continuous upkeep and providing additional peace of mind.
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