How Contractors Gain a Competitive Edge with SuperForm ICF Systems
Whether in homes, commercial projects, or industrial construction, contractors face significant competition. It can often be challenging to differentiate your brand from those of competitors. One way to do this is by optimizing the services you offer and the resources you use. In that regard, adopting SuperForm ICF systems could be the ideal solution for gaining a competitive edge.
But how can building with SuperForm blocks and accessories put your company ahead of the competition? Read on as we explore how SuperForm ICF can give contractors an edge.
Stand Out From the Crowd By Building With SuperForm ICF Systems
Faster, More Reliable Timelines
One of the most immediate advantages of working with SuperForm ICF is its ability to accelerate construction timelines. The interlocking block design allows forms to be stacked quickly and accurately, significantly reducing the time needed to create structural walls. Crews can work faster and more efficiently because the forms are lightweight and easy to handle.
Unlike traditional construction methods, SuperForm combines multiple steps in one process. It covers the structural concrete, reinforcement, insulation, vapor barrier, air barrier, and attachment points. That means it can speed up the process and reduce labor needs throughout construction. Additionally, ICF construction is less weather-dependent, meaning fewer lost days due to poor site conditions.
Beyond getting faster builds, contractors also enjoy more reliable project timelines. In an industry where timeliness can make or break a reputation, SuperForm offers contractors a significant edge.
Sustainability in Construction
Sustainable construction is no longer a niche market. A significant portion of homeowners, businesses, developers, and regulatory bodies are making it a priority. Building with SuperForm ICF offers contractors several advantages when seeking to capitalize on the green building market.
The design of ICF walls makes them a superior choice for energy efficiency. With SuperForm walls, you have two layers of EPS foam with a concrete core between them. The continuous foam layers combined with concrete’s thermal mass make for exceptionally efficient structures. It dramatically reduces heating and cooling needs, thus reducing energy consumption.
SuperForm ICF generates significantly less job site waste. The blocks are easy to cut onsite. Even better, contractors can reuse the off-cuts on the same job or save them for future jobs. Compared to wood framing or conventional concrete construction, you see less waste in the dumpsters and heading to landfills.
The energy efficiency and reduced waste of SuperForm can help contractors establish a foothold in the green building market.
Creating Better Indoor Environments
Another key advantage of working with SuperForm ICF systems is creating better environments for human occupancy. Our ICF products make it easier for contractors to build healthier and more comfortable homes and businesses.
Thermal comfort is a key point in this regard. Thanks to their solid concrete core and continuous insulation, SuperForm walls significantly reduce heat transfer, drafts, and internal cold spots. That results in more stable indoor temperatures and greater comfort. In addition, you can achieve superior comfort while spending less on utilities.
The airtight building envelope also minimizes air infiltration, which helps reduce indoor allergens, pollutants, and outside odors. This contributes to improved indoor air quality, an increasingly important factor for both residential and commercial construction clients.
Additionally, ICF walls naturally dampen sound transmission. Reducing external noise intrusion can be a selling point for homes, offices, schools, and other construction clients.
Increased Durability and Less Maintenance
SuperForm ICF helps construction companies appeal to clients by offering superior durability and less maintenance. The concrete core and EPS insulation make these structures resistant to many issues plaguing traditional construction.
This resilience allows contractors to expect fewer callbacks and warranty claims. With greater resilience, SuperForm buildings also maintain their new appearance for longer. Fewer warranty and repair issues saves time and money while preserving the builder’s reputation. Contractors who work with SuperForm can offer clients stronger guarantees. The durability and reliability of SuperForm mean more satisfied customers, which could lead to referrals or repeat business.
A Wide Range of Design Possibilities
There’s a common misconception that ICFs limit design possibilities. The reality is that SuperForm offers incredible design flexibility. Contractors can use SuperForm ICF for a wide range of applications and to achieve diverse aesthetic results.
Our ICF system offers blocks in a wide variety of shapes, configurations, and core sizes. That means they can be suitable for everything from single-family homes to tall apartment buildings and industrial projects. Contractors can also easily cut the blocks to meet various design demands. We also offer custom cuts to help contractors meet their design specifications.
SuperForm can also integrate well with many other construction systems. Our ICF system is versatile enough to work with various floor, wall, and roof systems. Electrical and plumbing teams can also easily install pipes and conduits to accommodate their systems.
With SuperForm ICF, contractors and their clients also have many finishing options. Exteriors can handle everything from vinyl siding to brick veneer. There are also many interior finishing options. The best part is that contractors can work more efficiently with the integrated fastener strips in SuperForm walls.
Lead the Way in Disaster-Resistant Construction
Many construction clients are concerned about natural and manmade disasters. SuperForm ICF systems can offer the resources contractors need to stand out in disaster-resistant construction. With a solid core of reinforced concrete, SuperForm buildings are well-equipped to withstand various disasters.
ICF buildings do particularly well against hurricanes and tornados. The solid concrete core withstands heavy winds and performs well in terms of impact resistance. In areas with seismic activity, SuperForm ICF exhibits great resilience against the racking and shifting forces that occur when the earth begins to move.
Fire resistance is another major benefit. The concrete inside SuperForm walls can help prevent the spread of fires, and the EPS foam also resists burning and combusting. With four hours of fire resistance, ICF construction can provide valuable protection. That can be a key selling point for any property owner, but it is especially attractive in areas where wildfires are common.
Help Clients Achieve Building Certifications
Meeting local building codes and other regulations is not enough for many clients. There is a growing demand for various industry certifications for commercial and residential structures. With the strength, efficiency, and reliability of SuperForm ICF, builders can help clients achieve these results.
SuperForm is particularly well-suited for meeting the demands of various green building programs. LEED certification is a notable example of a program where SuperForm excels. Its high thermal performance supports energy efficiency credits, while minimal job site waste reduces environmental impact. The airtight envelope and mold-resistant structure also support indoor air quality requirements.
Beyond green building, SuperForm can also meet various disaster-resistance standards. The reinforced concrete core and load-bearing capacity help projects exceed FEMA recommendations. With its strength and resilience, SuperForm can also help contractors achieve FORTIFIED Home™ certification on projects.
By helping clients meet these stringent standards, contractors can establish a reputation for quality. With SuperForm ICF, you can also make your construction firm the go-to choice for clients interested in these certifications.
Beyond the blocks, SuperForm offers a range of innovative products that help contractors achieve better results. The line includes everything from foam bucks and fiberglass rebar to our SuperPex Panel and more.
Are you ready to set your brand apart by offering clients the benefits of SuperForm ICF? We offer the ICF products and accessories you need to distinguish your offerings. Reach out now to learn more about the difference SuperForm can make for your company and its clients.