A - Virtually any conventional exterior finish can be used with the Amvic Building System. Proper planning should be considered. Check the AMVIC Tech Manual for details.

A - Amvic ICF structures require 30-50% less energy to heat and cool when used in conjunction with other energy saving products. They are also wind, fire and insect and rodent resistant as well as provide a safe, quiet and comfortable atmosphere for homeowners for many years.

A - A structural engineer should design buildings that are constructed with the AMVIC Building System, but the sky is the limit.

A - The AMVIC System is a "2005" Model, whereas most other ICFs on the market have had some shortcomings. AMVIC ICF Forms are designed to perform at a level unmatched in the ICF Industry. You can also see for yourself the many ways Amvic ICF Insulated Concrete Forms are better than conventional building methods by clicking here.

Yes, however some local officials may have more experience with this than others. Most of the Northern California and Nevada counties have approved ICF projects recently. Most building departments have dealt with ICF construction previously and are knowledgeable about it. AMVIC's system has been approved by the ICBO Evaluation Service, the primary construction product certification organization in the country. The ICBO report number is ER-5948. Download this ICBO Report.

A - Generally walls will require 3000 psi concrete or as specified by your engineer or code. Maximum aggregate size is 3/4" and placed at a 5-6" slump.

A - Amvic ICFs are hollow, light-weight "stay in place" forms made of two Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) panels which are connected by polypropylene webs. During construction, the forms are stacked to the desired height then filled with concrete making stable, durable and sustainable walls.

A - Today's plastics offer strength, durability and lower thermal conductivity than metals, so plastic was chosen as the best way to create the leading ICF System.

A - No! While many of our customers choose to build only their basements/foundations from Amvic ICF Insulating Foam Forms, many other customers build their entire houses from the product.

In addition, Amvic offers excellent customer service and support through both the corporate office and extensive distributor network across North America.

Yes, however some local officials may have more experience with this than others. Most of the Northern California and Nevada counties have approved ICF projects recently. Most building departments have dealt with ICF construction previously and are knowledgeable about it. AMVIC's system has been approved by the ICBO Evaluation Service, the primary construction product certification organization in the country. The ICBO report number is ER-5948. Download this ICBO Report.

AMVIC is a new "1999" Model ICF. We do not track every project that the AMVIC Building System is used in, but we are projected to be the top ICF of 2000-01.

A ? Concrete walls built with Amvic ICFs may last in excess of 100 years with minimal maintenance required to the walls. This is at least 4 times longer than traditional construction.

A - Amvic comes in 4, 6, 8 & 10" concrete cores, please see our Product Catalog for more information. Top

A - Amvic forms are designed to make the construction process as quick and easy as possible in order to reduce labor costs. Forms arrive on site pre-assembled, and the straight, 90 degree and 45 degree blocks provide for almost all shape requirements. During the stacking process, taping, gluing and tying is minimized and the forms are fully reversible.

A - An Amvic wall is stronger, more soundproof, more resistant to natural disasters, better insulated, has a superior R-value, is more energy efficient and reduces air infiltration. In addition it also provides numerous benefits from the thermal mass of the concrete. Top

A - A structural engineer should design multi-storey structures built with Amvic, but the sky is the limit.

A - Yes. Amvic ICFs are one of few forms on the market that are engineered to withstand the internal vibration. In fact, this practice is strongly recommended by Amvic.

A - No. We do not engineer specific projects. A local engineer that is familiar with local codes and building conditions should consult our Tech Manual for engineering guidance.

A - No. Conventional house plans can be used; you must simply have the exterior wall dimensions increased to accommodate the Amvic walls. Top

A - Numerous reasons. Amvic ICF Insulating Foam Forms build a stronger structure, offer built-in insulating value of R-30+, withstand hurricane-force winds, have a 3+ hour fire rating, offer sound reduction value, are impervious to insects, don't support mold growth, and help save trees.

It will help if we know where basically the shop is. We do have members literally all over the world. Try to sell it as a functioning business. However, most of the money in forging today seems to be in either high quality knives or custom ornamental ironwork. A shop dating back to the early 1900s likely isn't suitably equipped for either. Try to sell it intact to an organization setting up something on the order of a pioneer or historical village.

A - A PW-1 form is always required. Additional forms, depending on the work to be done, may also be required. Be advised that a licensed Registered Architect or Professional Engineer must submit these forms on behalf of a homeowner for most types of work. Appropriate insurance must be held by all potential permittees unless the permittee is a homeowner who will be performing the work himself on his own home. In that case, a waiver from the Worker’s Compensation Board must be submitted.

A - Yes. Amvic offers 3 standard radii forms custom radius forms and custom radius forms can also be ordered. ny angle that is required can be made by miter cutting the form at the proper angle and using foam to join the edges.

A - An AMVIC home looks like any conventional new home on the outside and inside. The window sills are deeper since the walls are thicker. Very few people can tell the difference between ICF construction and other types of construction.

A - When cured, the concrete in AMVIC walls is 50% stronger and use 30% less concrete than traditionally poured walls. While the cost of a bare block or poured wall is less, AMVIC provides insulation and furring strips, and is ready to finish, making it a cost effective and less labor-intensive choice. AMVIC also is far less labor intensive to use where there are frequent openings and/or popouts as are frequently the case in residential construction.

A - R-Value is a term given to the property of any material to "resist" the conduction of heat. R-Value as a property is legitimate. The functional design of the laboratory determination of this property, relative to commercial insulation and building materials, is flawed at a fundamental level since performance predictions using heat transfer calculations based on tested and published R-values alone do not accurately predict real-world performance.

A - With the proper roof configuration, Amvic ICF homes are very resistant to tornados and hurricanes. In most cases, damage is to the external finishings only. A - Mold and mildew are not a problem when building with the Amvic system. Mold and mildew are fungi that grow in a moist atmosphere. They tend to form on the interior/exterior of walls where moisture condenses as a result of surface/air temperature differences.