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.

Yes. The AMVIC forms are used to allow builders to pour a solid concrete wall. However, upon completion, the forms are designed to provide insulation, nailing surfaces, and a vapor barrier, all in one step.

A - Concrete must have water to gain strength and hydrating membranes are an essential part of concrete construction. When ICF is used, the concrete achieves a higher strength than specifications because of this ability to keep moisture in the mix. Eventually, all the water is converted to concrete crystals. Top

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 - 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 - 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.

Poured concrete is three times (3x) stronger and resists water infiltration better than block. Poured concrete also offers a faster building cycle than block.

AMVIC wall is stronger, more soundproof, more resistant to natural disasters, better insulated, has a superior R-value, is more energy efficient, reduces air infiltration and benefits from the thermal mass of the concrete.

An Earth Block building is not only healthy for the individual, but also for the planet. Dirt, an Earth Block's primary ingredient, is a renewable, non-toxic natural resource. Earth Block walls are virtually breathable, soundproof, bug-proof, fireproof, and even bulletproof! Requiring less transportation of materials than conventional construction methods, Earth Blocks have a lower embodied energy than conventional building materials.

A 5,000 psi concrete wall combined with top and bottom bond beam and solid concrete studs reinforced with rebar, means our Superior Walls system is about ten times stronger than a conventional block wall. [top]

A - Yes. Amvic Forms are engineered to withstand the rigors of internal vibration. Amvic recommends the use of internal vibration at all times. 'Patting' or 'tapping' the exterior of the forms is not an effective method of concrete vibration.

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.

Yes. ICF forms are used to allow builders a solid concrete wall. Also, the A-One Form brackets (webs) run the full height of the form so much less bracing is needed during pouring. The majority of ICF's on the market require major bracing because their forms cannot support the weight of the concrete.

You will never see a crack running through a paver patio or across a paver walk, and of course pavers offer more design diversity. Back to top

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 NRG Block is six to ten times higher in R-Value than a common block, which ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 depending upon the aggregate used.

Other blocks using inserts or hollow core blocks with poured insulation range between 5 and 6 for a 9 and 10" block.