ICF construction is a healthier choice

Dangers Of Mold In Traditional Construction And How ICF Constructed Buildings Are Superior

Traditional construction, as the name suggests, has been the norm for many years. Of course, with time, traditions have varied.

The most recent construction method we can consider ‘traditional’ is the one we generally utilize today. Lumber is an ever-popular choice while planning a traditional house and we inadvertently recall our childhood and go with the most accepted method around us.

What we fail to understand is that nature, in all its glory, can be really degenerative to our efforts.

A mold is a sort of fungus which develops as multi-cellular filaments know as hyphae.

What it does, is essentially grow on natural products like food or wood, gradually deteriorating them. This is true for your dream traditional house and is pretty much unavoidable.

The alarming thing here, are the number of illnesses molds are associated with and hence, they need to be dealt with immediately and effectively. The first and sure step toward that goal is to eliminate the basis of their growth and spread. This would be to do away with the traditional homes around us.

Below are a number of hazards that mold growth is known/responsible for:

·        Stachybotrys is an extremely toxic mold that is related to human fatality.

·        Certain molds produce mycotoxins which are highly dangerous and create a toxic breathing environment.

·        Mold allergies with the symptoms being wheezing, rash, watery eyes, runny nose, etc.

·        Respiratory illnesses or asthma.

·        Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a lung disease. Also known as "farmer's lung".

·        Athlete's foot and thrush.

·        Pulmonary hemorrhage.

What are ICF constructed buildings?

Insulating concrete form or ICF is an innovative structure of reinforced concrete. The creation usually takes place with a rigid thermal insulation that acts as a permanent interior and exterior substrate. The components are interlocking and dry-stacked i.e. without mortar but full of concrete. Today, it is gradually gaining ground in replacing traditional structures. Its capability for actual energy efficiency and natural disaster resistance is unparalleled. As such, ICF is a safer choice and discourages mold formation in your home.

How ICF is a better choice for building your home?

ü  Continued exposure to mold is a direct cause of allergies. Chronic asthma worsens in such situations along with it causing infections in individuals with weak immune systems. Mold also causes property damage. However, such effects are impossible in an ICF inorganic structure that we, at ICF Foundations Ottawa, help build.

ü  A traditional wood frame building is a haven for mold, which means, food sources in the wood are readily available. The wood is decomposed by mold, which uses the nutrients to grow. As the ICF walls are inorganic, the mold is unable to thrive.

ü  The last decade and more has seen ICF construction as extremely effective at dealing with mold. Adding to the already established disaster mitigating properties, ICF Foundations Ottawa believe in a well formulated structural innovation, making your home environment friendly. As ICF cures slower than concrete slabs or other conventional forms, your home remains dry and fresh.

ü  In addition to mold deterrence, plastic foams used in ICFs are fire-proof. This is so because the blocks are manufactured through flame retardant treatments.

ü  ICF is a structural marvel in that they are extremely sturdy thanks to the interlocking system. This makes them highly resilient against earthquakes, floods and other natural calamities.

To sum it up, ICF structures in building modern homes is a great step toward a better and safer future. This is true for you, your family and everyone you care about. Mold formation is an issue towards a healthy living and as such ICF buildings are better alternatives all round. Our professionals at ICF Foundations Ottawa are experienced and eager to provide you with the best ICF installation services. To ensure stability and sturdiness, contact us at ICF Foundations Ottawa, and help us set you up with world class ICF structures.