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Insulated Concrete Forms Association
Dan Mistick and Dick Whitaker, both former employers of Portland Cement, founded the Insulated Concrete Forms Association (ICFA) in the mid 1990s. This group has become one of the most important supporters of ICF building systems. These two men, who had plenty of great experience working for one of the leading cement manufacturers in the country, wanted to increase the use of ICF building systems. They did this by using a variety of tactics, including raising awareness, developing standards, and helping to promote building codes that include the use of ICF building systems.
While ICF building systems have only seen use in the United States since the 1990s they have been popular in Europe for over 30 years. While they have seen an increase in popularity here in the United States over the last several years, there are still many people who are not aware that there are viable and cost effective alternatives to traditional framing methods. ICFA has been recognized by the ACI, the countries leading concrete construction code, and has been recognized as having played a large part in the growth of the ICF business.
The Impact of the ICFA on the Emerging ICF Market
The ICFA now has many of the leading national manufactures of ICF as members, and is working diligently to have ICFs receive building code approval in many parts of the country. You can find testing results and code approval forms available on many of the leading manufacturer’s web sites, including that of Logix ICF. Many manufacturers are willing to work with local builders to get ICF approved in areas where they are not part of the standard building codes.
Another function of the ICFA is to train contractors and builders on the proper use of ICFs. Some of the trade organizations that the ICFA regularly works with are the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and the National Association of Homebuilders. They work to raise awareness of ICFs through public seminars, displays, and a variety of other events.
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