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May 11, 1998
For Immediate Release
For more information, contact Jennifer Grover or Bruce McIntosh at PCA (847) 966-6200.
A Dozen Locations Across the Country Chosen to Tout Benefits of Homes Built with Concrete
Twelve metropolitan areas across America have been selected to host consumer programs between May and the end of 1998, designed to show home buyers that concrete provides beautiful homes built to last and provides significant savings.
The national campaign is sponsored by Skokie, IL-based Portland Cement Association (PCA), which represents manufacturers of portland cement, the key ingredient in concrete. The tour will make stops in New Orleans, LA; Portland, OR; Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; Denver, CO; Omaha, NE; Las Vegas, NV; Atlantic City, NJ; Minneapolis, MN; Champaign (Urbana Area), IL; and statewide throughout Mississippi and Kansas.
PCA is touting insulating concrete forms (ICFs) as an alternative building method that makes homes 30-70 percent more energy efficient. Homes built with ICFs are also fire, hurricane and high-wind resistant; easy to maintain and environment friendly. Combining the mass of concrete with the high insulation values of ICFs reduces temperature swings and loss of heat and air-conditioning.
As reported in the June, 1997 issue of BUILDER Magazine, builders all across America are using ICFs for above-grade walls. This alternative building method uses forms, later filled with concrete, to create an insulating wall.
A 1997 study by Dr. Pieter VanderWerf of the Boston University School of Management and sponsored by PCA revealed estimated savings of about $221annually for heating energy and $89 for cooling energy in ICF homes. The study compared 58 homes - 29 built using ICF’s and 29 frame-built structures. ICF homes are also sensitive to the environment, as materials needed to make concrete are among the earth’s most abundant resources - water, cement and aggregate. The concrete itself can also be recycled.
Market research from PCA reports that in 1994, 1,000 new homes were above-grade ICF construction. That figure doubled in 1995 and climbed to 4,000 in 1996. With the field continuing to experience rapid growth, market researchers predict by the year 2000 about 70,000 new homes will be built using ICF construction.
"In many areas banks are waiving closing costs with energy efficient mortgages. Also insurance rates are often lower because the homes are resistant to fire and natural disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes," explains Lionel Lemay, director of PCA’s residential program. "We’re hoping that once residents of these co-op areas learn about ICF building systems, they’ll ask for ICF homes and the local institutions will respond with lower rates."
Industry leaders are also realizing benefits of using ICFs. The Home Builders Associations in Houston and Dallas are using the system to construct their headquarters buildings. Builders like Las Vegas’ Champion Homes are using ICF construction as an option upgrade in its new communities. In Denver and Minneapolis, ICFs are being featured in Parades of Homes, and professionals are using the system to build an in-fill home in Portland, where the sound level is an issue. In Omaha, the Street of Dreams will feature an ICF home, and in Champaign, an ICF luxury condominium is being developed . In New Orleans, where hurricane resistance is an issue, an ICF home is being featured in a Parade of Homes, and will also be raffled to one lucky winner.
To receive a consumer information kit, call 1-888-333-4840 or visit PCA’s concrete homes website at www.concretehomes.com.
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