The Best Form for Any FunctionInsulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) represent one of the fastest-growing sectors in the construction industry today. ICFs are hollow blocks or panels made of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) that a construction crew stacks to create the exterior walls of a residential or commercial building. Workers then add reinforcing steel and fill the gap (typically 101mm to 203mm) between the two layers of foam with concrete. This combination of concrete, steel and foam creates a very strong and energy-efficient structure. After the concrete has hardened, the forms stay in place and become the insulation for the walls.The Benefits of ECO-Block ICFs:
Environmentally Friendly: Use of wood products in construction significantly reduced.
Energy-Efficient: Provides superior insulation, reducing heating/cooling costs and creating a virtual air/vapor barrier.
Sound-Suppressing: The interior rooms are effectively shielded from outside noise.
Quickly Constructed: One house per day with a four-man crew.
Extremely Strong: Walls are “cast-in-place,” monolithic, reinforced concrete.
Versatile: Any interior or exterior finish can be applied.
Fire-Retardant: Up to a four-hour Fire Resistive Rating.
ECO-Block is the world’s most advanced ICF technology:
Less Expensive: Reduced EPS molding and manufacturing costs.
Stronger: Superior strength during the crucial period of the concrete pour.
More Versatile: Same side panel for 101mm to 300 mm or larger ICF form.
Easier to Transport: Components allow assembly on site.No extra cost for transporting air.
Jim Moore, John Spragge and Jim Parks founded ECO-Block, LLC in 1998 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The company introduced and patented a unique panelized ICF system that allowed greater design flexibility and reduced freight cost. The concept allows wall widths to vary from 4" to 24" by simply using different widths of connectors to join the two opposing side panels. Shipment of the panels in wrapped in UV protected plastic bags that are color coded for easy identification is efficient and allows approximately 1200 forms to fit on a standard 53' commercial trailer.
By the end of 1999 ECO-Block had established multiple manufacturing locations covering all of North America. And by the end of the following year more than 100 Distributors were active in selling ECO-Block products to contractors and other end users. Throughout the years ECO-Block has continuously improved upon the design of its products by acting on the suggestions of the contractors using the products in the field. New products such as panel connectors and a vinyl buck system along with a proprietary bracing and alignment system have been introduced to speed up the installation process.
In 2002 ECO-Block led the ICF industry in focusing on the design community interest in sustainable building and became the first ICF Company to have a LEED accredited specialist on its staff. Along with this Green Building initiative a National Training program was launched with the goal of expanding the number of qualified ICF installers.
ECO-Block International was formed in 2003 in response to a rapidly growing global interest in using ICF technology to build homes and commercial buildings. A manufacturing and licensing agreement with an Australian company led to the full-scale manufacturing and distribution of ECO-Block ICFs in Australia.
Tragedy struck the company in 2002 and again in 2003 as illness claimed the lives of both John Spragge and Jim Moore. ECO-Block displayed considerable resiliency, however, and forged ahead with a renewed commitment to realize the vision of these two founders. The Board of Managers and principal owners of ECO-Block have provided the leadership necessary to position the company to continue its leadership role in the growth of the ICF industry in the years to come.
