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Features

Gulf Coast ICF Update
Four years ago, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Many in this industry predicted the rebuilding effort would catapult ICFs into the mainstream. Take a look at successful efforts and missed opportunities, and get an update on the disaster-proof ICF home that has served as our posterboy.

Rebuilding Greensburg
Literally leveled by a tornado in 2007, this small Kansas town has vowed to rebuild itself in way fitting its name: as a sustainable, “green” community that can also withstand Mother Nature’s worst. ICFs are playing a prominent role in this effort.

Wind Resistance and ICFs
Lab research and field studies confirm ICFs resist high winds better than nearly any other type of construction. New roof attachment and exterior finishing options can make ICF structures even more disaster-proof.

Glues vs. Fasteners
When it comes to attaching items to ICF walls, building inspectors and code officials have typically insisted on mechanical fasteners. But contractors have often found glues to be sufficiently strong and provide significant labor savings. New glues and fasteners on the market, as well as actual test results help clarify the debate.

Taking Advantage of the Stimulus
By Randy Wilkerson
Wondering where your share of the trillion-dollar stimulus is? Wilkerson takes a break from his regular column to explain how your company can benefit from the historic spending bill signed into law last fall.

Departments

As I See It: A History Lesson
News
New Faces
Ask the Builder: By Ian Giesler
Green Building: By Pieter VanderWerf

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