lkazanov2
Basic Member
Posts:177
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| 14 May 2008 02:17 PM |
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Guys,
Who makes composite ICF? I read about it on ICF Mag and would like to look into it. Any known manufacturers?
Leonard
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Manfred
Basic Member
Posts:200
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| 14 May 2008 04:44 PM |
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Rastra, Durisol, Performwall, Apex etc. |
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| Manfred Knobel<br>Moss Pointe Builders, Inc. |
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ICFconstruction
Veteran Member
Posts:1324
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| 11 Jul 2008 09:32 PM |
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Leonard,
What would you like to know? Where are you? Rastra is pretty much done. Performwall made Rastra and has taken over for them. Amazon has a nice form and Apex is unique. I am not a fan of Durisol. Cempo is similar to Rastra and Performwall. |
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| Brad Kvanbek - ICFconstruction.net |
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hausfxr
New Member
Posts:53
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| 12 Jul 2008 02:32 PM |
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I have designed two projects using Rastra and am a proponent of composite ICFs when used in the right climate. The beauty of them is that you can stucco directly on the product. One of my projects was finished three years ago, and I have not seen a single crack in either the exterior stucco or interior plaster. You can rarely say that about a stick framed building.
However, I am now replacing the foundation on my own home and looked a little further into the R-values of Rastra vs. other systems and concluded that Rastra was distorting its true R-values by adding a “thermal mass multiplier” which assumes the concrete core of the wall increases insulating performance. http://awesometesting.com/rastraold/therm_perf.htm I have not been able to find a recognized independent testing laboratory that confirms Rastra’s claims, nor have I found a logical explanation of how this mass multiplier works. Oakridge testing laboratories compares straight R-values and you can see that there is no comparison between Rastra and Arxx. http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/AWT/Ref/icf.htm If someone out there can direct me to a source that can back up Rastras claims, I'd appreciate it. Although that would mean that EPS only ICFs would probably have R-values in the 100s.
I am not going to recommend Rastra or other similar composites for homes in my climate (Portland, OR). I have not investigated autoclaved aerated concrete blocks and whether it has any advantages over composites like Rastra. I'm now an enthusiastic proponent of expanded polystyrene only ICFs like Arxx.
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[email protected]
New Member
Posts:2
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| 15 Jul 2008 07:30 PM |
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My name is Mike Warren and I'm the director sales + marketing for rastra ohio. I read with some interest some of the responses you received on your post and wanted to reply. First rastra is anything but dead. We presently have 4 new plants under construtcion including mine here in Columbus, with 3 additional plants in negotiation. While I certainly respect anyone's opinion if they are going to make comments such as "rastra is all but dead" it would help to have the facts. Next rastra has higher thermal performance than any product available today. That doesn't mean the highest r-value. I can talk alot better than I can type so if you want to discuss I can be reached at 614-277-0000.
I hope to hear from you
mike warren |
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Donnerwetter
Basic Member
Posts:100
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| 20 Jul 2008 01:30 PM |
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Gentleman... It is my humble and professional opionon that we; as an industry must recognize that all ICF's are far better than conventional stick or CMU construction, and therefore must remain united in our goal to decrease our dependancy on fossial fuels. Rastra is one of the few ICF Firms which uses 100% Recycled EPS not Virgin EPS like the vast majority of the rest of us (including us) in the production of their ICF Form. We have built our first ISOMAX ICF (www.isomax-terrasol.eu) back in 1991 and have the highest respect for Rastra for the contribution they are making concerning a better global future for us all! |
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robinnc
Advanced Member
Posts:586
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| 20 Jul 2008 07:56 PM |
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Donner......can't read a thing on that web site...
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Farmboy
Basic Member
Posts:356
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| 20 Jul 2008 10:32 PM |
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Robinnc, Look at the small set of flags to the left of the larger set of flags, click on the Stars and Stripes and the website will convert to English. Personally I'll see if I can brush up on my Deutsch. dave |
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ken75459
New Member
Posts:2
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| 21 Jul 2008 04:33 PM |
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I like the ideal of the Rastra product also, but an R value
of 1.73 per inch is not very convincing even if it is better than any stick
built home.
From looking at their chart for zone 7 & 8 and foot note # 5. Per DOE Prescriptive
Table (402.1) Thermal Mass Benefit is not considered in climate zones 7 + 8.
8 = 8.7, 10 = 11.0, 12 = 16.0, 14 = 22.5
As an ICF system what makes it better than any of the other
systems, I am in zone 3 on their chart why would I choose to use the Rastra
product over the other systems
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[email protected]
New Member
Posts:2
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| 21 Jul 2008 06:41 PM |
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The value of any ICF goes well beyond the stated R-value. As you may know all mass wall manufacturers eliminate air leaks which destroy the effectiveness of a wood frame solution. An 8' x 40' wall has over 600 linerar feet of thermal break that allows air to pass.
Also don't forget that a 2x4 is only rated R5 and the framing makes up 15% of the total wall surface. So even if your insulation was R90, 15% of your wall would be R5. Compound ICFs have the additional benefit of strored energy which is an entire topic of its own. feel free to call me if you like and we can discuss. 614-277-0000.
And don't forget, even if you choose to use an ICF for its improved thermal performance, you also get the other important features by default such as a much safer home, lower maintenance costs, lower cost-of-ownership, cleaner indoor air quality and quiet to name a few.
mike warren
rastra |
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jeanne
New Member
Posts:1
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| 09 Dec 2008 03:04 AM |
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Does anyone know of a builder who has extensive experience building homes using Rastra. We want to build a home on our 60 acres and are very interested in the Rastra material.
Thank you:-) |
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ICFconstruction
Veteran Member
Posts:1324
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| 10 Dec 2008 05:13 PM |
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Mike, Is Rastra producing product? I was told by the Minnesota distributor that Rastra was not producing any product. Where are the manufacturing plants located/going to be.
I know that any ICF is better than any other system for almost all structures. Composite ICFs have there place. Benefits are the high recycled content and less concrete. Also they are ideal for masonry exteriors especially stucco. No lathe is required. I installed manufactured stone on Composite ICFs without lathe or scratch coat without a problem.
Do the synthetic coatings require fiber lathe when installed on Composite ICFs? |
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| Brad Kvanbek - ICFconstruction.net |
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GreenOaks
New Member
Posts:26
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| 12 Dec 2008 10:24 AM |
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jeanne,
It might help to know where (and when) you are building. if you're in Colorado, for example, and can wait till summer, I know a few installers that would love to escape the Texas heat. (Semi) kidding!
Also, the folks at Rastra should be able to point you to a local distributor, who could point you to several installers.
jeff |
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| Jeff<br>Green Oaks Building & Remodeling<br>www.greenoaksremodeling.com |
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