GKY Construction Corp is a full service green home construction company based in the Capital region, in Upstate NY. We specialize in using insulated concrete forms (ICF’s) for residential and commercial projects. We are experienced in commercial tall walls, multiple residential stories, basement foundations, crawlspaces, frost walls, and frost-protected shallow foundations.
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What are ICF'S | Homes constructed with ICFs (Insulated Concrete Forms), are homes built with a super insulated concrete shell, which spans from the basement floor to the eaves. This superior, insulated shell makes for more comfortable climates. These homes can be constructed more quickly while using much less lumber, helping to preserve forests. When finished, these homes use 40% - 80% less energy to operate, saving homeowners money. By consuming less energy, ICF homes put less of a demand on our environment's quickly dwindling fossil fuels. |
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Improved Comfort |
ICF homes have a strong reputation for
maintaining an even temperature. The reason for this is because of a
phenomenon called thermal mass. Thermal mass can be best described
as "having the ability to retain heat and give heat when necessary".
In ICF homes, temperatures vary from floor to ceiling 1-2 degrees F.
In traditional framed homes, variances are 5-10 degrees. Because of
the evenness in indoor climate, ICF homes have no drafts or
hotspots. There is little to no air infiltration within these homes, resulting in a substantial decrease in dust, bugs, pollen and disease in general. Because of an ICF home is so airtight, an air exchange system is required. These systems can filter and regulate heat and humidity more efficiently than traditional systems. |
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Energy Efficiency | The energy efficiency of ICF homes begins with the EPS (expanded polystyrene) blocks used to form the shell, or exterior wall of a home. These foam blocks have a natural R-value of R-24 to R-30. The "R" in R-values is often used to determine how energy efficient something is, whether it is insulation, windows, or any other construction material. Typical 2x4 built homes are insulated from R-11 to R-19. When combined with the thermal mass properties of the concrete, an ICF wall has performance R-values comparable to a 2x6 wall insulated to R-50. ICF homes score very well on HERS (Home Energy Rating Systems) tests. These tests are similar to a miles-per-gallon rating on a car. The high scores ICF homes hit make it possible for a person to attain energy efficient mortgages (EEMs). These special mortgages recognize the estimated operating costs on an energy efficient home, making it possible to increase buying power to build a better home. |
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Environmentally Friendly | ICF Homes minimize the use of lumber up o 33% when compared with a 2x4 stick-built home. Drywall, siding, brick, stucco, paneling, or any other finishing system can be directly fastened to the ICF wall, eliminating the need for a 2x4 stud wall and sheathing for the entire shell of an ICF home. ICF blocks are also proven as a vapor barrier, eliminating the need of any house wrap material. Finally, ICF homes require less energy to heat and cool due to the superior thermal performance. |
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Unsurpassable Strength | ICF homes have proven to be sustainable through hurricanes, tornados, and even earthquakes. ICF homes are impervious to rot, decay, and termites. The EPS foam, which the blocks are made of, is not a source of food for termites and other infestation. |
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Fire Rating | Most ICF manufacturers have a 2-4 hr. fire rating, while a comparable stick built home only has a 15-30 minute rating. These better flammability ratings can result in 10% - 15% lower insurance rates. |
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Peace and Quiet | Sound transmission through an ICF wall is reduced 2-3 times when compared to a well-insulated 2x4 stud wall. This sound resistance is attained in two ways. The foam insulation absorbs, or deadens sound, while any remaining sound is deflected off the solid concrete wall. |
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More Value | Concrete Homes in general have much higher resale value than traditional stick built homes. Insulated Concrete Homes go one step further because of their unique insulation properties. While the initial cost to construct an ICF home may be greater than that of a traditional home, this cost will be offset in energy savings. This reduction in energy costs begins with low utility bills from day one. |
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