At O’Shea Builders, we have pioneered concepts in concrete construction in our region. We proudly build our homes of concrete construction using: Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) - an exterior wall system that consists of interlocking polystyrene forms that are filled with concrete and reinforced with steel. The insulating capacity of polystyrene coupled with the structural integrity of reinforced concrete is a powerful combination, creating an integrated ICF system that is stronger, safer, quieter, and more energy efficient. We highly recommend that all of our customers consider Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) wallsystems. | | | |  ECO-Block Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) represent the superior way to build. ECO-Block is simpler and easier to install than wood-frame methods — and even other ICF systems. It’s faster, taking less time with fewer people. And it’s better, because ECO-Block buildings are vastly more energy-efficient. Stronger. Quieter. Resistant to fire, moisture, mold and the elements. With a positive ecological impact.
SimplerThis state-of-the-art method of construction is also the simplest. ECO-Block insulating concrete forms are EPS (expanded polystyrene) panels that easily snap together to create walls of virtually any thickness, from 4” on up in 2” increments. The space between the panels is filled with concrete that cures and hardens into a monolithic, reinforced core of incredible strength. No Limits To Design
ECO-Block gives you unlimited design flexibility. Got a saw? ECO-Block cuts easily into any shape you need — perfect for unique window openings and arches. You can also choose from our pre-formed corners in varying sizes and angles. And any exterior or interior finish can be directly applied to the panels. - Build from the footing to the roofline, using one crew, one system.
- Form walls 4” thick and greater in any configuration.
- Create any shape or contour your design calls for.
- Apply any exterior or interior finish.
FasterThe ECO-Block system gets the job done faster. With our multiple manufacturing locations throughout North America, you save on transportation costs and delivery time. Because our flat panels can be packed tightly, ECO-Block is easier to ship and handle than other fixed-block ICFs.  Easy to Learn, Easy to Install
The ECO-Block system is easy to learn, requiring less time for training. Installing window and door openings is fast and simple with Universal Buck, the first field-engineered PVC buck system in the industry. ECO-Block’s system of latching connectors snaps in place quickly, so ICF panels are joined together fast — and the job is done sooner. Only one construction crew is needed to get the job done, instead of the typical three.
- Install window and door openings fast with Universal Buck.
- Train in less time with our easy-to-understand, integrated system.
- Assemble walls of any size quickly with easy-to-snap-in connectors.
- Electrical and plumbing installations are fast and easy.
BetterThis is the better way to build, period. Energy savings generated by an ECO-Block building are enormous — and continue for the life of the building. You save on utility and maintenance costs. ECO-Block buildings stand strong against the wind and weather and will not warp over time. They can have up to a four-hour Fire Resistive Rating. And many companies give discounts to ICF building owners for disaster and fire insurance. - Significant energy savings.
- Reduced noise transmission.
- Will not support the growth of mold or mildew.
- Can be built to any seismic or hurricane-storm standard.
- Up to a four-hour Fire Resistive Rating.
| | | | About Eco-Block The Best Form for Any Function
Insulating 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 4” to 8”) 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 4”, 6”, 8”, 10” or larger ICF form.
- Easier to Transport: Components allow assembly on site.
Approved by All Major Building Code Agencies: - ICCES Legacy Reports 5498, 22-38 and 9845B
- CCMC (Canada) 12966-R
- Wisconsin State Code 200012-I
- Miami-Dade County (Florida) 00-1024.02
- City of Los Angeles (California) RR 25446
- Florida Certificate of Product Approval FL2253
| | | | Building the Better Home The ECO-Block ICF system combines the tremendous strength of steel-reinforced concrete with the insulating properties of expanded polystyrene to produce one of the most revolutionary building systems in home construction today. And ECO-Block buildings are built to last — both the energy savings and structural strength continue throughout the life of the building.
There is no limit to what can be built with the ECO-Block system — standard single-story, two-story, multi-story, even curved walls. Plus, any conventional interior or exterior finish can be used with ECO-Block. Refer to our Home Plan Library for examples of what can be achieved.
ECO-Block buildings save you money by offering superior energy efficiency; up to 50 percent (or more) can be saved on heating and cooling bills over houses of similar size built with standard materials.
ECO-Block ICFs also reduce the pressure on precious natural resources because they replace lumber used in frame construction and greatly reduce the amount of fuel needed for heating and cooling. In addition, an environmentally clean process produces the form itself. No CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are used in manufacturing the form. In addition, a large percentage of the high-plastic webs and connectors are made from recycled material.
Additional ECO-Block advantages:
- Increased Strength: Nothing rivals steel-reinforced concrete for strength.
- Moisture-Resistant: The indoor climate of your ECO-Block home is protected by the air and water vapor barrier qualities of the ECO-Block ICF system.
- Airtight: An ECO-Block wall assembly stops air filtration into the structure. It provides greater control of interior air quality, eliminating drafts and cold spots.
- Fire-rated Assembly: Concrete structures are far more likely to remain standing through fire than are buildings made of other materials. Concrete doesn’t break down until it’s exposed to thousands of degrees Fahrenheit — far hotter than a typical house fire.
- Soundproof: Walls constructed with ECO-Block forms dramatically reduce noise pollution. The result is a super-quiet environment — a 6” wall assembly has tested at STC 51, exceeding the requirements for apartment demising walls.
- Cost: The cost to build your ECO-Block home will be comparable to that of other energy-efficient structures, but with many additional benefits.
- Heating and Cooling: The minute you move into your ECO-Block home, you begin saving money. That’s because ECO-Block walls are airtight and have an R-22 insulation value. A house using a 2x4 frame and batt insulation would have to be insulated to a value of R-40 to achieve similar benefits. Savings of 30 percent or more on heating and cooling costs are possible.
- Insurance Rates: Because most of an ECO-Block home is concrete, the insurance industry considers it masonry construction, ultimately resulting in lower insurance costs.
- Resale Value: All the features integrated into an ECO-Block home will add value when it comes time to sell. Many appraisers consider energy efficiency when determining a home’s value.
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PO Box 5709