"My husband and I just finished building our dream home with Conduit Development. Simon, Denise and their whole staff were absolutely wonderful during this very important time in our lives. They were there for us for every decision, and were very reassuring that we would be pleased with the outcome. Conduit is a professional and trustworthy business that I gladly refer to others. Thank you for making our dreams come true!"
"So how does ARXX ICF work exactly?" The Arxx method is cutting-edge, and with proper training it can be fast and easy for a contractor to install. Arxx Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF) are stay-in-place "blocks" that are reinforced with steel, then filled with concrete to construct high-performance walls and foundations. Arxx walls are comprised of a double layer of expanded polystyrene wrapped around a reinforced concrete core. Unlike wood construction, an ICF wall is free of cavities and gaps. This feature significantly reduces drafts, which not only enhances energy efficiency, but also inhibits the proliferation of mold and enhances indoor air quality.
While ICF technology may be a relatively new concept for some potential homebuyers, it is not new to the people at Conduit and Arxx. As the longest-established company in the ICF industry, Arxx has been perfecting its building system and customer support infrastructure for more than a decade. In addition to providing a "proven product" and "unbeatable support," Arxx has been approved by all of the major Building Codes across North America, and insures its products with a 30-year limited warranty.
Over the long run, benefits like energy efficiency, disaster and fire resistance, and durability reduce the cost of owning your home. Reduced noise and more constant temperatures mean quiet comfort that you can enjoy year round. It all adds up to savings that you will enjoy year after year.
With its high R-values, low air infiltration, and high thermal mass, you can use a smaller heating and cooling system, and save up to and over 50% of heating and cooling costs (depending on the region where you live) compared to a conventional home. In fact, your Arxx home may qualify for an energy-efficient mortgage.
An Arxx home with above-grade exterior walls typically costs 1% to 4% more than a conventional wood frame home to build. But lower energy bills and reduced insurance premiums can more than offset the slightly higher mortgage payment. The real payback is in quality, and the benefits of a quiet, comfort and cost savings.
| *Item | Conventional Home | ARXX Home | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building Cost | $200,000 | $208,000 | 4% more |
| Monthly Costs | |||
| Mortgage | $1,119 | $1,163 | 7.5% interest |
| Taxes | $300 | $312 | 15% tax rate |
| Insurance | $60 | $48 | 20% savings |
| Energy | $145 | $102 | 30% savings |
| Total Monthly Cost | $1,624 | $1,625 | Cost Only $1 more |
Arxx ICF wraps homes and businesses in two continuous layers of foam insulation, virtually eliminating "cold spots" that occur in conventional frame walls. True to Conduit’s green building philosophies, an Arxx home has 33% to 50% less air infiltration than a conventional frame house, preventing drafts and creating significant energy savings.
The solid concrete core of an Arxx wall stabilizes indoor temperatures because of its thermal mass, even as outdoor temperatures fluctuate throughout the day.
Arxx has a two-hour UL/ULC listed Fire Resistance Rating on every 6" Arxx wall. This can be doubled to a four-hour rating by adding fiber to the concrete. How? Fire retardant is added to the EPS foam, providing a self-ignition temperature of over 800° (430°C) in every Arxx form.
Sound Transmission Classification (STC) up to 50 or higher can easily be attained with an Arxx wall. That means peace and quiet for neighbors on both sides of common walls–-perfect for condos, townhouses and even movie theatres.
Arxx walls are built like a sandwich with a reinforced concrete core. The structural integrity of this steel-reinforced concrete core provides exceptional protection from hurricanes, tornadoes and even rowdy neighbors. The patented, exposed X-web gives solid-to-solid contact for all finishing materials as well. This dramatically reduces screw pops, siding sag, and customer call-backs.
Arxx’s patented, exposed X-web is the only ICF web not covered by a layer of foam—resulting in a direct, solid attachment. It provides a solid bearing for the attachment of finishes like drywall, stucco, siding and brick ties. This dramatically reduces the likelihood of screw pops or siding sag.
Benefits of the Arxx Design-Engineered X-Web
- Fast, easy positioning of horizontal rebar allows for non-contact lap slices and simple vertical rebar placement without the need to tie vertical bars in place
- Wide variety of rebar notches means designers have greater options for rebar design configurations
- 8" (200 mm) o/c spacing provides optimum forming strength
- 8" (200 mm) o/c spacing provides more than adequate opportunity for fastening interior & exterior finish materials
- Plastic composition of web eliminates thermal bridging concerns
