understanding icf
Stacking Up The Features & Benefits Of Insulated Concrete Forms
INNOVATIVE.
EFFICIENT.
SUSTAINABLE.
WITH THE STRENGTH TO TAKE ON ALASKA’S TOUGHEST ENVIRONMENTS
Our Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction technology delivers exceptional strength, energy efficiency, disaster resilience, and long-term value.
As Alaska’s most experienced ICF builder and installer, we’ve spent well over a decade helping communities, businesses and homeowners build stronger, more durable structures designed for Alaska’s unique challenges.
Here’s how we’re helping Alaska build better.
the perfect alaskan building envelope
Simply put, Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are like hollow LEGO® blocks that are stacked, steel-reinforced, and filled with concrete to create a highly durable, energy-efficient, and resilient building envelope in a single construction step. Suitable for both residential and commercial projects, ICF construction delivers long-term performance and value that traditional wood-frame construction simply can't match.
Our Stronghold ICF forms are available in a variety of configurations to accommodate virtually any building design. Each form consists of two layers of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation connected by high-strength polypropylene ties, creating a continuous insulated cavity for reinforced concrete. The result is a solid concrete wall system that provides exceptional strength, superior energy efficiency, excellent sound attenuation, and outstanding resistance to fire, severe weather, and everyday wear.
By combining reinforced concrete with continuous insulation on both sides of the wall, Stronghold ICFs create a tight, thermally efficient building envelope that helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures year-round. This combination of concrete's thermal mass and continuous insulation can significantly reduce heating and cooling demands while creating a quieter, more comfortable indoor environment.
Whether you're building a custom home, multifamily housing, commercial facility, school, or critical infrastructure project, Stronghold ICFs provide a durable, low-maintenance solution built to perform for generations.
WHAT MAKES STRONGHOLD BETTER?
ENGINEERED BY BUILDERS, FOR BUILDERS — FOR Straight, Trouble-Free Walls Every TimE
STACK UP THE ADVANTAGES OF BUILDING WITH ICF
-
ICF maximizes comfort and energy performance, saving up to 70% on heating and cooling costs. The solid, steel-reinforced concrete core (up to 12") provides stable thermal mass, eliminating thermal bridging for comfortable, low-cost indoor temperatures.
-
Concrete’s durability has been proven for millennia. Our ICF structures are designed to last over 200 years, compared to the typical 30-year lifespan of wood structures, offering long-term reliability and reduced maintenance.
-
ICF structures defy Mother Nature, withstanding impacts from hurricanes, earthquakes, and more. Examples like Florida’s Sand Palace after Hurricane Michael, as well as our own structures after Alaska’s 2018 earthquake, showcase ICF's durability. These walls resist winds over 240 mph and offer superior protection against seismic events, fires, and floods.
-
Concrete’s high thermal mass and resistance to thermal bridging allow ICF to regulate indoor temperatures extremely efficiently. ICF walls absorb and store heat energy, stabilizing indoor temperatures, reducing heating and cooling cycles, and saving energy.
-
ICF walls achieve impressive R-Values. Alone, they have an R-Value of 23, but when factoring in the concrete's thermal mass and airtight nature, the effective R-Value can exceed R-50. This is significantly higher than the R-Value of less than 15 for wood-framed walls.
-
ICF walls withstand temperatures up to 2,000 degrees for 4 hours, surpassing typical forest fire temperatures of 1,500 degrees. This high fire resistance protects your investment and can lower insurance premiums.
-
ICF buildings are nearly ⅔ quieter than wood-framed structures, with STC ratings of 50 and above. Clients often notice the absence of cold drafts and unwanted noise immediately.
-
ICF construction integrates six elements into one product, making it 20-30% faster than conventional framing and 50-60% faster than CMU construction. This efficiency is particularly beneficial in Alaska's short building season, saving both time and money.
-
ICF can accommodate any architectural design, from various sizes and shapes to custom finishes. This flexibility allows for unique and personalized building projects.
-
ICF walls contain no organic materials, making them resistant to mold, pests, and mildew. They also do not emit toxins and eliminate air gaps, improving indoor air quality and reducing drafts and allergens.
-
ICF is made from recycled and recyclable materials, lasts longer, generates less waste, and reduces energy bills. It’s ideal for achieving net-zero or LEED standards, promoting a healthier living environment with lower exposure to mold and toxins.
-
The long-term value of ICF stacks up through energy savings, durability, overall longevity and disaster resilience. Insurance providers may offer discounts for ICF structures in areas prone to severe weather and fires, enhancing its investment value.
CHOOSE ALASKA’S PREEMINENT ICF BUILDER
Remote Alaska Solutions is built on innovation, continually raising the bar in building a better Alaska. As a certified STRONGHOLD ICF Installer, we provide a comprehensive range of ICF services, from foundations and wall-only structural packages to custom, fully-finished commercial projects.
Build with us.