User:Jerry marcum

Integrated Framing Assemblies

Integrated Framing Assemblies (IFAs) are proprietary patent-pending hollow metal frames designed for the commercial insulating concrete form (ICF) industry. Their primary distributorship is Stala Integrated Framing (www.stalaframing.com) in Louisville, KY, USA.

ICFs have become a popular method of poured-concrete construction due to their increased structural stability and energy-efficiency. For example, in warm-weather climates ICF homes have proven to be hurricane-proof. Similarly, in cold-weather climates home-owners can take advantage of high R-values (thermal ratings) and lowered air infiltration. ICFs have also become a popular green-building method of construction, with some contractors using them to attain or increase LEED status for their projects. ICFs became popular enough that, in 2007, a popular-level guide for homebuyers was published.

The downturned North American home market, however, has caused the ICF industry to turn toward commercial construction, with some industry professionals even advising contractors on how to make the move.