Lorne Bingeman has been building concrete basements for over 26 years, and is pleased to be one of the leading edge suppliers of structural concrete services in Central Alberta. It was 8 years ago when he came across a new product that looked intriguing; an expanded polystyrene block system.
"We pride ourselves on the service we give with Logix - training courses, including on-site training if the people can't get to a training course. We'll take the blocks to the people, set them up, check on them, and help pour just to make sure everything is done properly," says Lorne. When the ICF block company the Bingemans started with moved their manufacturing to the US, the Canadian manufacturers decided to band together and produce their own ICF block. This gave Lorne an opportunity not only to stay with a Canadian-made product, but also to have a hand in the design. The Bingemans have been actively looking for a better way from the beginning, and they have it now in the Logix insulated concrete form (ICF) system. "I spent a year and a half researching it", Lorne recalls. "There are numerous Insulated Concrete Forming products on the market, and we looked at several. I wanted to test it. I couldn't believe these things would hold concrete." So he built a small barn for his wife's horses on their acreage at their Morningside location. And the testing began. After finishing the barn, their only complaint was that it was "too warm," says Vicky. "We had no heat in the barn, but even at -40 C we had to leave the door open a little, with just three animals in it." "That's one of the benefits of the system," says Lorne. "It has a stated insulation value of R24, but independent studies have shown that you would have to build a stick framed wall to an R50 to compete with the way this Logix wall works." ICF's are interlocking lightweight polystyrene blocks that serve as a form for poured concrete walls. The wall is formed by setting up the blocks using simple hand tools, installing reinforcing bars, and then filling it with concrete. The plastic web is designed for easy installation of rebar, and holds it in place. The web also provides a place to fasten drywall, siding, etc., and is strong enough to withstand internal vibration of the freshly poured concrete. The expanded polystyrene remains, providing the outstanding insulation value. Four different sizes of block are now available; 4", 6", 8" and 10" concrete thicknesses, with 6" being the most common. Although it is still most commonly used for basements, the system is rapidly gaining acceptance and wider usage for the complete structure of homes, apartments, and all types of commercial and industrial buildings. "The most common complaint I get from customers we've done basements for is 'Why didn't you convince us to do the whole building'?" says Lorne. Vicky looks after the books and runs the office, but she is also quite capable of running the forklift when a load of blocks arrives to be stored in the warehouse. "We keep a substantial inventory on hand," Lorne notes. "So, if someone calls in the morning and wants to pick up blocks later in the day, they can, or we can deliver product."  Lorne's years of experience in the industry have earned him the respect of building contractors and industry people throughout the region, and his expertise makes him a great teacher.Bingeman Construction also employs two full time estimators to provide quotations on products and installations as well as take-offs on any plans brought to the office. Although they've been very successful so far, Lorne and Vicky are confident that bigger things are yet to come, especially now that they have completed their show home. The new home in Morningside is already attracting many admirers and inquisitive visitors. The home is beautifully finished and furnished with Vicky's outstanding collection of antiques, but some basement areas have been left open to display the features of the ICF system. One feature is very easily demonstrated. The home is situated very near Highway 2A and the CN rail line, yet guests are usually unaware of even a passing train until Vicky opens the door. Then their eyes light up in amazement that even the roar of a locomotive can scarcely be heard inside the house. They are equally amazed when they hear how little it costs to heat the home, and that air conditioning is completely unnecessary. The system is also allergy free. "There's nothing in the Logix forms that supports mold or mildew," notes Lorne. "We also have a lot of people who are chemical sensitive come to us." The Bingeman home was built using the ICF system from the footing right up to the rafters. Lorne explains that this provides even greater insulation value because there is no break in the outside wall at the floor level. Floor joists are hung from the inside of the insulated concrete wall. This system makes the floors even quieter. The sound of a slamming door doesn't carry throughout the house. Wind creates almost no sound. All of these are advantages enjoyed by a homeowner, but they are even more significant in a commercial building such as a hotel, an apartment or a manufacturing plant. Overall, there's probably just one disadvantage to owning a home built with the ICF system. You may have strangers wanting to see it, and neighbors dropping in on a hot day to enjoy the cool comfort. But you probably won't mind the friends coming over, and you can tell the strangers to call the Bingemans. Vicky will be happy to show them what an ICF home can be. In fact, from time to time, the Bingemans will be holding an open house. It's a secret too good to keep to themselves! |
