Magnum™ Heated System and Insulating Concrete Forms – A Winning Combination

Background

Insulating concrete forms (ICF’s) have been around for more than 30 years and were used primarily below-grade for basement walls and foundations underneath wood frame construction. As people gradually began to understand the benefits of ICF construction, ICF’s began to be used for above-grade residential and commercial construction.

Insulating concrete form construction has developed and evolved into one of the most versatile wall building systems available. ICF’s have gained recognition in the southeast due to their hurricane strength while they have proven to be popular in the north because of their energy efficiency.

Problem

ICF’s provide a much tighter building than traditional construction and are fast and easy to install, often reducing the number of workers needed. However, with limited ICF options available when it comes to the roof, stick frame construction is generally utilized over ICF roofs and walls. This is the equivalent of putting a wooden lid on a cooler; it gets the job done, but it’s not very energy efficient.

Sam Rashkin, National Director of ENERGY STAR®, stated that builders should insulate and seal the attics of ICF homes to complete the building envelope. He also said that ENERGY STAR® may not award an ICF home an ENERGY STAR® rating if the attic isn’t properly sealed.

Solution

The Magnum™ Heated System is a two-component polyurethane low-pressure foam delivery system. Polyurethane foam is ideal for insulating the attics of ICF buildings because it seals gaps and voids, thus eliminating air infiltration and completing the building envelope. The Magnum™ Heated System comes equipped with the patented Handi-Gun® and up to a 150 foot heated hose. The Handi-Gun® offers precise and accurate dispensing, which helps to reduce labor time and costs. The heated hose keeps the chemical at an even, temperature to ensure consistent application in various climates.

The Magnum™ Heated System offers ICF builders an option between the traditional high-pressure dispensing systems and the smaller disposable kits, an option many didn’t know existed. The Magnum™ Heated System is portable and easy to use, allowing ICF builders to operate the system themselves, thus eliminating the need for pricey sub-contractors.

The initial investment in the Magnum™ Heated System is minimal compared to traditional foam dispensing systems. Fomo eliminated the need for pumps or motors to operate the heated hose, allowing the Magnum™ Heated System to source power from a standard 120V service. Switching the hose to new tanks is simple and fast, while set-up and tear-down are completed in just minutes, keeping down-time on the job sites to a minimum. Combining the latest technology in foam application along with Fomo’s 30-year reputation for producing the highest quality foam, makes this entire system worthy of its name: Magnum™ Heated System.