ICF's Help Save Building from Wildfire

Tony Ellsworth, owner of Ellsworth Bikes in Ramona, California, credits the “green” concrete materials he used for constructing his business in helping to save his building from wildfires.

Instead of using traditional wood studs and sheet rock for construction, Ellsworth decided to employ the use of insulated concrete forms (ICFs) from Arxx Walls and Foundations.

According to Ellsworth, the building can resist termites, wind damage and, as just proven, fire. The land around the building was charred, but his building wasn't touched.

Ellsworth also touted environmental benefits deriving from the use of ICFs. "It takes about 40 percent less electricity to air-condition a concrete form building – about a 30 to 40 percent reduction over a wood structure," Ellsworth said.