ICFs grow 29% in 2001 according to NAHB and PCA
(Press Release)

The use of ICFs in the residential market increase 29% in 2001, accounting for 2.7% of all above-grade homes in the US according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the Portland Cement Association (PCA). This is the third year of significant growth for the ICF industry, with ICFs accounting for 1.2% of the above-grade residential market in 1999 and 2.1% in 2000.

Although ICFA's Shipment Report confirmed a significant increase in the production of ICFs earlier this year, the NAHB/PCA statistics are vital to benchmarking the growth of ICFs in the residential market. "Surveys confirm year after year that homebuyers demand increased quality in the materials used in the construction of their homes. They desire building systems that will be maintenance-free and can prevent costly home repair. The market will see more movement towards high performance building systems like ICFs in the near future," said Joseph Lyman, Executive Directory of the ICFA.

The instability of energy prices, as well as the lack of electricity and natural gas supplies in most markets, has also impacted the growth of ICFs. The US Department of Energy confirms the energy demand in the residential market over the next decade, predicting the demand for electricity will increase 15% and the demand for natural gas will increase by 7.5% by 2012. "As long as homeowners seek refuge from $350 a month energy bills, ICFs will continue to thrive," said Lyman.