Foster’s Daily Democrat, Dover, New Hampshire

Friday, July 1, 2005

Groen Testing New Flooring System
Press Release by Groen Builders, Inc. Staff
ROCHESTER — Groen Builders, Inc. is now the beta test site for a new ICF floor system, manufactured by Amvic, Inc. of Toronto.

At Alice Lane in Rochester (off Old Dover Road), Groen Builders, Inc. is nearing completion of an eight-home neighborhood.  The homes under construction are custom-designed ranches.

Warren Groen of Rochester has always been one to try something new.  And when Groen Builders hired him three years ago, he moved from New Jersey with his family to join his brother Fenton's business.  Now, his home under construction is the beta test site for Amvic's new floor block system.

"People forget that the Styrofoam is just the insulation, and the blocks are just an easier way to set the walls.  My house is actually being made out of concrete, and you can't get much sturdier or more secure than that!" he said.

Victor Amend, president of Amvic, will travel from Toronto, Ontario to oversee the project.

The ICF building system has many benefits including:
Greatly reduced energy consumption needs in the home.
Sturdy, long-lasting construction.
Insulation and protection against sound, fire, wind and bugs.
Easily customized.

The Styrofoam-type forms stay on the concrete after it sets; there is no tear-down or additional insulation application necessary.  Each foundation is coated for water-proofing, and the walls of ICF can be covered with traditional siding, stucco, brick, wood paneling, or other materials.