Nearly 86% of Concrete Foundations Association members responding to a recent CFA survey are interested in building above-grade concrete homes using removable or reusable forming systems. Forty-six CFA members responded to the survey constituting about 20% of the membership which is considered a very high response rate for surveys.

The survey was conducted to assess the interest and participation level of CFA members in the current concrete housing initiative. Most of the activity, until recently, has been with ICF's (Insulated Concrete Forms). New systems, adaptations, and methods of construction now being developed and promoted that will allow owners of conventional forming systems to use their forms directly, or with additional accessories and components.

Other statistics reported by the survey:

• Do you believe there is a market for above grade concrete homes? - Yes (95%)
• Would you like to learn more about using your existing forms for above grade concrete homes? - Yes (91%)
• Have you constructed above grade concrete homes? - Yes (15%) (7 firms)
• What type of system did you use? - ICF's (2) Conventional Forms (5)

In order to address the growing interest of association members who would like more information in this concept, the CFA formed the Concrete Homes Council at its last board meeting in Atlanta. The council, comprised of representatives of form manufacturers, contractors, the PCA, and Hanley-Wood, will be the clearinghouse and originator of information on concrete housing.

If you are interested, call the CFA. The Council will be meeting on Thursday, July 26th, in conjunction with the CFA summer meeting committee meetings at the Sheraton Fallsview in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

For more information on what the CFA can do for you, please call 319-895-6940 or toll free at 866-232-9255 to learn more about this exciting organization. You can also email Ed Sauter, Executive Director at info@cfawalls.org.