History of TF Concrete Forming Systems
On a blustery winter day in January of 1994, Gerald Spude drew a rough sketch of a proposed Insulated Concrete Form System and presented it to Don Rudolph across a lunch table at a small neighborhood café in Sturgeon Bay, WI. Both Gerald and Don considered it a good enough idea to investigate further.
They named this new ICF system ThermoForm, and incorporated a new company in February of 1994, to develop, manufacture, and distribute the new idea.
For the first two years, ThermoForm was a horizontal ICF that performed similar to other horizontal block ICF systems in that it required extensive bracing, and extreme care during concrete pours in order to achieve acceptable quality wall dimensions although .
All that changed in 1996. Mr. Spude suggested that the form components be erected in a vertical fashion, similar to conventional, removable, concrete forms. ICF walls could now be easily formed and result in walls that were straight and true to dimension.
The first market for ThermoForm was in residential basements where owners were looking to add additional living space at a reasonable cost by using ICF construction. Homeowners were so pleased with ICF basements that a market was developed for complete insulated concrete homes. Both types of customers continue to use ThermoForm in residential construction today.
Approximately 10 years ago, ThermoForm premiered commercially for frost walls poured during winter weather. Soon after, commercial projects were done that were specifically drawn for ICF. ThermoForm has been used on numerous and differing commercial projects since then and commercial construction is our fastest growing market.
Originally, ThermoForm was manufactured using galvanized steel for the form framework; however, in 2005, recycled plastic components were introduced to reduce cost and add flexibility to the system. ThermoForm continues to improve and evolve to maintain its position as the leading vertical ICF system. Make sure to check the ThermoForm page to see the latest ThermoForm developments.
What’s Happening Now
TF’s newest product, TransForm, was invented after Steven Huff, now TF’s Chairman and Director of Engineering, was introduced to ThermoForm in 2006 while building a residential addition using ICF. Mr. Huff enjoyed the benefits of ICF, but observed there was room for improvement. He collaborated with Mr. Spude and created a new forming system that met three core requirements: energy efficiency, strength and durability, and construction efficiency. TF’s latest innovation delivers all three.
Together, TransForm and ThermoForm are products we not only stand behind, but believe in as well. Our history proves we are an ever evolving company that is dedicated to improving and providing the best products in the industry