Advanced Framing Techniques | Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) | Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) | Adobe
Insulated concrete forms (ICF) are constructed from expanded polystyrene and stacked like building blocks to form the exte-rior walls. The forms are reinforced with steel and filled with concrete. The forms interlock and fasten one to the other to provide seamless “foundation to rafter” fully insulated, rein-forced concrete walls. Window and door openings of any size are possible.
Insulated concrete forms provide a lasting building envelope, and are designed to withstand high wind, fire, the elements, and the test of time.
FAST FACT: ICFs have a R-valueA unit used to measure thermal resistance, derived from the ratio of the temperature difference across an insulator and the heat flux through it; the ability of the structure to hold internal temperature. The larger the number, the more effective the insulation. of 21 and higher. As a result, the size of a home’s heating and cooling system could be reduced by as much as 50 percent.
Basement waterproofing materials for an ICF basement may need to be different (i.e., water-based moisture barriers need to be used, because petroleum-based tar would melt the exterior foam on the ICF form). Windows and doors would need to be ordered with wider jamb extensions to accommodate the increased wall thickness. Another major factor in the discussion to use ICFs is the level of manu-facturer support available, including training, on-site and telephone technical support, and marketing materials.
Benefits of Insulated Concrete Forms
- Some ICF systems boast up to 75 percent energy savings energy savings over conventional sys-tems.
- ICF construction is compatible with all home designs.
- ICF walls benefit from concrete’s inherent structural qualities, which is particularly important in re-gions affected by severe weather.
- The combination of a continuous concrete wall plus the integral interior and exterior insulation provides superb energy efficiency and lower utility bills.
- Outdoor pollutants can be kept to a minimum due to decreased air infiltration.
- With several inches of concrete sandwiched by foam insulation, ICF homes are typically quieter than neighboring homes built conventionally.
Challenges of Insulated Concrete Forms
ICF homes may cost up to 10 percent more to build, depending on the manufacturer, shipping costs, and other factors. However, lower utility bills will offset the increased up front construction costs
