ICF - Insulated Concrete Forms

What is ICF?

ICF stands for Insulating or Insulated Concrete Forms. Basically, these are stay-in-place concrete forms used to build exterior walls of buildings. The forms consist of a middle section, which houses metal webs used to stabilize and strengthen the concrete that will eventually be poured into this section to fill all gaps. Each side of the form, which will ultimately be the interior and exterior of the walls, consists of insulating material. This insulation is two to four inches of foam insulation. The finished product - your exterior walls have a concrete core wrapped with insulating foam.

Benefits of ICF Systems

• Energy Efficiency - The major benefit of ICF wall systems is that it is superior in energy efficiency. Not only does it keep the cold air out but it also keeps the warm air in. You can save up to 90% on your energy bills.
• Speed of Construction – Weeks rather than months. A standard home can be constructed to wall plate in 5 days.
• Highest Energy Ratings – ICF houses are the first step to achieving an A Rated Home.
• Strength & Durable - ICF wall systems are durable and are rated to withstand extreme weather conditions.
• Noise - ICF wall systems decrease the amount of sound. It is the most sound proof building material on the market.
• Comfortable - ICF wall systems result in an even temperature distribution throughout the house from floor to ceiling.
• Cleaner Air - ICF systems prevent drafts and gives air filtration, it reduces allergens such as dust.
• Environmentally Friendly -There is no construction waste from this system, apart from the small amounts of packaging. So, not only are they a pleasure to you, but they are a benefit to the environment.
• Fire Retardant - ICF systems can resist fires for up to four hours. If and when a fire starts to burn, the smoke is less toxic for example than burning wood.

Arguments Against ICF Syatems

• Cost Too Much - The ICF system costs anywhere from one to five percent more than conventional building. However, with energy savings, this extra construction cost will soon pay for itself. ICF systems outperform traditional built dwellings due to its energy efficiency, strength, durability, comfort, and indoor air quality.
• Limited in Options – this is not the case - Forms are made for all shapes and sizes, arches, curved walls, odd angles, etc. these are all possible with the ICF system.
• Ugly - The ICF walls are faces like traditional building materials, including brick, rock, siding, drywall, etc. Therefore, you can’t tell the difference between ICF walls and traditional walls apart from wall thickness.
• Air Tight - Because the ICF wall systems are air tight, it may be necessary to install a Heat Recovery System.
• Limited Floor Plan Options - You can take any floor plan and have it engineered for ICF wall systems

Advantages of a ICF Build compared to a Traditional Build

• Increase the Energy Rating of your home – Achieve an A Rated Home
• Increase the value of your home
• 90% More Energy Efficient
• Quicker Build Time : Weeks rather than Months
• Quieter Structures – Sound Proof
• Greater R Values; Greater resistance to air flow. The higher the R – Value the greater the insulation strength
• No thermal Bridges: ICF walls are continuous without thermal bridges
• Better Design Capabilities
• Lowest U Value on the market. The U value is a measure of heat loss, the lower the U – Value the less heat loss. Our exposed wall has a U-Value of 0.17
• Better for the Environment: less fuel required to heat the house resulting in lower CO2 emissions
• Better Air Quality : Healthier living

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