ICF - Insulated Concrete Forms
![Picture](/uploads/4/5/2/1/4521329/4701390.png?280)
Concept
Also known, affectionately, as giant Lego, ICF (insulated concrete forms) is a construction system whereby lightweight foam blocks, made of expanded polystyrene (EPS), are ‘stacked’ together to make up the desired wall shapes, which are then filled with concrete.
The EPS (foam) acts as your insulation, making ICF blocks stay-in-place forming system, which complete five steps of the construction process in one.
Also known, affectionately, as giant Lego, ICF (insulated concrete forms) is a construction system whereby lightweight foam blocks, made of expanded polystyrene (EPS), are ‘stacked’ together to make up the desired wall shapes, which are then filled with concrete.
The EPS (foam) acts as your insulation, making ICF blocks stay-in-place forming system, which complete five steps of the construction process in one.
![Picture](/uploads/4/5/2/1/4521329/3765155.jpg?330)
What makes an ICF block?
Manufactured using a single form process, each ICF block consists of two EPS panels, held together by a series of specially engineered plastic web connectors.
How Insulated Concrete Forms are assembled?
ICF wall systems are assembled by placing blocks on top of others according to the manufacturer’s specifications. As a wall system is assembled, other aspects of constructing a wall correctly include steel reinforcement inside of the wall as specified in the building code/manufacturer’s engineering guide, window/door openings that need to be formed so concrete does not spill thru, penetrations that need to be kept void of concrete for any services needing to pass thru the wall. As the wall is erected, an 3-in-1 systems is connected to the exterior of the wall to acts as the bracing, alignment and scaffolding system.
Manufactured using a single form process, each ICF block consists of two EPS panels, held together by a series of specially engineered plastic web connectors.
How Insulated Concrete Forms are assembled?
ICF wall systems are assembled by placing blocks on top of others according to the manufacturer’s specifications. As a wall system is assembled, other aspects of constructing a wall correctly include steel reinforcement inside of the wall as specified in the building code/manufacturer’s engineering guide, window/door openings that need to be formed so concrete does not spill thru, penetrations that need to be kept void of concrete for any services needing to pass thru the wall. As the wall is erected, an 3-in-1 systems is connected to the exterior of the wall to acts as the bracing, alignment and scaffolding system.
![Picture](/uploads/4/5/2/1/4521329/6235903.jpg)
Completed system:
Once completed, an ICF structure is a monolithic wall that takes advantage of a concept known as thermal mass. Insulated and ready for drywall inside (and exterior finish outside), an ICF wall provides greater energy savings, greater safety for its occupants, and by far a more comfortable and healthier living experience. As a finished wall system, the homeowner experiences the greatest benefits.
Benefits of ICF - Insulated Concrete Form
Energy Savings
Do you enjoy paying expensive utilities bills? Or does reducing your energy bill by as much as 50% sound more interesting? ICF construction will reduce your energy bills in multiple ways. Heating costs are the greatest area of savings in our region, but cooling costs are also minimized and other savings opportunities are also available.
ICF blocks alone account for R-value of 24, already greater than typical construction. But the ‘magic’ really happens once the concrete is in the forms.
Concrete acts as a thermal mass, which means that the transfer of heat is slowed significantly, reducing heat loss during winter and penetration during summer. Also, the combination of two layers of foam and the solid mass of concrete eliminate approximately half the air leakage (infiltration) compared to a wood-framed home, which is one of the greatest causes of temperature fluctuations leading to increased energy bills.
Healthier Living
A home built using ICF coupled with a proper air exchange system will offer the most clean indoor environment available. Conventionally but houses typically have an indoor environment 20% more polluted than outside. One of the culprits is building materials, many of which contain or are treated with volatile compounds from manufacture process or for preservation. These compounds infiltrate the indoor air (a process known as off-gassing) and work their way into your lungs. Another concern is wood’s susceptibility to mould or rotting, which can further pollute indoor air.
Concrete is a practically inert, organic material, meaning it promotes a much healthier indoor environment for you and your family. Concrete is naturally waterproof and fire-resistant, so it does not need to be treated with any chemicals that may otherwise contaminate indoor air and can be easily cleaned with organic, non-toxic cleaners.
Security/Safety
Concrete is naturally fire-resistant. ICF blocks are treated with a fire-retardant to provide a 3 hour fire rating on the 6” ICF wall. The self-ignition temperature of ICF blocks is 800◦ F (430◦C), meaning it won’t burn until long after you have left the building.
Stronger walls - ICF walls are, as the saying goes, bullet proof. ICF forms provide the best curing environment for concrete walls, resulting in a concrete wall about double the comprehensive strength of conventionally poured walls. Add to this a healthy supplement of steel reinforcing bars, and a homeowner is left with the peace of mind that their wall will withstand up to 150 mph winds. ICF are up to 25% stronger than other concrete walls, and up to four time stronger than wood.
Environmental - Energy savings, longevity and use of recycled materials help to make ICF construction a more environmentally friendly choice. Also, the amount of land used to extract the materials required to make concrete is only a fraction of the vast areas of land required to harvest forests for lumber.
Recycled materials – ICF blocks are, by weight, 47% recycled materials, and are listed as a ‘Green Building Product’. Thanks to this, ICF contributes in numerous categories within the LEED Rating system for both commercial and residential. Furthermore, concrete also uses recycled materials for energy sources during production, and crushed concrete can be recycled as aggregate into new concrete.
Longevity - Since wood rots and decays, and is extremely susceptible to natural disasters, it is central to a wasteful construction cycle of frequent disposal and replacement. Concrete, on the other hand, requires little or no maintenance and stands up to nature’s fury and fires. Furthermore, it doesn’t rust or rot. Concrete's sheer durability over decades of use goes a long way towards waste reduction. A study published by the Portland Cement Association show that over the life span of a house, ICF has a reduced CO2 burden vs. wood-frame construction, by 220,460 lbs.
Greater Comfort - ICF construction provides a monolithic building envelope, and thereby reduces air leakage to about half of a conventionally built house, virtually eliminating cold drafts and minimizing temperature fluctuations. Constantly adjusting the thermostat to feel comfortable will be a thing of the past.
Noise reduction – another of the great comforts is not being inundated with exterior noise. Looking out your windows will be like watching silent movies of the outside world. With a attenuation rating of STC 50+, your ICF home has the necessary sound reducing qualities to reduce outside noises to a whisper and let you enjoy your home with a quiet comfort we all look for in a home.
Build Anytime - Build any season, regardless of temperature. ICF construction is not hampered by the same limitations or special needs of conventional concrete forming, the more common type of foundation for conventional building. After any concrete wall is poured there is a curing process that needs to occur. Without adequate curing conditions this does not happen, and the wall weakens and is prone to cracking and even shifting. One of the most common complaints in new homes is leaky basements due to cracked foundation walls. With ICF construction, concrete is protected by the very forms that create its shape, which means that the curing process will complete as required. In fact, because of its optimum curing environment, an ICF wall cures to be stronger than a conventional wall. Rest assured that your ICF wall will not leak, or crack regardless of what season you build in.
Design Versatile - Any design possible with conventional construction is possible with ICF construction. ICF are forms made of foam and plastic, both easily manipulated. If you have a concern that you design may not be possible to build with ICF, contact us to find out how we can make it happen with ICF.
Zero maintenance - Unlike wood which suffers the elements leading to rot, decay, and mold or termite infestation, concrete doesn’t rot or corrode, and the reinforcing steel is protected from corrosion by the concrete that surrounds it. The foam from which the ICF is made also does not rot or decay. This makes for a durable combination which will require virtually zero maintenance.
Energy Savings
Do you enjoy paying expensive utilities bills? Or does reducing your energy bill by as much as 50% sound more interesting? ICF construction will reduce your energy bills in multiple ways. Heating costs are the greatest area of savings in our region, but cooling costs are also minimized and other savings opportunities are also available.
ICF blocks alone account for R-value of 24, already greater than typical construction. But the ‘magic’ really happens once the concrete is in the forms.
Concrete acts as a thermal mass, which means that the transfer of heat is slowed significantly, reducing heat loss during winter and penetration during summer. Also, the combination of two layers of foam and the solid mass of concrete eliminate approximately half the air leakage (infiltration) compared to a wood-framed home, which is one of the greatest causes of temperature fluctuations leading to increased energy bills.
Healthier Living
A home built using ICF coupled with a proper air exchange system will offer the most clean indoor environment available. Conventionally but houses typically have an indoor environment 20% more polluted than outside. One of the culprits is building materials, many of which contain or are treated with volatile compounds from manufacture process or for preservation. These compounds infiltrate the indoor air (a process known as off-gassing) and work their way into your lungs. Another concern is wood’s susceptibility to mould or rotting, which can further pollute indoor air.
Concrete is a practically inert, organic material, meaning it promotes a much healthier indoor environment for you and your family. Concrete is naturally waterproof and fire-resistant, so it does not need to be treated with any chemicals that may otherwise contaminate indoor air and can be easily cleaned with organic, non-toxic cleaners.
Security/Safety
Concrete is naturally fire-resistant. ICF blocks are treated with a fire-retardant to provide a 3 hour fire rating on the 6” ICF wall. The self-ignition temperature of ICF blocks is 800◦ F (430◦C), meaning it won’t burn until long after you have left the building.
Stronger walls - ICF walls are, as the saying goes, bullet proof. ICF forms provide the best curing environment for concrete walls, resulting in a concrete wall about double the comprehensive strength of conventionally poured walls. Add to this a healthy supplement of steel reinforcing bars, and a homeowner is left with the peace of mind that their wall will withstand up to 150 mph winds. ICF are up to 25% stronger than other concrete walls, and up to four time stronger than wood.
Environmental - Energy savings, longevity and use of recycled materials help to make ICF construction a more environmentally friendly choice. Also, the amount of land used to extract the materials required to make concrete is only a fraction of the vast areas of land required to harvest forests for lumber.
Recycled materials – ICF blocks are, by weight, 47% recycled materials, and are listed as a ‘Green Building Product’. Thanks to this, ICF contributes in numerous categories within the LEED Rating system for both commercial and residential. Furthermore, concrete also uses recycled materials for energy sources during production, and crushed concrete can be recycled as aggregate into new concrete.
Longevity - Since wood rots and decays, and is extremely susceptible to natural disasters, it is central to a wasteful construction cycle of frequent disposal and replacement. Concrete, on the other hand, requires little or no maintenance and stands up to nature’s fury and fires. Furthermore, it doesn’t rust or rot. Concrete's sheer durability over decades of use goes a long way towards waste reduction. A study published by the Portland Cement Association show that over the life span of a house, ICF has a reduced CO2 burden vs. wood-frame construction, by 220,460 lbs.
Greater Comfort - ICF construction provides a monolithic building envelope, and thereby reduces air leakage to about half of a conventionally built house, virtually eliminating cold drafts and minimizing temperature fluctuations. Constantly adjusting the thermostat to feel comfortable will be a thing of the past.
Noise reduction – another of the great comforts is not being inundated with exterior noise. Looking out your windows will be like watching silent movies of the outside world. With a attenuation rating of STC 50+, your ICF home has the necessary sound reducing qualities to reduce outside noises to a whisper and let you enjoy your home with a quiet comfort we all look for in a home.
Build Anytime - Build any season, regardless of temperature. ICF construction is not hampered by the same limitations or special needs of conventional concrete forming, the more common type of foundation for conventional building. After any concrete wall is poured there is a curing process that needs to occur. Without adequate curing conditions this does not happen, and the wall weakens and is prone to cracking and even shifting. One of the most common complaints in new homes is leaky basements due to cracked foundation walls. With ICF construction, concrete is protected by the very forms that create its shape, which means that the curing process will complete as required. In fact, because of its optimum curing environment, an ICF wall cures to be stronger than a conventional wall. Rest assured that your ICF wall will not leak, or crack regardless of what season you build in.
Design Versatile - Any design possible with conventional construction is possible with ICF construction. ICF are forms made of foam and plastic, both easily manipulated. If you have a concern that you design may not be possible to build with ICF, contact us to find out how we can make it happen with ICF.
Zero maintenance - Unlike wood which suffers the elements leading to rot, decay, and mold or termite infestation, concrete doesn’t rot or corrode, and the reinforcing steel is protected from corrosion by the concrete that surrounds it. The foam from which the ICF is made also does not rot or decay. This makes for a durable combination which will require virtually zero maintenance.