| Insulating concrete forms (ICF) is a relatively new | | | | mass which moderates the inside temperature, and |
| method of construction that is finding a strong | | | | less demand on HVAC units. It also can reduce the |
| following with home owners and businesses alike that | | | | size of the HVAC unit required to heat and cool the |
| are interested in energy efficient structures. ICF | | | | space. |
| construction can be utilized throughout a structure, | | | | Weather resistance: ICF structures are extremely |
| from foundation walls through to concrete ceilings. | | | | strong. When these structures are engineered to |
| The basic premise with ICF construction is the use of | | | | meet specific needs, such as tornado or hurricane |
| heavy-duty foam blocks that interlock to form a wall. | | | | resistance, they have proven to be significantly |
| These blocks are then secured with continuous rows | | | | stronger than wood framing. They are also insect |
| of rebar. The forms are then situated in place and | | | | resistant (there is no wood to attract termites), and |
| filled with a continuous pour of concrete. The | | | | therefore no harmful chemicals to kill termites. |
| resulting wall is typically 12 inches thick consisting of a | | | | Additionally, ICF homes also provide superior |
| core of 6 inches of reinforced concrete and 2-3 | | | | resistance to fire; some studies indicate up to four |
| inches of the insulating rigid foam on both the interior | | | | times as much as wood framing. |
| and exterior of the finished wall. As you might guess, | | | | Lower homeowner insurance: Due to documented |
| this wall is incredibly strong, and resilient to high winds | | | | studies of weather resistance, insurance companies |
| and extreme temperatures. | | | | can offer lower premiums. |
| The finished structure is able to be finished using | | | | Environmentally friendly: A typical 2,000 square foot |
| traditional finishing materials. On the exterior walls | | | | house requires about 50 trees' worth of lumber. An |
| stucco, siding, or bricks can be installed, and on the | | | | ICF house can be made entirely of cement and steel. |
| interior drywall or plaster can be utilized. The interior | | | | The blocks are also formaldehyde free, which |
| plumbing and wiring are put in place by the plumber | | | | provides very good interior air quality. |
| and electrician cutting channels in the interior foam | | | | The cost of ICF structures can vary depending upon |
| and running their wires and pipes. | | | | design requirements, material and labor cost, and |
| Here are some of the advantages of ICF homes: | | | | interior and exterior finishes. Typically, an ICF |
| Energy efficiency: Several studies have proven that | | | | structure will run between 1-8% more than traditional |
| ICF homes can reduce energy costs by as much as | | | | wood framing. These costs are usually recouped |
| 50%. The poured walls provide a very good thermal | | | | rather quickly with energy and insurance savings. |