| This type of exterior wall system is becoming more | | | | structural and architectural advantages for each type |
| popular due to the surge in green building | | | | cavity. |
| construction. The first patent for the application of an | | | | There are many benefits and advantages of using |
| ICF was registered in the 1960's. Insulating concrete | | | | these wall systems that promote greater comfort |
| forms or molds have built-in insulation for accepting | | | | and lower energy bills. ICF's have a high R-value. Four |
| reinforced concrete. ICF's are stay-in-place | | | | inches of ASTM C578 polystyrene foam insulation |
| polystyrene forms that have proven to be energy | | | | combined with a five inch concrete wall would |
| efficient, cast in place reinforced concrete walls. This | | | | typically be rated a R-17. Nothing blows through the |
| wall system can be used to create residential or | | | | reinforced concrete, eliminating drafts, thereby have |
| commercial structures. Unlike conventional concrete | | | | a very minimal air infiltration into the building envelope. |
| forms, these stay-in-place after the concrete is | | | | The thermal mass of the exterior wall envelope |
| placed in the wall cavity of the forms and serve as | | | | eliminates temperature peaks and valleys. Energy |
| form, insulation, exterior wall sheathing, and in some | | | | savings have been estimated to be 25% to 50% for |
| cases wall studding. ICF wall systems allow for flexible | | | | an ICF building versus wood framed or steel framed |
| design, and a vast array of architectural styles and | | | | buildings. |
| treatments. The wall becomes a high performing wall | | | | Safety and health benefits include no CFC's, HCFC's, |
| that is structurally sound, insulated, has a vapor | | | | or formaldehydes, and also no wood to rot and mold. |
| barrier, and is ready to accept final exterior and | | | | Typically the structures provide a two hour fire rating |
| interior wall finishes. | | | | and highly termite and pest resistant. Concrete |
| There are many manufacturer's of this type of stay | | | | homes have proven track record to withstand the |
| in place wall system. The wall systems can be | | | | ravages of nature - hurricanes, tornados, and fires. |
| grouped into three different systems:o Panel | | | | This safety facet typically relates into reduced |
| Systems are the largest units, as big as 4 feet by 8 | | | | insurance premiums. The structures can also eliminate |
| feet. The panels typically have flat edges and are | | | | outside noises due to their high sound absorption |
| connected to one another with extra wall fasteners.o | | | | qualities. |
| Plank Systems include units of long narrow planks of | | | | Disadvantages include adding or moving doors, |
| foam held a constant distance apart by steel or | | | | window, or utilities after the building is complete. |
| plastic ties. Typically, these planks are 8 foot long and | | | | Concrete cutting tools are need to perform these |
| 8 or 12 inches high. The planks have notched, cut, or | | | | tasks. Typically, initial construction costs be anywhere |
| drilled edges that they tie into. Additionally, the ties | | | | from 55 to 15% more than conventional wood built |
| connect each course of planks to one above and | | | | structures. |
| below.o Block Systems include units ranging in size | | | | Look for a future increase in the use of the ICF wall |
| from standard concrete block sizes and up to much | | | | systems. The durability of the system coupled with |
| larger 16 inches high by 4 feet long. Along the edges | | | | the push for a green environment and greater |
| are teeth or grooves and tongues for interlocking. | | | | energy efficiency will lead the way. Additionally, there |
| They are able to stack without separate fasteners, | | | | are federal energy tax credits for this type of |
| in the same manner as children's lego blocks. | | | | building system that many times stir the interest for |
| The various wall systems types have different cavity | | | | utilization. |
| shapes - flat, grid, or post and beam. There are | | | | |