With ICF construction, expanded polystyrene is used to create forms that are connected with webs and lock together. Steel is ued to reinforce the forms. Concrete is then poured into the forms, which remain in place to help insulate the exterior walls of the house.
The result is a highly insulated home with fewer swings in temperature that's far more energy efficient than the traditional wood-framed house. The concrete walls have no spaces or studs for air to leak through so heating and cooling costs are lower.
The cost efficiency is not just in recouped energy savings, but on the job site too. Because it's faster and easier to build with, fewer trades people are needed to erect long-lasting ICF walls.
There are many studies that show the superiority of ICF walls in modern construction. According to ICF manufacturer NUDURA* Corporation, compared to a typical wood-framed house, ICF homes are up to
2 times more
energy efficient, up to
4 times more
fire resistant, up to
9 times more
durable, and up to
3 times more
sound resistant.
The double foam insulated concrete core reduces noise and vibration. ICF homes are also safer in nasty, high wind weather. They are less likely than traditional wood-framed homes to be damaged in tornadoes and hurricanes. ICF is also more environmentally friendly than using timber to frame a house.
Use ICF doesn't curtail your design options. CCDC has done many complex jobs using ICF construction, such as round walls and gable-ended 45 foot high walls. And there's no limit on the size of window and door openings. Exterior and interior finishing is the same as it is with wood-framed construction.
- Drywall is also easier to install on the ICF blocks. With fasten strips every 8" on center vertically, no longer does the drywaller have to cut back drywall to the nearest stud. Drywall can be lapped passed a nailing strip with confidence that the drywall is solidly backed.
- Plumbers typically use the interior walls to run their systems; sleeves are easily placed through the wall for water hose bibs, sewer/septic connections, etc. prior to the placement of concrete.
- Electrical installations are quick and easy with ICF. First a channel is cut out using an electric chain saw and standard electrical boxes are mounted to the concrete with concrete screws. The wire is then friction fitted into this channel and connected to the boxes, Eps can be replaced over the wire once the electrical inspection has been completed as required.
- ICF, which meets the National Building Code, can be used above and below grade.
*
NUDURA and N Design are trade-marks of NUDURA Corporation, used under License
