Insulated Concrete Forms

Insulated Concrete Form construction is relatively new to the North American building market, where home builders typically opt for traditional wood framing. That will soon change as ICF construction brings many benefits, such as greater:

• Energy efficiency


• Fire resistance


• Cost efficiency


• Durability


• Sound resistance


• Comfort


• Strong wind resistance


• Environmental benefits

With ICF construction, expanded polystyrene is used to create hollow forms that are connected with webs and lock together.  Steel is used 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.
     Using 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 exterior 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 & 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.
Take our guided tour to see a house being built with ICF walls.