ICF forms for wall energy efficiency
Insulatated Concrete Forms construction combines the durability and structural strength of concrete walls with exceptional levels of wall insulation and energy-efficiency.
ICF are rigid plastic foam forms (blocks or panels and planks) designed to build walls. They are used not only to hold concrete in place during its curing but also to become the foam/insulating sections of the concrete walls. ICF forms are very lightweight and have a high R-value, allowing an easy construction and smaller HVAC systems. They provide exceptional levels of insulation and also huge resistance to extreme winds, or mold and fire...
What are ICF Forms
The ICF forms are designed to hold concrete in place and to become the insulation layers of concrete walls.
They are made from rigid plastic foam (typically polystyrene) or some other proprietary material (see ICF Manufacturers).
The ICF forms provide exceptional insulation and energy-efficiency, while the concrete core ensures extreme strength and durability.
Building ICF Walls, beams and posts
ICF forms can be used to build standard walls, but also posts, beams and grids. They provide backing for interior and exterior finishes and are also used in foundation walls.
In fact, ICF can be used not only in above-grade wall construction but also in slabs, basements and crawlspace walls.
See:
ICF Homes
ICF and SIP House Plans
ICF Foam Materials
Most ICF forms are made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS), but some ICF manufacturers are using other greener materials, like recycled polystyrene or other proprietary materials.
ICF panels and Blocks
ICF forms differ in the type of materials they are made of, but also in their shape and size (there are panels/planks and blocks…) and other details.
See: ICF Blocks and Panels
ICF Forms Energy Efficiency
ICF walls are particularly energy-efficient, but the exact efficiency of ICF construction depends largely on the thickness of the forms. Insulation values between R-17 and R-26 for ICF walls are very common (R-13 to R-19 for well insulated wood frame homes).
Since building with ICF yields very energy-efficient walls, homes will need smaller cooling and heating equipment.
ICF Homes Prices
ICF wall prices between $2 and $3 per square foot are common. These prices do not include labor, reinforcement, or concrete pouring. The final prices of ICF construction are higher than common concrete and wood-frame construction.
ICF homes may cost you, on average, 2% to 5% more than wood-frame and concrete construction (See: ICF Costs and Prices).
See: ICF Disadvantages and ICF Advantages
See also: