basics on insulated Concrete forms (IcF)

ICFs are a relatively new wall building material, extremely efficient in terms of energy efficiency and extremely durable and resistant to elements like high winds… Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) produce high-quality and extremely comfortable homes, but at higher prices…

What are Insulating Concrete Forms

Insulated Concrete Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) are forms conceived to hold concrete and to remain in place after the concrete curing. These forms serve as the insulation sections of those concrete walls, and are plastic foam (typically polystyrene) or some other proprietary materials like the ones presented by manufacturers like Durisol or Mastra. See: Insulated Concrete Forms Manufacturers.

These insulation sections (forms) are lightweight and confer high energy-efficiency to the walls, while concrete ensures strength and extremely high durability.

Walls, beams and posts

ICFs can be used to form standard walls, but also to form posts and beams and grids. They provide backing for interior and exterior finishes. And they can be used also in foundation walls.

See: Insulated Concrete Forms Installation

Uses

ICFs can be both used for above-grade wall construction and on slabs, basements and crawlspace walls.

ICF forms

Typically, the insulating sections of ICFs are made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS), but some manufacturers present other materials, often greener ones: mixtures of cement and wood or recycled polystyrene and cement.

Types of ICFs

There are several types of ICF systems that differ in the foam and other materials used in the forms, but also in the shape and size (there are panels and blocks…) or in the way the cement is associated with them to build the walls. The flat system produces a continuous thickness of concrete, like common poured walls. But there also grid systems and post-and-beam systems..

See: Insulated Concrete Forms Types

ICFs and insulation

ICF walls are particularly energy-efficient, though dependent on the material they use and thickness. Insulation values between R-17 and R-26 are common (wood framed walls have typical insulation values between R-13 and R-19). Due to this differential, houses constructed with ICF walls will need smaller cooling and heating equipments (around half of those required by wood-frame wall construction).

Costs

ICF prices depend on the materials used and their thickness. Prices between $2 and $3 per square foot are common. These costs do not include installation labor, reinforcement, or concrete placement.

See, for details: Insulated Concrete Forms Prices

Disadvantages or limitations

Costs are often the main disadvantage of ICFs. ICF homes may cost 2% to 5% more than homes made with wood-framed and precast concrete blocks, and approximately the same as poured-in-place concrete buildings. In some locations, where builders aren’t familiar with ICFs, the difference of cost may even be higher.

But there are other elements that should be considered, and some options that may lower the ICF home costs (the final price depends strongly on the thickness of the cement and insulation sections).

Other disadvantages involve some unfamiliarity that may surround this technology.

See: Insulated Concrete Forms Disadvantages and Insulated Concrete Forms Benefits