Insulated concrete form (ICF) is a system of formwork for reinforced concrete usually made with a rigid thermal insulation that stays in place as a permanent interior and exterior substrate for walls, floors, and roofs. The forms are interlocking modular units that are dry-stacked (without mortar) and filled with concrete. The units lock together somewhat like Lego bricks and create a form for the structural walls or floors of a building.
Advantages of ICF Homes
There are many advantages of using ICF blocks to build your house:
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Significant energy savings: In a study by the Portland Cement Association, ICF homes saved up to 50% on heating and cooling costs over wood-framed homes. The poured concrete walls provide an excellent thermal mass, which helps maintain an even indoor air temperature. This also allows you to spend less on a smaller HVAC system.
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Severe weather resistance: Concrete houses have survived tornadoes and hurricanes in areas where wood houses were flattened. When they are properly engineered, they should also withstand earthquakes. Texas Tech University conducted a study to determine the suitability of ICFs for above-ground storm shelters, wood stud “missiles” fired under tornado conditions were unable to penetrate ICFs.
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Significantly lower insurance premiums: Insurance premiums can be up to 50% less with ICF homes, especially in areas where severe weather (hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.) is common.
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Faster construction time: ICF construction eliminates several steps as compared to wood or CBS construction (such as sheating and insulating exterior walls)
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Insect resistant: In many areas of the country, termites are a major problem. There is nothing for termites to eat in an ICF house.
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Significant exterior noise reduction: Studies have shown that about only one-third of exterior noise penetrates an ICF wall as compared to a wood-framed or CBS house.
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Super-high R-values: The ICF walls themselves perform similar to CBS wall but provide a constant R-30 insulation value. ICF walls eliminate air leakage, which can represent 20 to 40% of the heat load requirements of a typical wood frame or CBS constructed building.
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Four times the fire resistance of wood-framed & CBS homes: Traditional wood framed walls can withstand only 15 minutes to 1 hour of fire; whereas concrete walls can withstand up to 4 hours.
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Environmentally friendly: Using ICF blocks to construct a 2,000 square foot home will also save almost 50 trees. And they're health-friendly, too: ICF blocks contain no formaldehyde or other toxic gases that could affect indoor air quality. No VOC's.
