Michael Donovan

Insulated Concrete Form for Home and Commercial construction

Insulated Concrete Forms

Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) are being selected more as a choice of material in the residential market during the last 10 years: concrete homes currently account for about 22 percent of single family construction. Lately, more architects, builders and owners are also exploring ICFs as an option for commercial construction, capitalizing on the system's energy efficiency, durability and ease of construction. Commercial structures built with ICFs are poised to reap the environmental benefits of the building system on a grand scale, creating longer-lasting, more comfortable businesses that will provide healthy environments for employees.

This modern concrete system is engineered for versatility and economy. They are quiet, energy efficient, strong and fire resistant. They reduce noise by as much as 50%, utilities by as much as 40% and it can be designed to resist winds over 250 mph. Owners can lower their insurance rates by designing a total concrete home or building. They can easily design a basement or safe room into your floor plan as well.

ICFs are stay-in-place forms for casting concrete walls. The foam forms are available in a variety of sizes and configurations, which are placed in the shape of the structure. As the forms are placed, reinforcing steel (in most cases) is installed to provide additional support. Concrete is pumped into the forms and allowed to cure. The resulting wall typically has two and one eighth inches of foam insulation on each side, sandwiching approximately four to eight inches of concrete. The interior and exterior of these walls can be easily clad with most traditional materials.

In a typical ICF home or building, energy savings are very significant, usually in the neighborhood of 15 to 40 percent less than conventionally framed construction. The ICFs' heavy-duty insulation and concrete's thermal mass help even out temperature swings in even the most dramatic climates. And HVAC systems can be designed on a smaller scale, further cutting costs at the front end of construction.

Beyond increasing energy savings or ensuring durability and safety, ICFs offer some basic benefits that boost employee productivity and enhance the health and well being of building tenants. The thermal mass of concrete walls ensures evenness of temperatures, providing a comfortable working environment no matter the season. The monolithic construction method reduces air infiltration, boosting indoor air quality. Solid concrete walls help reduce sound transfer, providing a quieter work environment. All these benefits add up to more comfortable, inviting workplaces, which help businesses attract-and retain-the best employees.

When building or considering an addition, ICFs are really worth considering. To understand the benefits and to find the people who can help you with your residential or commercial ICF project contact us today.

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