The interior AFTER the concrete has been poured into the walls, with the bracing in place by Mikeog39 is license under CC BY-SA 3.0

The popularity of Insulating Concrete Forms aligns with the more stringent building standards of today. ICFs are cast-in-place concrete wall-forming systems made from high-density hollow styrofoam blocks and other lightweight materials. These blocks are put together into the exterior wall of the building, reinforced with steel rebar, and loaded with concrete. 

The concrete hardens and remains as part of the structure permanently. Moreover, the concrete forms are an excellent sound barrier and air insulation. Aside from those features, ICFs also provide stucco, lap siding on the exterior, and backing for drywall on the interior. 

If you want to know why Insulated Concrete Forms are the choice material for construction right now, read this article about the cost, components, benefits, and downsides of ICFs. 

The Cost of Using ICFs in Construction

Applying ICFs in construction can cost from $150 to $165 per square foot. The prices of concrete vary, and other factors can affect ICF construction costs, such as labor, materials, design, project complexity, and location, among other things. 

It’s vital to take note of the amount of time required to acquire the permits for this kind of project. ICF construction permits may take longer to compile than conventional home construction permits due to the demanding process. 

Three Types of Insulating Concrete Forms

The grid system, flat system, and post and beam system are the three major types of ICFs. Most building standards accept all these system designs, and they have been installed successfully in construction projects. 

The grid system features a waffle pattern and thicker concrete at various points. In contrast, the flat system has a continuous concrete thickness through the entire wall, similar to the typically poured walls. Lastly, the post and beam system has vertical and horizontal concrete features, fully enclosed by foam insulation. 

Typical Lifespan of ICF Buildings

The typical lifespan of an ICF building lasts around 100 years. Since the foam blocks are less likely to degrade, ICFs need minimal maintenance. The walls can also withstand earthquakes, strong winds, fire, and tornadoes. 

Make sure to choose seasoned builders if you want to apply ICFs in your construction project. The construction project should come with a warranty that protects it from any kind of disaster. 

Advantages of ICFs

It’s not surprising that an increasing number of construction projects utilize Insulated Concrete Forms. Read this list of advantages of ICFs over conventional wall-forming methods. 

Strong Construction

ICFs are strong and durable because of their concrete reinforcement. The structure maintains its strength and efficiency because years don’t degrade the plastic insulation. As such, ICF buildings can hold out against any kind of disaster. 

Builders can further strengthen ICF buildings by adding impact-resistant windows, metal shutters, and well-anchored and fire-resistant roofs. 

Soundproofing

ICF construction comes with excellent soundproofing. In contrast, conventional construction only employs soundproofing as an addition. ICFs use blocks that provide thicker walls and naturally impede sound propagation. 

If you want to be peaceful inside your home, consider ICFs in your home construction. ICFs are also ideal for movie theaters where acoustic insulation is vital for the building’s function. 

Energy Efficiency

Due to minimal exterior air interchange, ICF buildings have good energy efficiency ratings. Such buildings lower energy consumption because they’re tight and well-insulated. The insulation provided by the expanded polystyrene foam makes ICF construction more energy-efficient. 

Design Flexibility

ICFs come with built-in vapor barriers that allow for easy exterior finishing. Designing the building is also more convenient because of the longer and larger room spans. You won’t need additional work when it comes to designing the building. 

Disadvantages of ICFs

If there are advantages, there are also some downsides to ICF construction. 

Require More Indoor Space

ICFs come with multiple inches of foam insulation and reinforced concrete. It means ICF construction requires more indoor space than wood frame walls. A typical problem of ICFs as they’re applied to smaller buildings is this space requirement. 

Water and Insect Issues

Insects and water can permeate the walls through the exterior foam insulation if you utilize polystyrene for ICF construction. You can use foam blocks and treat them with insecticides to prevent the insect issue. Water entering the walls, on the other hand, can be avoided by an additional waterproof solution to the structure. 

Difficult to Remodel

Considering the building design and making it flexible for improvements or changes in the future is vital for ICF construction. This contingency plan is crucial because ICF buildings are hard to remodel. 

Takeaway

Insulated Concrete Forms are a popular wall-forming method in construction today. ICFs typically comply with current building codes because of their durability, solid insulation, soundproofing, and energy efficiency. They’re an excellent material for low-rise residential and commercial buildings. Many homeowners and builders prefer this method because of the benefits mentioned.