Two sheets of expanded polystyrene foam board (EPS) are held apart by strong plastic ties in an ICF (insulated concrete form). This is simply what ICF construction is all about. When these interlocking forms are filled with reinforcing bars and concrete, they stack and connect to form a hollow wall. ICFs can be used to build insulated reinforced concrete walls of any size and shape.
To create a robust, monolithic, insulated concrete wall, you place reinforcing iron bars in the area between the plastic boards and fill it with concrete. You can reduce the quantity of carbon-intensive cement needed in the mix by adding additional cement-like elements like fly ash, resulting in more ecologically friendly concrete.
ICF Construction Cost
Because of reduced relative operating expenses, the ICF ownership costs are always lower over time than traditional construction. During their extended lifespan, ICF structures require far less upkeep. To complement the structural energy efficiency, owners typically install energy-efficient water heaters and windows, among other things, cutting energy expenses even further.
In addition, a $1 reduction in operating costs of ICF homes can improve the value of a normal home by approximately $20. So, if you save an average of $250 a month on insurance and energy, your house is worth about $50,000 more than comparable homes.
How Long Does ICF Construction Take?
ICF homes have more than 100 years and require no maintenance because the foam does not deteriorate. It’s also worth noting that ICF homes can provide additional protection during a natural disaster. These dwellings are suitable for coastal areas since they function well in floods. They are also suited for seismically active areas due to the reinforced concrete. Some contractors can even guarantee a 4-hour fire rating. An ICF home may provide peace of mind if you live in a location where natural disasters are common.
Because of how long ICF homes last, renovation is a challenge. If you plan to redesign your home in the future completely, you should think about using a more versatile building material.
What Are the Pros and Cons of ICF Construction?
The Major advantages of ICF constructions include:
- Construction Speed: The ICF building technology is easy to use and does not require a lot of labor. This saves significant time compared to traditional building methods because they can be put together quickly.
- Airtightness: One of the most significant advantages of the ICF construction system is the airtightness it ensures. Because the insulation in an ICF structure is continuous, there is no way for outside air to get into the residence.
- Savings on Energy Bills: ICF homes are extremely energy efficient and can easily get an ‘A’ grade. Because of this efficiency level, less energy is required to heat the home, lowering the energy bill.
Because ICF home construction is distinct from typical construction, fewer contractors have extensive experience dealing with it.
Of course, the ICF construction system is not without flaws. ICF walls can be quite thick, which can be a problem. While this might be advantageous in some instances, it could be problematic in small spaces with little room. Bulky blocks can make ICF construction difficult, especially in cities where space is restricted.
Durability
The concrete and steel reinforcing in the walls make ICF structures extremely structurally sound. ICF structures are called ‘disaster-proof,’ having withstood the harshest weather, including hurricanes. Many ICF structures have a 60+ year warranty and do not decay at the same pace as stable structures. Durability also includes:
ICF structures have sheer walls that run the entire height and length of the structure, making them earthquake resistant. As a result, ICF walls efficiently resist high lateral (sideways) in-plane forces that push the wall’s top in one direction during an earthquake. On the other hand, the bottom remains motionless or moves in the opposite direction (racking the wall).
In the event of a fire, ICFs provide passive fire protection by slowing the spread of flames.
Steel-reinforced concrete ICF wall systems contribute to a continuous load path. The walkway holds the building together during high winds by transferring the stress from the roof to the ground.
Insulation and Energy Efficiency with ICF
ICF buildings are particularly energy-efficient since there is limited air exchange with the outside. The structures are free of drafts, which can be a problem in traditional construction, resulting in increased comfort. The cost of heating and cooling is substantially lower in ICF construction than in traditional construction, giving it a significant financial benefit.
Because ICF buildings are airtight and effectively insulated, energy expenditures are typically around half that of conventional construction. Installing proper attic insulation, air-sealing the attic, and utilizing energy-efficient windows and doors can all help you save money on energy.
Ventilation Planning for ICF Construction
As part of ventilation planning, ICF home walls act as vapor retarders and do not require a vapor barrier, which maintains smooth ventilation.
Required Maintenance
Maintenance is frequently regarded as a need or an inevitable cost in a classic build-style home. The home requires very little to no maintenance when built with ICF. Due to the structural integrity of an ICF home, any future problems are avoided, and the home maintains its original condition over time. The various advantages of ICF work together to achieve low maintenance costs. The airtightness prevents condensation and mold and ensures that structural and ugly wall damage is avoided. The concrete frame also ensures that the building does not deteriorate over time and retains its structural integrity.
Finishes
The exterior finish’s most significant aspect is that it must shield the EPS ICF plastic from degradation caused by sunshine. Because most external claddings give this level of protection, your options for finish aren’t limited. This way, the structure can appear identical to any other.
The EPS can be directly faced with brick or stone. Prefinished sets of concrete panels can also be used to provide it with a more modern appearance.
You have complete freedom in terms of interior finishes. The rigid ties that hold the sheets apart feature 8″ anchor strips on either side of the foam sheets. These are for screws used to attach materials such as stucco lath, drywall, and furring strips, which can support a variety of finish materials. You can use a stucco finish or acrylic plaster to achieve a specific aesthetic.
When Should You Use ICF Construction?
ICFs are mostly used in new construction projects rather than retrofitting. They’re simple to put together and offer various benefits, including strength, durability, and the ability to be well-sealed and insulated.
But how long do insulated concrete forms last? When compared to traditional wood-framed buildings, concrete consumes more energy to manufacture. However, operational energy substantially impacts a building’s environmental impact over its lifetime. The environmental effects of ICFs are investigated in this article by looking at the construction material’s life cycle.