Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) are expanded polystyrene panels that easily assemble to create walls of virtually any thickness, from 4” on up in 2” increments. The space between the panels is filled with concrete that cures and hardens into a monolithic reinforced concrete wall of incredible strength. The panels, which remain in place, add to the concrete’s superior thermal mass, providing energy savings of up to 40 to 50%. In addition to energy savings ICF also boasts of many health, comfort and structural benefits for the homeowner.

The possibilities are endless for what can be done with ICF home design. Choose walls of any thickness, of any contour shape, that can be engineered to any seismic or wind-load requirements. Choose any exterior or interior finish you want.

By 2015, ICF homes are expected to make up 15-25% of all new homes built since more and more homeowners are looking for ways to increase energy savings and structural integrity to withstand natural distasters.

What are the Benefits of ICF?

Reduced Energy Costs
ICF walls act as an energy reservoir that reduces temperature fluctuations and energy transfer. The concrete walls of an ICF home have a high thermal mass which means that the heat slowly builds up in the wall, as the sun shines on it during the day, to release it into the interior during the night. This 'Thermal Mass effect', or ability to store heat and release it when needed, acts as a buffer for the interior of the home from the extremes of outdoor air temperature and therefore contributes to the energy savings.

Also contributing to energy savings, is the fact that an ICF home is extremely air-tight and the ICF walls have consistent insulation throughout the home. This is because there are no joints existing between walls, or walls and floors. This prevents conditioned air leaking from the interior to the exterior of the home. The outside air stays out and the inside air, stays in.

The average monthly savings is up to 25-50% in energy costs for an ICF built home! The high R-value (measure of thermal resistance) combined with thermal mass means ICF walls exceed most energy code requirements.

Qualifies for Energy-Efficient Mortgages
Also known as EEMs, these helphomebuyers or homeowners save money on utility bills by enabling them to finance the cost of adding energy-efficiency features to new or existing housing as part of their FHA-insured home purchase or refinancing mortgage. Lenders can offer convential EEMs, FHA EEMs or VA EEMs.

You can get more information on the Energy Star® website or on the U.S. Department of Housing website.

Cost Effective to Build
ICF homes are so efficient to build with and easy to use, that the cost of building an ICF house is comparable to that of an ordinary 2x6 wood-framed house. However, you get a lot more home for your money... a beautiful home that is built to last!

Improves Indoor Air Quality
Air infiltration in an ICF home is minimal due to the continuous air barriers provided by the foam insulation and the concrete. Likewise, there are no transfer of currents within wall cavities. As a result these homes provide a healthy indoor environment. Nothing held within or ordinarily emitted by an ICF wall is toxic. The measurement of the air contents of actual ICF houses shows an almost complete absence of any emissions.

Reduces Mold Problems
"Most homeowners believe that as long as they do not see visible signs of mold, that is, patches of green, blue, or black discoloration on surfaces, their environment is free of contamination. What they don't realize, however, is that large accumulations of mold may be growing in areas that they cannot see. Left to multiply, these infestations may produce enough organic compounds to cause allergic reactions, sickness and, in extreme cases, death," wrote Edward R. Lipinski, New York Times, Sept. 12, 1999.

The concrete home does not provide the food necessary to support mold, mildew or any sort of toxic fungus. While some harmless varieties of mold have been found in concrete homes, this was caused by poor selection of finish materials.

Increased Fire Resistance
Of all construction materials, concrete is one of the most resistant to heat and fire. Such fire resistance gives houses built with insulating concrete forms (ICFs) certain safety advantages.

Experience has shown that concrete structures are more likely to remain standing through fire than are structures of other materials. Unlike wood, concrete does not burn. Unlike steel, it does not soften and bend. Concrete does not break down until it is exposed to thousands of degrees Fahrenheit—far more than is present in the typical house fire. Concrete walls have also proven more resistant to allowing fire to pass from one side of the wall to the other.

Less Repair and Maintenance
With ICF homes, neither concrete and polystyrene will ever rot or rust. No Rot or Rust = Less Repair and Maintenance. Concrete can even be exposed to the elements for centuries with few ill effects. Reinforcing steel, buried deep inside and protected by concrete's alkalinity, also does not corrode.

For more detailed information on the benefits of building with concrete, please click here or visit our links page for additional information.