ICF construction: What Is It?

Insulated concrete forms are hollow “blocks” made of plastic foams that construction workers stack one after another into a shape of a building. Workers then fill the center with concrete. The combination of heavy, high strength material of concrete between layers of light, insulating foam material creates a wall structure of desirable properties: air tightness, insulation, sound attenuation, strength and thermal mass.

Greater comfort: The insulating property of foam, as well as its heat absorbing property of thermal mass allows homeowners to experience far greater comfort in their ICF homes. Continuous foam insulation keeps temperature consistent throughout the home. It smoothes out temperature swings and therefore eliminates hot spots and cold drafts throughout the year.

Cleaner air: Concrete forms reduce air infiltration far more efficiently than traditional walls. Henceforth, the occurrence of asthma or other airborne allergies caused by pollens and other pollutants are significantly reduced. Your family can therefore enjoy cleaner indoor air – the leading cause of health problems for most families.

Quieter home: Massive materials that makes up concrete forms make it possible for it to reflect noises. Compared to conventional insulation methods, sound transmission test have shown that ICF walls allows less than one-third of sound to pass through its structure. Homeowners therefore can enjoy a truly peaceful sanctuary.

Green homes: Insulated concrete form is an environmentally responsible structure. A single ICF home can save at least ten trees from being cut down. For homeowners, concrete forms can save them thousands in energy consumption due to their thermal mass property that efficiently retains heat and air tight structures that buffers the interiors of the home from outdoor temperature.

Live in comfort and consider ICF construction when getting a home builder to create a home for you. With high forecasted energy savings as well as beneficial environmental impacts, the advantages of ICF for you and your family is manifold. Check them out today!