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Building
with Insulated Concrete Forms
Approved by insurers and energy providers alike, Insulated Concrete
Forms (ICFs) bring energy efficient design and home construction to
new levels.
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When
Energy Star builder Paul Trudeau decided the time was right to look into
building systems that promote increased energy savings, one of his first
considerations was the home's basic structure. Instead of building with
a traditional "2-by" wood frame, Trudeau opted for insulated
concrete forms, or ICFs.
Built to Last
ICFs are not new—they've been around for the past 30 years. ICF construction
takes the three-step process of framing, insulating, and wrapping a home,
and ties it all into one. Constructed from expanded polystyrene and stacked
like building blocks to form the exterior walls of a home, the forms are
reinforced with steel and filled with concrete. The forms interlock and
fasten one to the other to provide seamless "foundation to rafter"
fully insulated, reinforced concrete walls. Window and door openings of
any size are possible.
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| This
Mediterranean-influenced home's exterior illustrates the versatility of
insulated concrete forms. The curved turret and arched windows were shaped
with insulated forms before concrete was poured. |
| Insulated concrete
forms provide a lasting building envelope, designed to withstand high
wind, fire, the elements, and the test of time. "I see a lot of stick
framing today that scares me," says concrete foreman Jay Meunier.
"I really have a hard time believing these homes will be here 100
years from now." Reinforced concrete, however, is meant to last a
lifetime, and then some.
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Triple
the Thermal Value
Because of the triple insulative nature of these forms, ICFs are extremely
energy efficient. The R-value of the insulation, coupled with the thermal
mass of the concrete, and the elimination of air leakage, makes for an
R-40 energy rating or higher. Exterior walls on wood framed homes typically
have an R-value of 20 or so. Some companies even guarantee the energy
savings in writing and receive the Department of Energy's Energy Star
rating to wear on their product. "The advantages are obvious,"
says Trudeau of building with concrete. "The insulation factor is
incredible, so the return on the investment is immediate for the homeowner."
Power companies like Nevada Power are even taking a closer look at rebates
for customers who build with energy efficient components like ICFs. |
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Safety and Security
Already many insurance companies offer favorable rates to customers with
homes built with insulated concrete forms. The superior strength of the
construction coupled with the high fire rating of these buildings makes
them a sure bet for insurers. In Tornado Alley, homes built with a continuous
structure, tied down through the foundation, are favored for high wind
resistance. Insulated concrete forms are often used for the construction
of safe rooms in these high-wind areas because of their resistance to
strong wind and wind-borne debris.
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The
insulated forms are installed by hand. The steel rods serve as an installation
guide, and contribute to the wall's overall strength. |
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On
the comfort side, an ICF home provides temperature stability, without
the highs and lows of traditional stick-framed housing. Noise is reduced
and even eliminated, thanks to the thickness of the walls and the double
insulation. "The noise reduction is incredible. The idea of 2 inches
of insulation plus 6 inches of concrete explains it," Meunier says.
It's an added benefit for Trudeau, who wants total comfort for his high-end
home. "The sound deadening is great," Trudeau says, even occasional
air traffic noise can be eliminated with the concrete forms. |
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Blocking
for Windows and Doors
Cutting block is simple in ICF construction so, unlike the cumbersome
concrete constructions of the past, custom window designs and complex
angles are commonplace. When considering building with ICFs, be sure to
discuss how to accommodate the doors and windows with your contractor.
With ICFs, windows and doors must be cut and blocked before the concrete
is poured. Blocking the openings accomplishes two things: it holds back
the concrete to preserve the opening, and creates the frames for the doors
and windows. Once a crew is experienced in ICF construction, scheduling
and speed become key benefits. An experienced crew can put up a house
faster with ICFs than with traditional framing.
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| Window
and door openings are cut out of the forms and braced before the concrete
is poured. |
Lasting
Value
Builders and buyers are recognizing the up-front value of starting with
technology that continues to pay back throughout the life of the home.
"The trade-off is there for the homeowner," Trudeau explains.
ICFs allow homeowners and builders to create luxurious, highly detailed,
energy efficient, safe, and comfortable homes. |
