Insulated Concrete Forms are concrete moulds that remain permanently in place after construction to dramatically increase insulation and energy efficiency in any building and/or home. These forms are modular and interlocked into one another without mortar or any adhesive agents, somewhat like a child’s building blocks. The Insulated Concrete Forms are then filled with concrete to become the exterior walls, or floors of a residential home or a commercial building.

Most ICF is comprised of the following compounds:

Polystyrene: One of the world’s most widely used plastic, Polystyrene is a aromatic polymer made from a liquid hydrocarbon manufactured from petroleum.  Although Polystyrene takes a very long time to biodegrade, it is recyclable and has a number 6 recycling symbol.

Cement-bonded wood fiber:  

A 100% recyclable “Green Building” wood/concrete material that is mineralized by removing sugars from wood preventing it from any rot or pest damages. Next, the mineralized wood is mixed with concrete much like an aggregate stone to strengthen the concrete.

Polyurethane:  

A chain of organic units bonded with urethane.  In most “Green” ICF procedures the polyurethane may consist of soy rather than oil base.

During the concrete “pour” rebar (steel) is strategically place inside the forms to provide strength to the wall or floor.  The concrete is poured into the forms in stages, to ensure the proper curing of the concrete.  If the concrete is not poured in stages concrete pressure can build and cause the forms to break under the semi-liquid pressure.

After the concrete has been poured and has been cured the forms are left in place to provide an easily manipulated surface for other contractors to run wires, pipes, etc etc. as well as a solid backing for drywall on the interior and brick or siding on the exterior.

The advantages of ICF built home or commercial building are numerous.

The R value:  (Thermal Resistance) is typically R-17 for ICF building and homes; this is extremely higher than that of a standard brick wall that has a Thermal Resistance value of R-0.2 (zero point two).

Quietness:  ICF provides a very high sound absorption, compared with framed walls or even brick ICF can and will keep the noise from the outside be it rural or urban from penetrating into the home or building.

Overhead Savings:  Insulated Concrete Forms can reduce your heating and air conditioning costs by as much as 70%

Being Green:  Today your part in the “Green“ movement is more important than ever, providing ICF building materials as an option for your clients will set you apart from other builders.