Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) Framing

Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) Framing: Polystyrene Foam, Energy Efficient, Reduce Utility Costs, Environmentally Friendly

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Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) are formwork frames for concrete that stay in place as permanent building insulation for energy-efficient, cast-in-place, reinforced concrete walls, floors, and roofs.

Developed in Europe about 25 years ago, ICFs have been gaining popularity in the US over the last ten years with the advent of new technologies and the implementation of Federal incentives to improve home energy efficiency.
 

ICFs: A Stronger, More Efficient Concrete Form Solution

Unlike traditional methods to form a home's foundation, where wood forms are built, filled, and then removed, an ICF consists of two permanent panels of expanded polystyrene foam that are mounted together in parallel using cross-fastening strips.

• The units are stacked and fastened together, similar to children’s building blocks, to form a wall.

• Once the stacking to create the profile needed is completed, the wall frame's internal structure is reinforced, usually with steel rebar.

• The open space between the two panels then gets filled with concrete.

• This creates a very solid and sturdy final wall.

• ICFs are not removed; they become an integrated part of the wall, providing
  superior insulation to the home.
  
  

NUDURA^®: Building with Green Technology

	Click to view a gallery of homes built with NUDURA ICFs.

Depending on the brand and quality, ICFs can offer a variety of benefits. When possible, we work with ICFs from NUDURA^®, whose Integrated Building Technology allows contractors to build concrete homes that are:

• Stronger.

• More energy efficient.

• More comfortable.

• Environmentally friendly.

Benefits of NUDURA^® Building Materials

Click to learn about the technology behind NUDURA Insulated Concrete Forms.

NUDURA® also provides substantial green building benefits, and is proud to contribute to the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Program: RECYCLED MATERIALS  - unique folding web design manufactured from 100% recycled polypropylene and steel. BUILDING DURABILITY Concrete construction, one of the most durable building materials. Results in buildings that stand the test of time. Offers maximum safety in high wind areas due to its high impact resistance. WASTE REDUCTION - unique technological form design creates less waste during the construction process. Send less waste to landfills. All waste is 100% recyclable. MOLD RESISTANT Will not support mould growth. Laboratory tested. ENERGY PERFORMANCE High energy efficiency levels reduce the amount of fossil fuels needed for heating and cooling. Significantly reduces the building's carbon emissions. IMPROVED INDOOR AIR QUALITY Eliminates air gaps. Minimizes draft paths. Minimizes potential formation of mold growth.

The end result is an airtight structure that enables building mechanical systems to heat, cool and ventilate the structure more efficiently, creating a healthier living environment for the occupants.

Click to learn more about the technology behind NUDURA^® Insulated Concrete Forms.
 

Additional Benefits of ICF Framing 

Some of the other benefits of ICF framing include:  

• 30 - 50% reduction in  heating and cooling energy consumptionn, resulting in lower utility bills. 

• Foam panels include embedded plastic ribs to easily mount siding, trim, drywall, etc.

• No house wrap needed.

• Insect resistant - no food source for them to live on.

• Safer, more secure, and more disaster-resistant; can sustain hurricane-force winds.

• Sound dampening – up to 3x more efficient than wood.
  

ICFs are available in multiple widths and sizes to fit any size or shape home.

We work closely with NUDURA and other ICF manufacturers to develop a detailed parts and pricing list, along with an estimate of the amount of concrete needed to fill the ICFs. This enables us to present a complete and accurate estimate of the job cost to the homeowner.