ICFs are forms into which concrete is poured to create the walls of a concrete structure. The forms stay in place as a permanent part of the wall and provide insulation, hinder sound, air, and moisture transmission, and serve as the backer for any interior and exterior finishes imaginable.
Homes constructed with Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) walls are quiet, high quality, safe, energy-efficient, durable, and cost-efficient. They are also very resilient to storms and other weather-related events (SEE VIDEO).
There are various types of ICFs and each has a unique set of properties, yet all of the types create excellent houses. ICFs are extremely safe for you and your family; they retard flame, are nontoxic, give off no dangerous emissions, and are highly inert. So for superior quality and safety, build your home out of concrete.
Building with concrete is affordable for everyone - residents, builders, the whole community. Here are the reasons to consider when deciding between building an insulated concrete form building over a traditional wood-framed structure.
An insulating concrete form (ICF) wall system can save owners up to 60% in heating and cooling costs, resulting in savings on their monthly bills by as much as $190.
MIT research came to the unsurprising conclusion that using strong materials like concrete is an important step in preventing disasters before they strike.
ICFs reduce sound by more than 50% over wood walls at no additional cost.
Concrete requires very little upkeep, so it lasts longer with lower life cycle costs.
Compared to wood-framed structures, concrete buildings cost less to insure for builders & owners.
Free concrete project design and technical assistance is available through the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s Design Center. The Design Center can assist you in choosing the right concrete solution for a wide variety of projects, from multi-family residential/mixed-use to industrial and health care facilities.
NRMCA’s expert team of engineers and architects are available to help you select the most appropriate concrete system, including:
