INSULATED CONCRETE FORMS

WHAT ARE INSULATED CONCRETE FORMS (ICFS)?

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.

reasons to build WITH CONCRETE - A SOLID INVESTMENT

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.

1. ENERGY SAVING

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.

2. STANDING UP TO NATURE

MIT research came to the unsurprising conclusion that using strong materials like concrete is an important step in preventing disasters before they strike. 

3. THE VALUE OF QUIET

ICFs reduce sound by more than 50% over wood walls at no additional cost.

4. LOW-MAINTENANCE LIVING

Concrete requires very little upkeep, so it lasts longer with lower life cycle costs.

5. LOWER INSURANCE COSTS

Compared to wood-framed structures, concrete buildings cost less to insure for builders & owners.

INSULATED CONCRETE FORMS VS. CONVENTIONAL WOOD FRAMING

HERE IS A GREAT INFOGRAPHIC FROM THE NRMCA COMPARING THESE TWO BUILDING MATERIALS

ICF BLOCK MANUFACTURERS

NUDURA
RANDY WHITE
rwhite@nudura.com
440.822.9919

FOX BLOCKS
DC MANGIAMELLI
dc@foxblocks.com
770.527.8720

QUADLOCK
RYAN DERRER
ryan.d@quadlock.com
815.238.7648

AMVIC
PAUL COMOZZI
paul@amvicsystem.com
315.632.8588

design assistance

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:

1. Concrete frame and post-tension flat plate systems
2. Voided slab systems
3. Insulating concrete forming (ICF) systems
4. Tilt-up concrete wall systems

recent icf webinars