ICF construction is the only smart option for new home building. It substantially reduces building time, the structure will be incredibly strong and energy efficient, and it will save the home owner significant amounts of money over time that is normally spent on the upkeep of a traditional wood framed house.
The ICF form is a Styrofoam-type material that snaps together creating the “frame” of the home. Rebar is placed in each form, and then concrete is poured inside the forms.
Siding or stucco is then attached to the outside of the forms, and sheetrock or paneling is attached to the inside. No insulation material is required, because there is no air exchange through concrete.
How ICF Helps the Environment
Because no wood is used in the walls, this type of building saves trees. There is also no wood construction waste taken to landfills that deteriorates over time and produces destructive gases.
Because the walls can be compared to being inside of a coffee cup, in that, heat stays in during the winter and AC stays in during the summer, the energy efficiency of ICF construction reduces energy usage by as much as 40%. Consequently, this lowers the “pollution footprint” of the home owner.
How ICF Helps the Home Owner
In addition to the savings in monthly heating and cooling costs, the home owner will save on the initial cost of the heating and cooling system as well because, a much smaller unit is required due to the fact that there is no heat/cold exchange through the walls.
ICF forms are pest resistant and there are no caviity walls for rodents to inhabit. Consequently, the normal cost of treating a wood frame home for termites and other pests is predominantly eliminated.
There is no problem with wood rot, and due to no cavity walls, mold and mildew is eliminated. In addition, if the exterior is covered with vinyl siding or stucco, the cost of repainting is also eliminated.
Additional Advantages
Just as air cannot penetrate through concrete, neither does exterior noises. ICF home owners agree that their home is much quieter than others in which they have lived.
Due to the fact that there is no structural deterioration and there is significant energy efficiency, the resale value of an ICF home is far greater than that of a traditional wood framed house.
The reinforced concrete construction of an ICF home provides substantial severe storm protection. It is impact resistant and high wind resistant, so in an area known for hurricanes or tornados, an ICF home is far more secure than a wood framed home. It also has a two-hour fire rating.
Because of the severe storm and fire resistance of ICF construction, there will also be significant insurance savings. Insurance companies look at ICF and block homes as a low risk because, they are basically insuring only the possible damage to windows and the roof.
Given all of the advantages, ICF construction for a new home is the only choice to make.
Sources:
- ICF Homes – Accessed April 20, 2010
- Personal Experience
Join the Conversation