What is ICF?
ICF stands for “Insulated Concrete Forms”. These “forms” are essentially large, hollow blocks that fit together and they are made of Styrofoam. They are designed be airtight and provide wall insulation for buildings – mainly residential – but there are an increasing number of commercial projects using ICF.
At the foundation level, after ICF blocks are placed, rebar is added, and then concrete is poured in between to form a “sandwich” of ICF with concrete filling. The ICF panels are made of varying thicknesses and sizes depending on the manufacturer. Below grade, ICF foundations require a robust waterproofing system to keep moisture from reaching the concrete via cracks, penetrations, or other avenues.
Pros of ICF
Using ICF in construction can offer energy efficiency, durability, comfort, and structural safety, according to a HUD report. Of particular importance with today’s more extreme weather events is ICF’s ability to withstand strong winds, fire, tornadoes, and hurricanes. The report highlights how ICF has increased racking resistance, as compared to wood frame construction, which enables it to withstand stronger winds and water pressure when in flood-prone areas.
Significantly, ICF can also lower the monthly cost of home ownership by reducing insurance premiums and energy/utility bills. The report demonstrated that during in-field comparisons between ICF residential wall construction and wood frames, the ICF-built home can provide a 20 to 25 percent savings in annual heating and cooling costs. It is important to note that ICF construction at the outset is more expensive than standard wood-frame construction – approximately three to five percent more – yet the savings and performance benefits do pay for themselves. In fact, the report concluded that “the cost-benefits of ICF construction are most appealing when considered as a “package deal” with special emphasis on structural performance, particularly in extreme wind environments.”
Architects also appreciate the design flexibility that ICF provides –adaptable to a wide range of aesthetics and building configurations.
Challenges associated with ICF
Building with ICF is an attractive construction method, but it does come with some challenges, commonly down at the foundation level. In any scenario, building foundations require waterproofing. With ICF construction, adequately waterproofing the concrete “sandwich” is paramount because the concrete is harder to access than traditional concrete foundations. If cracks and issues occur with traditional foundation walls, some of these can be accessed and solved via the building’s interior. In other words, it may not always be necessary to dig up the entire foundation to try and fix any water-related problems. However, with ICF, since the concrete is sandwiched between the insulation it cannot be as easily accessed, meaning issues can be more difficult and costly to repair.
Working with the right, experienced contractor can ensure that the concrete is properly placed, poured, and stabilized to minimize future problems – because if there is a crack or inconsistency, water will get in! Concrete can only be poured once, so it needs to be done to the highest standard, but a top-tier waterproofing system is the final puzzle piece to protecting the entire arrangement.
How can EPRO help with waterproofing?
EPRO has been providing waterproofing solutions to the construction industry for over 30 years. We have different options to suit any site conditions in any location. Talk to us today to learn more about how we can work with you and your ICF construction projects.