Insulated concrete forms have been used as a building material since the 1960s. In recent years, however, ICF construction has become more common. The increase in the intensity and frequency of severe weather events, coupled with rising energy costs, has altered the industry perception of the insulated concrete form as an alternative material. Increasingly it is viewed as a mainstream building option.

Concrete forms boast many benefits over traditional timber framed building techniques. Of particular interest to homeowners is that they can reduce energy costs and are incredibly sturdy. From the developer’s point of view they offer good design flexibility and can reduce building times. Add to this excellent fire resistance, improved sound insulation and a smattering of eco-credentials and the concrete form firmly establishes itself as the latest popular material of choice.

As energy prices continue to rise most homeowners are keen to cut their fuel bills. Owners of insulated concrete homes can expect to make substantial savings, in some areas as much as up to ninety percent when compared to a stick built home. The continuous insulation minimizes drafts and air leakages, while the concrete itself absorbs heat by day and dissipates it at night when temperatures drop. This allows homeowners to reduce the size of their heating and cooling systems.

Concrete homes are incredibly sturdy in the face of extreme weather. Many have proven their ability to remain standing, unscathed, through hurricanes and tornadoes. They can also be designed not to topple during earthquakes. The uninterrupted shell of these buildings can increase their strength by as much as twenty times that of a wood framed building. The integrity of these structures cannot be compromised by termites or wood rot and are less susceptible to damp.

Insulated concrete forms are safe and are not manufactured from hazardous or toxic materials. Furthermore they afford homes far greater protection from fire. Even when subjected to temperatures of 2000 degrees Fahrenheit for over four hours the concrete shows no sign of structural damage. Whereas a timber framed building will facilitate the rapid spread of fire from one room to the next, concrete walls contain fire. This means occupants have more time to evacuate and firefighters can do their job more easily.

Noisy lawn mowers, busy traffic and loud music can all disrupt peace in the home. Concrete houses, however, are much better than stick built homes in reducing exterior noise levels. Noise insulation levels are thought to be up to four times higher.

It may be contentious to suggest that concrete is a more sustainable material than wood. Nevertheless, its value in reducing fossil fuel consumption through increased insulation should not be overlooked. There is also very little waste involved in the building process and concrete forms are recyclable.

Insulated Concrete Forms construction lends itself very well to modern design, enabling architects to incorporate curves and arches with ease. It is easy to apply virtually any exterior finish desired. It is a straightforward building technique allowing work to be completed on schedule. Although building costs are higher than conventional techniques, these are soon recovered through reduced fuel and maintenance costs.

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