Insulated Concrete Forms

(or ICFs) are forms or molds that have built-in insulation for accepting reinforced concrete. The first patent application for an ICF was registered in the late 1960’s. Since then, and particularly in the last 5 years, ICFs have been fast-becoming the mainstream preferred building product worldwide for all of the right reasons. These large, hollow blocks are stacked right off of the truck and filled with reinforcing bar and concrete. The end result leaves you with a high-performing wall that is structurally sound, insulated, strapped, has a vapor barrier and is ready to accept final exterior and interior finishes.

A solid concrete Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) Home can be multiple stories high and have many design features of a typical frame home.  The ICF walls incorporate framing, insulation, vapor barrier and shear resistance into one step.  The typical added cost of building with ICF vs. the typical wood frame construction practices in Central Texas is typically less than four dollars per square foot.  The added cost of building with ICF and concrete again typically has a payback (via savings to the homeowner in operating costs) of less than five years.  Many homeowners report that the “payback” is less than three years.  ICF homes offer many benefits to the homeowner some of which we list here: 

ICF homes typically save upwards of 50% of utility costs when complementary materials and methods are incorporated into the structure during construction.  75% utility savings are common.  Especially now since electric and gas have gone up as much as 80% in cost.

• ICF homes provide quiet indoor environments as concrete and styrofoam are excellent at insulating you from outside noise.
• ICF homes are durable in that the structure is solid concrete, unaffected by many of the problems of common frame construction.
• The insulation value of the EPS foam (Styrofoam) never deteriorates and is unaffected by moisture or settling and creates a superior insulating wall.
• The solid wall construction eliminates drafts and air leaks that allow dust and pollen buildup within the home.
• ICF homes that incorporate proper heating and cooling systems offer clean air environments for the occupants.
• ICF homes don’t incorporate cavity wall construction that can be conducive to moisture and mold buildup.
• ICF homes don’t offer a “readymade” home for bugs and critters to live unlike wood frame walls.
• ICF Homeowners repeatedly exclaim “We will never go back to wood after living in our ICF home” 

The demand for ICF construction has grown exponentially over the last few years. There is now an excellent business opportunity to get you started in the field of ICF construction. Come and join us for an onsite training program.

Read More    Testimonial

Hotels are HOT
Concrete Construction Magazine - April '07
ICFs also are becoming popular for hotel construction—a method that until recently was restricted to low-rise, mostly residential applications. “We see more ICFs being used for hotel construction,” says Joe Lake, president of Eco-Block. “I think it is an optimal application for a variety of reasons. The first is, of course, energy conservation. But beyond that a lot of hotels are being built near freeways where there's 24-hour noise that can infiltrate a typical frame structure. ICFs control the sound within a structure to provide a more enjoyable space—particularly in the extended stay type of hotels.”

Welcome to the home site of the ICF Builders Network, an excellent resource for both builders and consumers alike. We are a nationwide network of independent Businesses and Individuals with expertise in the ICF Industry working in concert to deliver full service support to persons and businesses with interest in the ICF Industry. We are a one stop independent resource in the ICF field.

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A solid concrete ICF Home can be multiple stories high and have many design features of a typical frame home. The ICF walls incorporate framing, insulation, vapor barrier and shear resistance into one step. The typical added cost of building with ICF vs. the typical wood frame construction practices in Central Texas is typically less than four dollars. . .