Features and Benifits of ICF construction

ICF Construction: Features and Benefits of
Residential and Commercial Applications

Once a structure is built with Insulated Concrete Forms, there is no comparison to typical frame or block construction. The ICF construction industry falls into a trap of comparing the benefits and features to typical frame construction, there are no true comparisons between the two. Both ICF and traditional methods of construction perform the same requirements for most structures, but ICF performance criteria are significantly greater than traditional methods.

Insulated Concrete Forms have one limitation vs. concrete block construction in that it requires the application of a durable finish material whereas concrete block can be painted or left bare.

The cost of ICF vs. more traditional methods of home construction is typically more for the actual construction, but the cost of ownership of an ICF structure is significantly less than the more traditional methods. In nearly every documented case of the cost of an ICF structure, the return on investment (ROI) for the extra construction cost is within 5 years with many showing less than 3 years. Depending how costs are viewed, ICF construction may cost a little more or significantly less to build and operate a home..