Builders use insulated construction forms (ICFs) to ensure they’re heavy-duty. This might not seem to make much of an impact, but it does. Below, you’ll discover more about insulated construction forms and a few advantages they offer.
What are Insulated Construction Forms?
When working with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs), it is important to have accurate and detailed “construction documentation” in place. ICFs are designed to improve temperatures in structures using insulation. Unlike earlier versions made of pure concrete, most ICFs today are formed with a mixture of plastic foam and concrete. With proper construction documentation, you can ensure that your ICF project is done correctly and to the highest quality standards.
There are four types of insulated construction form figures:
- Flat (features a straight panel with a thick concrete exterior)
- Screen (uses horizontal and vertical concrete bars that are covered in plastic foam)
- Waffle-grid (has waffle-like pockets that tend to be irregular with their concrete thickness)
To keep them in place, ICFs include a steel reinforcement bar. Depending on the structure’s location and local building requirements, the ICF might also be coated in an acrylic finish or encased in a dimpled sheet. These boost its looks and also keep the material waterproof.
5 Benefits of Insulated Construction Forms
1. They’re Energy Efficient
One of the top perks of using insulated construction forms is that they lessen the energy necessary to cool or heat your living space. In the summer, ICFs will reflect heat away from your home. They will instead collect it in the winter, making it easier for you to warm your home.
2. They Reduce Sound
An exciting feature of ICFs can lower exterior sounds. Because the plastic foam is so thick, it reduces and absorbs loud noises. As a result, it will reduce the noise in your home’s rooms.
The secret to this is the plastic foam and concrete combination. The foam is made with curved cells that turn the sound waves into heat. So the sounds will instantly bounce away as they hit the concrete (which pushes heat out).
3. They’re Durable
You’ll also find that these options are incredibly resilient. ICF structures can often last for decades because of their high-quality materials.
ICFs hold up well and can strengthen your home’s structure. Insulated construction forms can resist up to 200mph wind gusts! They can withstand severe weather.
Besides holding up to environmental issues, they’re resistant to mildew, insect, and rodent damage. They eliminate cracks that allow moisture to sneak in and let pesky insects and rodents slide through.
4. They Regulate Temperatures Well
Another benefit of insulated construction forms is that they manage temperatures well. Because they trap hot temperatures and release cool ones, it will keep each room at the same temperature. Thanks to this, one won’t be sweltering or freezing – everything will be consistent.
5. They’re Quick to Install
It might seem that ICFs would take rather long to install. But once the overall inspection process is done, the building part goes by pretty fast. Most of the time, this will take less than a month for an average-sized home.
How Are ICFs Installed?
Installing ICFs takes months, but the process is relatively fast. You’ll first need to contact an ICF professional. They’ll ask you about your home and your overall goal, and they’ll visit your residence to inspect it.
Once you approve the plan, budget, and schedule, the construction company will carefully remove areas to install the ICF insulation.
While easier to do on a new structure, ICF installation can still be done on a preexisting one, but this depends on how solid the foundation is and whether the walls can be safely removed. First, workers will strip the walls down to their beams to install the ICFs. Once set, drywall will be applied over them.
Because ICFs create a tight seal in and around your home, your construction company will need to ensure enough ventilation, so things don’t get stuffy. This will usually be done by adding energy-efficient air ducts, windows, and doors.
Remember that while finished ICFs withstand fluctuating temperatures, the building process can be delicate. For instance, Indiana winters can bring chilly weather, making it harder for the concrete to set correctly. ICF construction in Kokomo, IN, often will need to wait until temperatures warm up slightly.
Insulated construction firms are a unique way to keep your home sturdy while cutting energy costs. But while beneficial, they’re still overlooked. By keeping this information in mind, you can better determine whether your residence will benefit from them.
