ICF Blocks, or Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs), are transforming how commercial, residential and other types of buildings are constructed. They have many advantages, from their energy efficiency and durability to improved soundproofing and sustainability.
This article will discuss the various ICF benefits and how this innovative building materials approach offers long-term cost savings, greater design flexibility and superior performance in modern construction projects.
Advantages of ICF Blocks
ICF blocks borrow from the same design principles as structural masonry blocks but instead are manufactured from expanded polystyrene (EPS) and polypropylene cross-ties.
Lightweight and easy to maneuver on the job site, EPS foam is paired with concrete. Reinforced with steel or fiberglass rebar, ready-mix concrete is poured into a gap between two EPS panels, resulting in a central concrete layer. These blocks interlock and are placed together to form walls, around which siding and drywall can be added as interior/exterior layers.
There are numerous ICF benefits, including energy efficiency, durability, strength, sustainability, construction efficiency and design flexibility. With evolving building codes, skilled labour challenges and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, ICF benefits continue to find new footing for modern construction demands.
Energy Efficiency
ICF blocks offer an unmatched degree of thermal insulation. The concrete layer utilizes inherent thermal mass properties to absorb and/or release heat based on interior temperature conditions.
The closed-cell structure of the EPS foam — as well as its 98% air composition — traps heat extremely efficiently. They are also beneficial for hot climates, as they can keep cool air trapped inside the structure, reducing air conditioning usage.
This gives ICFs a high R-value (the industry-standard metric of thermal resistance) and naturally leads to significantly lower energy costs for homeowners, as the need for internal heating is greatly reduced. As a result of these performance attributes, ICF installations — like those supplied by SuperForm — don’t require continuous insulation.
In addition to their insulation value, ICF blocks also have sound absorption benefits. Homeowners, especially those living in high-population areas, can worry less about hearing loud noises outside or bothering neighbours with their music or television.
Durability and Strength
Structural integrity is another aspect where ICF blocks excel. The reinforced concrete core has a significant load-bearing capacity, particularly when compared to steel-framed or wood-framed walls. Both vertical and lateral loads and forces are resisted naturally by ICF blocks, which have 5-10 times greater racking strength (ability to withstand lateral force) than wood-framed walls.
Because ICFs have a high level of weather resistance, they are highly recommended for professionals looking to build hurricane-resistant housing. Compared to more traditional construction materials, ICF blocks have an 18% to 80% higher resistance against lateral forces such as winds.
ICF blocks are also four to five times more rigid and have a high bending strength (maximum amount of stress they can withstand before bending or breaking), which leads to an impressive amount of seismic resilience for areas prone to seismic activity.
Compared to homes built with more traditional methods, ICF homes typically experience reduced property damage and faster recovery times during earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters.
The thermal resistance of the concrete layer also makes ICF walls able to repel fires for a greater amount of time, giving occupants more time to get to safety and emergency services more time to respond.
Additionally, ICFs are naturally resistant to water, moisture, rot and mold, especially when a waterproof membrane is added.
Environmental Benefits
There are notable ICF benefits for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Not only does the greater insulation enable reduced energy use for occupants, but the construction of many ICF blocks involves no CFCs, asbestos, fiberglass or other harmful substances.
The installation of ICF blocks can also result in less material waste during projects due to the relatively straightforward construction process. With proper cutting and fitting, remnant ICF pieces can be repurposed on the job site — reducing waste and putting materials to use instead of filling the dumpster.
ICF manufacturers like SuperForm even recycle all EPS and reuse water used during manufacturing — a useful advantage when working towards modern code compliance for environmental requirements.
Construction Efficiency With ICF Blocks
Faster construction times are another advantage of using ICF. In addition to simple manufacturing and installation processes, there is no need to use mortar. ICF blocks usually interlock to create walls. Then, the concrete is poured into the gap between foam sheets, naturally curing to solidify the structure.
The fact that ICF blocks are typically large also speeds up construction, particularly compared to processes such as laying bricks. In some cases, one story of a building can be completed in a matter of days.
Although homes built with ICF cost 3% to 5% more to build initially, the energy efficiency of these homes makes them more cost-effective in the medium-to-long term. SuperForm ICF has 58% better R-value performance than conventional wall systems, resulting in energy savings of up to 60% per year.
Design Flexibility and Aesthetics
Despite ICF blocks being an innovative, modern construction material, they don’t necessarily have to provide a minimal, modern aesthetic to projects. Interior and exterior layers of almost any material can be added, from wood and stone to composite cladding.
The fact that EPS sheets can be used to create curved walls also broadens design possibilities. Until the concrete is poured, walls can easily be shaped and reshaped in any way the EPS layers allow.
Real-World Applications
ICFs are ideal for a range of applications, including residential and commercial spaces, schools, warehouses and hotels.
Residential Spaces
ICF blocks are particularly advantageous for residential buildings. Construction is quick, and homeowners can benefit from the significant energy savings that ICFs allow.
The durability of ICF homes is also a huge draw, especially for those living in areas prone to extreme weather conditions who want peace of mind in having a disaster-resistant home.
Commercial Spaces
From stores to restaurants to agricultural buildings, ICF blocks provide many benefits for commercial construction projects.
In addition to fast construction times, their environmental benefits can help companies reach Net Zero emissions targets. The soundproofing afforded by ICFs can also benefit the owners and operators of venues such as noisy cafes or bars.
Schools
Safety is paramount in schools. ICF blocks’ durability and disaster-resistant nature make them a smart choice for building new schools and educational institutions. The soundproofing offered can also make for quieter, more effective learning environments.
Warehouses
The thermal insulation of ICF blocks can lower heating and cooling costs in large warehouses, reducing overheads for their operators. The consistent interior temperatures can also benefit the production of temperature-sensitive goods.
Hotels
Sound insulation and comfortable temperatures are vital for hotel guests. The energy efficiency provided by ICFs can also reduce costs for hotel owners.
Another key aspect of hotel design is fire safety — the fire-resistant nature of ICF blocks can provide more time for occupants (particularly those staying on high floors) to evacuate in an emergency.
The Most Advanced ICF Block on the Market
ICF blocks offer many advantages for construction professionals and their clients. They are durable, energy-efficient, sustainable and versatile. In terms of aesthetics, they can be used in buildings of practically any visual style.
At SuperForm, we have been manufacturing insulation products for over 25 years. We produce the strongest ICF blocks on the market, providing all the benefits at a reasonable price.
Our high-quality ICF blocks are also easy to install, with a patented “red tie” system that streamlines the process. They have been used in countless successful projects in Canada and beyond.
To learn more about our unique ICF blocks, check out our product range.