The complexity of commercial building projects increases constantly. Along with a growing list of regulations and codes, developers and owners have an increasing array of goals and priorities. These realities complicate projects for designers and builders. However, building with insulated concrete forms (ICF) can overcome many of these challenges.
How can you simplify complex commercial building projects using ICF construction? Read on as we explore how ICFs make these projects faster and easier.
Simplifying Commercial Building Projects With Insulated Concrete Forms
ICFs Streamline Logistics and Material Management
One key way ICFs simplify commercial projects is by streamlining logistics and onsite material management. Comparing ICFs to traditional formwork shows a significant reduction in material needs. For example, traditional forms require different materials for the formwork and the insulation. When you use ICFs, the insulation is part of the formwork.
ICF blocks are also lightweight, compact, and easy to stack, making them more efficient to transport and store onsite. Compared to wood or metal formwork, they require less space and handling, which translates to smoother deliveries. ICFs are also easier to manage on the job site. With fewer materials, storage and inventory management are also easier. That keeps job sites safer and more organized while allowing workers to focus more time on building.
Increased Flexibility and Versatility
Design flexibility is another area where insulated concrete forms have an advantage. This makes them a valuable resource for commercial projects with complex or intricate designs.
While many hear the term ICF block and think they’re limited to simple square structures, the reality is the opposite. Insulated concrete forms come in many shapes, designs, and configurations. You also have various thicknesses to meet different load-bearing requirements. Builders can also use height adjusters to meet precise wall heights with ease. Contractors can also cut and shape blocks to create custom formwork for complex project requirements.
The reinforced concrete core provides excellent strength, supporting multi-story construction, long wall spans, and large window openings. ICFs are also compatible with a wide array of interior and exterior finishes. They can work with brick veneer, siding, stucco, drywall, and concrete. With excellent strength and aesthetic versatility, designers can pursue diverse creative possibilities.
Concrete Forms That Go Up Faster
Commercial building projects often have tight timelines. Missing deadlines puts projects off schedule, complicates project management, and increases costs. Insulated concrete forms are ideal for commercial construction because their simplicity helps avoid those issues.
Traditional formwork requires more materials and more effort to build. ICF blocks are lightweight and come ready to stack and interlock. This design ensures easy alignment and speeds up the building of concrete forms. It also reduces the strain on workers, allowing them to work longer. Since the forms stay in place as insulation, there is less work after the concrete cures.
The reduced workload and time savings make it easier for project managers to stay on schedule. That can help you get the project done sooner for occupancy. It can also make getting work done in a tight weather window easier. Staying on schedule ensures other trades get to work on time to prevent further slowdowns.
ICFs Combine Multiple Steps in One Process
Insulated concrete forms also simplify projects by combining multiple steps that would typically be separate. With ICFs, you can get concrete, reinforcement, air barrier, insulation, vapor barrier, and attachment points in one stage. That reduces coordination between trades, simplifies scheduling, and reduces the amount of follow-up work.
Some manufacturers also have innovative accessories that help eliminate steps and save time. One example is the SuperForm red ICF tie. Our ties eliminate the need for wire ties and glue as reinforcement. They also have integrated slots for adding the rebar. That means teams can secure the rebar faster and with less effort.
Easy Integration of Other Building Materials and Systems
Another key advantage of ICFs is how well they can integrate and work with other systems and materials. Adding window and door openings, completing finishes, and installing systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electricity are much easier with ICFs.
Many manufacturers have pre-formed bucks for creating door and window openings. This speeds up the process and provides more consistent results. The SuperForm Gorilla Buck is one example. It is a pre-formed EPS foam buck. Beyond saving time and effort, it creates a more energy-efficient window buck that is also moisture-resistant.
The foam blocks also simplify electrical and plumbing installation. Contractors can quickly and easily create chases using simple tools. ICF walls also work well with various floor and roof systems, including wood, steel, and precast concrete. The simplified compatibility speeds up construction, maintains schedules, and reduces bottlenecks.
Reducing Labor Needs on Complex Projects
Labor management can be one of the most complicated parts of overseeing a large commercial project. In many regions, there may also be significant labor shortages, leading to additional difficulties. That is another way insulated concrete forms can help simplify construction projects.
The lightweight, stackable design means fewer workers are needed to complete the forms. Some tasks are simple enough for general laborers to handle. With fewer people on the job, managing and overseeing teams is easier. The simplified process can also make it easier to staff projects in areas experiencing labor shortages.
Meeting Green Building Requirements
Sustainability is becoming a growing priority in commercial construction, sometimes due to new regulations. An increasing number of property owners also want to increase sustainability. Insulated concrete forms offer an easy way to make projects more sustainable while reducing complexity.
ICFs contribute to energy-efficient building envelopes by providing continuous insulation, high thermal mass, and airtight construction. These features help create structures that put less demand on mechanical heating and cooling. As a result, the building uses less energy and may achieve higher standards for green construction. Using ICFs can also reduce waste on the job site.
These factors can make ICF blocks attractive to builders pursuing LEED certification and other green building programs. It can also save property owners money by reducing energy consumption and increasing durability.
Creating a Better Environment for Human Occupants
You can’t forget the human element when designing commercial buildings. Depending on the type of structure, humans might spend a lot of time living or working in them. With ICFs, it’s easier to create comfortable, healthy, and human-friendly spaces.
The superior thermal performance of ICF structures ensures stable indoor temperatures and reduces drafts and cold spots. That supports occupant comfort while reducing loads on HVAC systems. The airtight construction also reduces air infiltration, making it easier to manage indoor air quality.
ICF walls can also be great for structures where soundproofing may be a priority. The concrete core combined with the insulating foam layers produces a wall assembly that effectively reduces sound transmission. That can create a quieter, more peaceful indoor environment.
ICFs deliver superior performance for various commercial applications. They create better apartment buildings, hotels and resorts, office buildings, entertainment venues, and more.
Are you interested in using ICFs for your next commercial project? SuperForm offers an innovative ICF system that can simplify projects in many ways. Contact our team to learn more about ICF construction.