Insulated concrete forms — or ICFs — have become commercial and residential construction staples thanks to benefits that elevate the building game.
From enhancing thermal performance to reducing energy costs to keeping living spaces comfortable regardless of the climate or time of year, ICFs are becoming builders’ go-to choices for residential and commercial construction alike.
Understanding the different types of ICF, their R-value advantages and proper installation techniques can help you provide your clients with sustainable and energy-efficient projects.
Understanding ICF Insulation
An ICF block is made up of two foam panels that lock together. There is a space in the middle, where rebar will be placed for strength and support. Concrete mix is then poured to fill the space between the foam panels to create a single solid piece.
ICF Materials: Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) blocks are composed of unexpanded polystyrene beads and a blowing agent (a substance that helps create a foam). When heated with high-pressure hot steam, the beads expand and form a dense cellular structure, creating a foam panel.
EPS blocks like SuperForm are popular for their density, strength and high R-value. However, they aren’t as heat-resistant as other options, so prolonged exposure to high temperatures could lead to melting.
How ICF Works
The structure of ICFs allows the concrete layer, which has natural thermal mass properties, to capture heat and reduce the transfer speed between layers.
The foam layers significantly slow heat loss from the concrete layer so that heat stays trapped inside a building for longer, reducing the need for internal heating systems.
Although occupants may still want to use internal heating on colder days, heating the space will take much less time.
The Impact of ICF on Building Performance
Thermal Insulation and Energy Efficiency
When it comes to energy efficiency for both residential and commercial builds, ICF blocks offer high insulation value and outperform traditional insulating materials.
R-Value Explained
One of the main benefits of ICF is the thermal insulation offered. A material’s ability to prevent heat transfer is measured by a rating called R-value. The higher the R-value, the better an insulator the material is.
R-value is often measured per inch, so you can determine how thick the insulating material needs to be to provide sufficient R-value for your project. Because it was specifically designed for increased thermal insulation, ICF insulation value is typically high.
Comparative Analysis With Traditional Insulation
Compared to traditional insulation methods (such as wood and fiberglass), ICFs outperform their insulation value, although the amount they insulate more effectively can vary between studies and projects. One study has shown that homes with ICFs had 20% higher R-value than homes with stick-frame construction and a more stable thermal comfort.
Air Tightness and Moisture Control
ICFs are high-performing in preventing air and mold infiltration, giving building owners peace of mind that their space is safe from air leaks and potential mold development.
Reducing Air Leaks
ICF’s foam panels and concrete core together eliminate the gaps common in traditional framing, such as those found around studs or joints. ICF materials are also dense and airtight, preventing air infiltration.
Managing Moisture and Preventing Mold
ICFs’ non-porous foam and solid concrete layer helps resist water absorption and condensation. These materials — along with the lack of gaps — prevent moisture and mold growth, whereas materials like wood can trap moisture and become fertile breeding grounds for spores.
Long-Term Cost Savings
When using ICFs in construction, long-term savings are a major benefit for the building owners — they can expect lower energy costs and fewer maintenance expenses over time.
Reduced Energy Bills
Because of their thermal mass and thermal bridging elimination capabilities, ICFs lead to significantly more energy-efficient homes than those built with traditional insulation methods. Studies show that ICFs can reduce heating and cooling costs by 20% to 25%. This energy efficiency also reduces the building’s lifetime environmental impact.
Maintenance and Repair Costs
ICF homes tend to have lower long-term maintenance and repair costs than other homes because of their durability, moisture-resistant design and reduced strain on HVAC systems.
Enhancing Comfort With ICF
While ICFs are beneficial for energy efficiency, moisture control and long-term savings, they can also increase occupant comfort by regulating the temperature, acoustics and air quality inside the home.
Temperature Regulation
The ICF insulation value helps to maintain a consistent indoor temperature all year round. ICF homes in colder climates are likely to be warmer inside than homes with more traditional insulation.
Additionally, the lack of gaps in ICF blocks makes air transfer much lower than other insulation methods, helping eliminate air drafts.
Acoustic Performance
One of the less well-known ICF benefits is soundproofing. In addition to air and heat, ICFs can significantly lower the transfer of sound from indoors to outdoors and vice versa.
The soundproofing afforded by ICFs can also reduce the need for additional expensive soundproofing methods — great for home or building owners who want to avoid outside noise disruptions or prevent indoor noises from reaching the neighbors.
Impact on Indoor Air Quality
ICFs’ airtight structure prevents the entry of allergens from outdoors, and their moisture-resistant design also prevents mold and mildew growth. In addition, the lack of organic materials (such as wood) removes the potential for pests like dust mites.
The fact that ICFs reduce uncontrolled air leaks can also enable greater indoor air quality control. Mechanical ventilation systems like HRVs (or Heat Recovery Ventilators) can be integrated to circulate fresh air while maintaining energy efficiency.
Installation and Best Practices
To install ICFs, start by stacking the blocks. Then, reinforce the forms with rebar — this will be added inside the hollow parts of the ICF blocks and snapped into the ties to reinforce the concrete. Then, brace the blocks and fill them with concrete.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Some common mistakes to avoid include:
- Inadequate Planning: Poor prep and planning can lead to large structural issues and major project delays. Be sure to work with an experienced ICF architect to properly account for doors, windows, plumbing and electrical systems.
- Using The Wrong Concrete Mix: Pouring the wrong concrete mix can compromise the strength of the build. Adhere to the specific concrete mix that your ICF manufacturer advises — if you cannot find that information, contact the manufacturer directly.
- Misaligning Blocks: Improper block alignment can impact the structure’s integrity and can lead to costly setbacks. Use alignment tools to check that the ICF blocks are straight and level — do this often to avoid larger mistakes that require more time-consuming fixes.
Integrating ICF With Other Building Systems
Although the ICF insulation value can reduce the need for extensive HVAC systems, ICF blocks can still work well alongside HVAC systems.
The combination of ICF with HVAC systems can be particularly effective. The thermal mass of the concrete layer in ICFs can slow heat transfer, reducing the need for heating systems to be activated as much as they otherwise would.
The Role of ICF in Green Building Practices
ICFs contribute to green building practices by improving thermal performance, reducing air infiltration and using recycled materials.
ICFs can help professionals achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification — a globally recognized framework for sustainable construction. LEED awards points across categories such as Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources and Indoor Environmental Quality.
ICFs can also help professionals meet other energy-efficient building standards, like Passive House and Net Zero Energy.
Elevate Your ICF Projects With SuperForm
At SuperForm, we have provided construction professionals with the highest quality ICF blocks for a range of successful projects — both commercial and residential.
Our ICF products are stronger and more reliable than competitors, making us the go-to choice for builders who want the best. We aim to set our customers up for success, supporting their projects with energy-efficient, durable, high-performing materials.
Whether you need insulation products or accessories for insulated concrete forms, we’ve got you covered. To find the right solution for your project, check out our extensive product offerings or contact us to learn more.