What Is an ICF Home?
When it comes to building energy-efficient and durable homes, ICF construction has gained popularity over the years. But what exactly is an ICF home, and why is it becoming such a sought-after choice for builders and homeowners?
ICF is a modern and eco-friendly way to build. It uses rigid insulation blocks made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) with plastic webbing. These blocks fit together tightly, forming a strong wall system.
Unlike traditional wood or plywood forms, ICF employs these insulated blocks to shape the concrete walls. Building an ICF home involves placing these blocks, pouring in concrete, and adding finishes like drywall and siding.
ICF walls typically range from 4" to 12" thick, depending on soil conditions, the building's needs, and other factors.
An insulated concrete form house comes with a many benefits. They speed up construction, potentially shaving off 2–4 months of build time. The built-in insulation and fastener strips simplify the process, eliminating many steps required in traditional wood framing.
While ICF may have a slightly higher upfront cost, it can be competitive when you factor in energy savings, lower insurance premiums, and reduced maintenance.
ICF walls are fire-resistant and can withstand severe fires, preventing flames from spreading. They're also very resistant to damage from natural disasters such as hurricanes.
In fact, ICF homes are often called "1,000-year homes" due to their remarkable durability.
They're also free from harmful chemicals, providing better air quality and less air leakage. They can even be modified for net-zero energy use when combined with solar technology.
ICF construction is an excellent choice for energy-efficient, durable, and sustainable homes. While the initial cost may be a bit higher, the long-term benefits, like energy savings and reduced maintenance, make ICF homes a smart investment.
Regarding ICF homes, SuperForm stands out as a dependable partner. Customers rely on SuperForm for projects of any scope, thanks to our user-friendly approach, labor savings, minimal job site waste, and the assurance of using the strongest ICF block on the market.
Experience the difference with SuperForm for your ICF home projects, and see how we can transform your construction experience!
Customer & Partner Testimonials
“I’ve been building ICF houses between 25 and 30 years. This is one of the best technology inventions that has ever hit the building industry… I do have experience with 4 other brands of block and this is by far the strongest.”
Harvey CookIndependent SuperForm ICF Installer
“I have built my own home with SuperForm and know how well it over performs. I also know and understand the benefits of it compared to other ICF block products by other companies.”
Laura TrentFront Design & Drafting
“SuperForm was extremely easy to work with and they met all our target dates. Our project's actually a month ahead of schedule.”
Jason WhirfieldProject Manager, Kanas Corporation
“I have used the product and like it better than what I used prior to SuperForm. I have recommended the product to several people who are now also using it.”
Nathan WipfParkland Colony
“More than 20 years later, after what started off as single family residence that I still reside in today, we’re now beside an 18 story building built with similar [SuperForm ICF] techniques.”
Robert Sipka President, Kanas Corporation
“Love the product, easy to work with.”
RockoDustay Construction Ltd.
“I have a 100% trust-based relationship [with SuperForm]. They care about their installers and they treat us right. My day is made better knowing that I’m not going to have to lug around 200 lb. forms; SuperForm is light and I feel like I can do it until I’m 60 or 70.”
Logan Dejax Revel Ventures
“Excellent Service. Prompt and professional.”
Melinda JamesHard Rock Developments
“When people ask me “Why SuperForm?” I can tell them out of out of experience, from just pumping other block, we don't have the success rate like we do with SuperForm.”
Brandon Elliott Edgecon Concrete Pumping
“Good service and communication. It’s a quality product!”
Bow Island Building Supplies
“I have personally used the product a lot and like the strength of the forms and the way it goes together. I have also received compliments on the straightness of the walls. In my experience it takes less bracing then some others to get a nice job.”
Stephen IsaacCustom Country Construction