Insulated concrete forms
How it works
The foam blocks are fitted together like puzzle pieces or secured using C-shaped channels. Installers reinforce the forms with steel rebar, then fill the hollow chambers with concrete.Electrical and plumbing lines are concealed within carved channels cut into the foam walls. Both the interior and exterior can be covered with any type of finishing product, including drywall, plaster, brick, stucco or siding.
Energy savings
The insulation value of a finished wall ranges from R-18 to R-26, and the solid concrete core virtually eliminates the cold drafts typical of wood-frame construction. This means most ICF homes have utility bills 30 percent lower than typical homes.Other benefits
A typical four-inch-thick foam block wall is four to six times stronger than a conventional "stick-built" house, making it resistant to fire, violent winds and even earthquakes. In some areas, owners of foam-block houses may qualify for lower home insurance premiums.The combination of high-mass concrete and permanent insulation will also reduce noise pollution, resulting in a quieter home.
Costs
The construction costs for ICF houses usually runs about five to seven percent more than wood framing, but the costs can be paid back in energy savings in two or three years.More from this category
New home comfort issues
Our four-part series explores how to handle comfort issues in a new home.
Decoding building requirements
Learn about some of the changes for new homes built today. An expert highlights some of the things to consider when building a new home.
Trombe wall
Using the sun's stored energy to heat your home reduces your conventional energy consumption.
Energy efficient kitchen remodel
This kitchen remodel features a new window, energy-efficient lighting, new appliances and side-wall insulation.
Air quality and ventilation in new homes
New, energy-efficient homes need new solutions to circulate and ventilate the air inside the home.
Structural insulated panels
Structural insulated panels, also called SIPs, foam-core panels or stress-skin panels, are significantly more airtight than stud walls.
Turning a barn into an energy-smart home
A century-old barn gets the ultimate makeover - with lots of energy-smart technology.
Net Zero Community
Check out a new neighborhood concept and see how one builder is changing the way homes are built with a goal to use zero energy.