Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF)

What Are ICFs?

The building materials you choose for your next project will affect the value of your investment for its entire lifetime. Whether it is your home, office or a public institution, you want a structure that is safe and comfortable, yet built at a competitive price with minimal long-term maintenance and service costs. A building system that provides the value you are looking for may be Insulating Concrete Forms.

Insulating Concrete Forms, (ICFs), are expanded polystyrene formwork for concrete, that stays in place as a permanent building insulation, for energy-efficient reinforced concrete walls. Because the main structural element of an ICF building is reinforced concrete, it provides substantially better durability and requires less maintenance and repair. An ICF building is built to last and retains its value longer. ICF has virtually no design limitations when compared to more conventional types of construction. ICF buildings are just as aesthetically pleasing as any other type of construction, yet they provide benefits far beyond other types of construction.

Why ICFs?

ICF buildings have up to 2x greater energy efficiency. With energy costs increasing steadily, energy efficient ICF buildings in turn save you increasing amounts on heating and cooling costs. ICF is a highly insulated concrete wall with no air spaces or studs, which practically eliminates air infiltration. When you combine the expanded polystyrene foam with the thermal mass of the reinforced concrete you have a building that has superior energy efficiency over more traditional building methods.

ICF buildings have up to 4x greater fire resistance. Building with ICF offers greater fire protection with up to a four (4) hour fire protection rating which is 4 times that of a wood framed building. With non-combustible reinforced concrete walls and non-toxic fire retardant expanded polystyrene foam, ICF walls are far more likely to remain standing in case of a fire and are more resistant to the spread of fire. Most insurance companies offer reduced rates for ICF buildings.

ICF buildings are up to 9x more durable and offer superior storm resistance. Compared to wood and steel framed walls, ICF walls provide greater durability and strength. ICF walls can provide peace of mind in high wind areas that are prone to tornadoes and hurricanes. ICF walls can withstand winds up to 250 mph. ICF walls also allow you to anchor your roof systems into the concrete walls for added resistance to the forces of nature. Another reason insurance companies offer reduced rates for ICF buildings

ICF buildings are up to 9x more comfortable. Typical wood framed walls are greatly affected by a phenomenon known as thermal bridging which creates uncomfortable cold spots inside. ICF walls offer superior reduction of thermal bridging, resulting in even temperatures throughout with reduced drafts and cold spots.

ICF buildings are up to 3x more sound resistant. Double insulated concrete cores act as an effective sound barrier, filtering out unwanted noise, dampening sound vibrations and ensuring a comfortable ambience.

Greener, Healthier!

ICF buildings are a Greener, Healthier alternative.

ICF buildings use less energy to heat and cool which saves natural resources and reduces pollution resulting from the creation and consumption of energy.
ICF is manufactured from recycled and recyclable materials.
ICF buildings produce very little waste during construction and all waste is 100% recyclable.
ICF forms have no off-gassing and emit no CFC’s or HCFC’s.
No air infiltration means greatly reduced dust and allergens.
ICF eliminates gaps or cavities in walls, preventing trapped moisture and mold.

The key to realizing all the benefits of ICF construction is quality installation. Green Ridge Builders has skilled, experienced installers that will get you the maximum results for your ICF project. We have installers that have completed the required training courses for both Nudura and Reward wall systems.