Insulating Concrete Forms

Insulating Concrete Forms or Insulated Concrete Forms ("ICF") are forms for cast-in-place (reinforced) concrete walls that are left in place permanently as insulation.

Concept

The forms, usually made of foam insulation, are built up to create a cavity for the walls of a structure. Then concrete is pumped into the center cavity to form the concrete walls. Usually reinforcing steel is added before concrete placement to give the resulting concrete walls flexural strength.

After the concrete forming the forms are left in place permanently to serve as:

  • thermal & acoustic insulation,
  • space to run electrical conduit & plumbing, and
  • backing for gypsum boards on the interior and stucco, brick, or other siding on the exterior.

Benefits

This method of construction is revolutionizing building industries world-wide. The advantages of structures built with this method include (Feature -> Benefit):

  • Superior Energy Performance -> Lower energy bills
  • Fast Construction -> Competitive costs
  • High Sound Absorption -> Peace & quiet Inside
  • Little Waste, Local Materials -> Environmental friendliness
  • Time-tested Structural Integrity -> Resistance to forces of nature
  • Low Maintenance & High Durability -> Higher resale values

Types of Systems

The forms are usually made of foam insulation, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), and are either

  • separate panels that are connected with plastic connectors or ties or
  • pre-formed interlocking blocks

Different ICF systems also vary in the shape of the resulting concrete within the wall:

  • "Flat" systems form even thickness concrete throughout the walls, like a conventionally poured wall.
  • "Grid" systems create a waffle pattern where the concrete is thicker at some points than others.
  • "Post-and-Beam" (or "screen grid") systems form discrete horizontal and vertical columns of concrete (no fire resistance).


External Links

Manufacturers and Distributors

  • Quad-Lock Insulating Concrete Forms The Quad-Lock Building System gives you the best living environment because you can easily build safer, more comfortable & environmentally friendlier homes, commercial & institutional buildings. View Distributors.
  • Formtech International Corporation Formtech International Corporation is the leading manufacturer of Insulated Concrete Forms used the world-over by quality-conscious builders and architects.