Insulated concrete forms — ICF for short — are hollow foam blocks that stack together like building blocks, get reinforced with steel and are filled with concrete. The foam stays in place, giving you insulation on both sides of a solid concrete wall.
The advantages
- Energy efficiency — continuous insulation and very little air leakage. The concrete’s thermal mass also evens out temperature swings, which helps in both cold Northwest winters and hot desert summers.
- Strength and durability — concrete does not rot, will not be eaten by termites and holds up well to fire and severe weather.
- Quiet — ICF walls block a remarkable amount of outside noise.
- Comfort — fewer drafts and steadier indoor temperatures.
The trade-offs
- Cost — ICF walls usually cost more to build than a standard wood-framed wall. The energy savings help pay it back over time.
- Experienced crews — not every builder has ICF experience. Hire one who does.
- Design and engineering — window and door openings, long clear spans and changes later on all take more planning with concrete. Some building departments require an engineer to review ICF walls, especially for long spans. One of my clients building an ICF home in Grant County, Washington needed exactly that.
- Remodeling — moving a window or adding a door later is a much bigger job in a concrete wall.
Is ICF right for you?
ICF is a great fit for homeowners who plan to stay a long time and value quiet, comfort and durability. It is especially worth considering for basements, high-wind or wildfire areas and very hot or very cold climates. The key is deciding early, because ICF affects the design, the engineering and the budget from the start.
Planning a new home, remodel or addition? Steve offers a free, no-pressure consultation. Call 928-444-7447 (Arizona) or 509-607-0300 (Washington), email steve@stevesenger.com, or send a message.