Insulated Concrete Forms ICFs

1
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

• By Mike Stein

2
What Are They?

• Insulated Concrete Forms are forms for poured
  concrete walls that stay in place as a permanent
  part of the structure.

3
What Are They?

• These forms, made of foam insulation, can either
  be preformed or separate panels connected with
  plastic ties.
• They provide insulation, a sound barrier, backing
  for drywall, stucco, siding, or brick.

4
Different Types

• All ICFs are identical in principle, although
  the different brands a very different in the
  details of their shapes, cavities, and
  components.
• There are three main types of ICF systems.
• Block Systems
• Panel Systems
• Plank Systems

5
Block Systems

• Block systems have the smallest individual units,
  ranging from 8" x 1'4 to 1'4" x 4'. A typical
  ICF block is 10" in overall width, with a 6"
  cavity for the concrete.
• The units are factory-molded with special
  interlocking edges that allow them to fit
  together much like plastic children's blocks.

6
Panel Systems

• Panel systems have the largest units, ranging
  from roughly 1' x 8' to 4' x 12'.
• Their foam edges are flat, and interconnection
  requires attachment of a separate connector or
  "tie."
• Panels are assembled into units before setting in
  place - either on-site or by the local
  distributor prior to delivery.

7
Plank Systems

• Plank systems are similar to panel systems, but
  generally use smaller faces of foam, ranging in
  height from 8" to 12"and in width from 4' to 8'.
• The major difference between planks and panels is
  assembly. The foam planks are outfitted with ties
  as part of the setting sequence, rather than
  being pre-assembled into units.

8
Why Use Them?

• Insulated Concrete Forms have many advantages
  over standard wood framed houses.
• Energy Savings
• Fire Resistance
• Wind Resistance
• Comfort Quiet
• Durability Strength

9
Applications

• Single Family Homes
• Multi Family Homes
• Residential Basements
• Non-Residential Buildings

10
Construction Costs

• Houses built by experienced contractors cost
  about .5-4 more than wood frame houses of the
  same design.

11
Photographs
12
Works Cited

• http//www.forms.org/
• http//www.rewardwalls.com/
• http//www.icfhomes.com/
• http//www.toolbase.org/Technology-Inventory/walls
  /Insulating-Concrete-Forms
• http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulated_concrete_fo
  rms