| "> | | | | concrete is poured down into cavities of the |
| You can build a quality, comfortable home that | | | | entire foam block wall assemblies. They are often |
| uses much less energy to heat and cool. An ICF | | | | also used for the foundation of the home. |
| home is one way to do that. | | | | The ICF blocks act as forms for the concrete |
| Question: What is an ICF home and should I build | | | | while it hardens, then remain in place acting as |
| one? | | | | insulation for the walls forever. They are |
| Answer: ICF stands for Insulated Concrete Forms. | | | | considered "green building approaches" because of |
| But what is that? | | | | the fact that they reduce the use of wood in |
| In some ways, an ICF home is just like any other | | | | construction and typically allow the home to use |
| traditional "stick built" or "site built" home. You | | | | much less energy for heating and cooling. |
| would never know, just by its outward | | | | Are They Worth Your Investment? |
| appearance, that it was an insulated concrete | | | | Depending on the cost of labor and materials in |
| home once it's finished. There's nothing magical or | | | | your area, ICF homes can cost between 3 and 8 |
| strange about it. But, it certainly is different in its | | | | percent more than the traditional stick built home. |
| structure and ability to save energy. | | | | But, you can often cut energy consumption in the |
| An ICF home is a concrete wall home, made | | | | home by 30 to 60% resulting in lower heating and |
| from cement and foam blocks. That's the principle | | | | air conditioning bills. And, as costs for fuels rise, |
| and material difference between them and | | | | the benefit only grows over time. |
| traditional wood framed homes. | | | | Because of the extra building cost, it makes the |
| How are Insulated Concrete Forms Used? | | | | most sense if you can live in the home for a few |
| The exterior walls are built by stacking up foam | | | | years to maximize the economic value you |
| blocks for the entire "envelope" of the home or | | | | receive. |
| exterior wall portions. These foam blocks are | | | | Keep up your researching and be sure to check |
| hollow. In the hollows, steel is placed before | | | | various ICF styles and options. |