Learn About Insulated Concrete Forms

What PROs Need to Know

It’s easy to forget that homeowners look to you as a contractor for education about their projects as well as results, and insulated concrete forms (ICFs) are something you should be prepared to talk about. Understanding ICFs well enough to explain them clearly will help build trust with prospective clients and increase your chances for closing home building deals.

What are ICFs?

ICFs, or Insulated Concrete Forms, are one of a handful of concrete forming systems used for building foundations and above-ground walls. ICFs are typically made with two layers of foam connected by plastic webbing that holds these layers together, creating a space between the foam for concrete. ICFs come in different widths and styles, and each ICF block interlocks with surrounding blocks during assembly. Unlike conventional wood or steel forms that get stripped off after concrete has hardened, the foam layer of ICFs stay in place for insulation. Just below the surface of the foam are plastic flanges made to accept screws for securing finished wall coverings. ICFs provide structure, insulation, vapour barrier and wall finish attachment functions all in one.

ICF Uses

If you’ve never worked with ICF systems before, no problem. They’re easy to use and different manufacturers offer detailed training. Unlike conventional steel or wood forms for concrete, ICFs sometimes require additional vertical bracing to support the foam against concrete pressure, especially with tall form installations. A handful of companies offer aluminum ICF bracing systems, or you can use lumber.

ICF advantages

Besides benefits for the home or project owner, ICFs offer at least seven advantages for you as a builder:

Easier, faster, and more economical to assemble than regular forms.
Excellent energy performance because of a lack of thermal bridging and the presence of high thermal mass from concrete. ICFs also make it easier to achieve air tightness performance to meet design goals compared with stick framing.
ICF structures are a premium option, and this quality builds your reputation as a contractor.
With proper planning there’s very little construction waste, especially compared with built-on-site wood forms.
ICFs are compatible with all other standard construction practices.
ICFs boost your reputation as a builder of disaster-resistant homes.
The chance to earn a markup on ICF forms compared with multi-use concrete forms that are stripped and used again.

Tips for building with ICFs

Take training offered by your ICF manufacturer and you’ll work more quickly and possibly avoid time consuming issues during the project. Also, follow an engineered plan for rebar placement within ICFs. Consider using fiberglass rebar to eliminate the danger of rusting and concrete damage from steel rebar, especially in foundation walls. Fiberglass is also easier to work with than steel rebar.

As you assemble ICFs, make allowances for vent pipes or electrical conduits that need to go through the finished wall. Unlike with stick framing, it’s much easier to create openings before concrete is poured. Before you pour, don’t forget to inset larger-than-needed plastic pipes through the foam in places where pipes, conduit or vents get installed later.

Most ICF systems use foam that’s 2 1/2” thick. In cases where the top of ICF foam remains visible after project completion, consider capping the exposed top edge of the foam with 2 1/2” galvanized steel wall framing track.

ICFs are a building innovation that’s here to stay because it offers benefits to both you and the clients you work with. Add this approach to your skill set and you’ll win more and better projects.

Learn About Insulated Concrete Forms

What PROs Need to Know

ICF options

ICF Uses

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