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Question: |
Will building with ICFs cost more than building with traditional framing and insulation?
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Answer: |
Your upfront costs will be slightly higher than building with traditional wood-framed, stick-built construction. However, due to the energy efficiency and durability of your ICF walls, your long-term costs will be much lower. |
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Can I use any floor plan?
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Absolutely! In fact, ICF-built homes are ideal for today's popular curved walls and open floor plans. |
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Question: |
Will people be able to tell that my home is built out of concrete, just by looking at it?
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No one will be able to tell the difference by looking. The outside can have any kind of finish, from brick to stucco to siding. The inside may have deeper window wells, but you can have your walls finished any way you like. The real differences you'll notice are the sound and air quality, energy efficiency and cost-savings! |
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Question: |
How much savings will I see in my energy bills?
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Your concrete home can save you up to 50% to 80% on your energy bills! How much you'll save depends on many factors, like the number and type of windows in your home, the roof structure, the heating and cooling system, and the orientation of your home on your property. |
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Are there any insurance benefits to building with ICFs?
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Usually, your insurance bills will go down. It varies according to the insurance company you choose. ICF-built homes are much stronger than conventional homes. They can be engineered to withstand winds up to 200 miles per hour. That's a solid defense against hurricanes and tornadoes. |
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Will it take longer to build with ICFs?
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ICF construction should take about the same amount of time - and sometimes even less time - than building a traditional, stick-built home. |
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Question: |
How can I visit an ICF job site or a completed ICF home?
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We welcome you to see an ICF home for yourself! You can simply e-mail us your request or call us and we'll arrange for you to tour an ICF job site and/or home. |
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Question: |
Are ICF walls as strong as concrete block or standard poured wall construction?
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Answer: |
Stronger! When cured, the concrete in ICFs is 50% stronger. Plus, ICF walls have built-in insulation and the interior and exterior finishes can be applied directly to the sturdy forms! |
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Do the ICF forms stay in place after the concrete is poured?
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Yes. Actually, the forms act as insulation, nailing surfaces and a vapor barrier, all in one. |
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How are utilities and drywall installed?
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The utilities are installed directly into the foam. Channels or grooves are cut into the forms, and plumbing and electrical lines are then inserted into those grooves. The drywall is screwed directly onto the forms. |
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Do you waterproof ICF walls?
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Answer: |
Yes, waterproofing is required below grade just as it is with any form of below-grade construction. |
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Question: |
How are doors and windows installed?
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Answer: |
An ACQ wood buck is built and incorporated into the ICF wall as it is being stacked and prior to pouring the concrete. Once the concrete cures, doors and windows are installed as usual. |
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Question: |
How do I know which size form to use, and how many will it take?
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Answer: |
It depends on the home you're building. Prior to the start of construction, we will choose the wall width based on your design and the structure. |
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Question: |
If ICFs are superior to stick-built, why don't all contractors build with ICFs?
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Answer: |
Because it's different and requires change. Over the past 30 years, sales of ICFs have been growing steadily as their popularity as an alternative building system increases. We believe that ICFs will eventually be the most popular form of construction. In 1992, less than 1,000 ICF homes were built in the US. In 2002, that number grew to 65,000 homes and accounted for 2.7% of the market. By 2003, ICFs grew to 4.0%. Look for strong continued growth in the ICF building sector. |
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