A ToolBase TechNote
Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) are typically constructed of rigid foam plastic insulation, a composite of cement and foam insulation, or a composite of cement and wood chips. The forms typically remain in place after the concrete has cured to provide an insulated concrete wall.
ICFs are typically categorized by the form of the ICF unit, such as pane, plank, and block. The main differences among these categories are the amount of concrete vs. form material required, insulating value, attachment requirements, and method of installation. ICF characteristics include the inherent strength of reinforced concrete construction in resisting high winds, reduction in the intrusion of outside noise, and resistance to damage by termites and moisture.
Although ICFs have been used successfully in the United States, Canada, and Europe for more than 20 years, broader acceptance has been limited by a lack of practical design guidelines and prescriptive requirements for residential applications. As a result, those who desire to build or purchase a home with ICF construction must incur the additional burden of engineering for each application.
Detailed information about ICFs and ICF walls can be found on the PATH Technology Inventory.
ICF DESIGN
The NAHB Research Center publication, Prescriptive Method For Insulating Concrete Forms In Residential Construction, helps builders, contractors, designers and others understand how to design and use ICF systems in residential construction.
Prescriptive Design Method
A prescriptive approach to ICF design eliminates the need for engineering in most applications. Prescriptive Method for Insulating Concrete Forms in Residential Construction includes below-grade and above-grade wall design tables, lintel tables, construction details, thermal guidelines, and other related information for home builders, building code officials, and design professionals. The provisions of this document were developed by applying accepted engineering practices to standard construction techniques; however, users of the document should verify its compliance with local code requirements.
Funding for the research that lead to the development of the Prescriptive Method publication was provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Portland Cement Association. It is available through HUD at 202-708-3151; PCA at 800-868-6733; and the NAHB Research Center at 800-638-8556.
Other publications from the NAHB Research Center about Insulating Concrete Forms include:
- Testing and Design of Lintels Using Insulating Concrete Forms
- In-Plane Shear Resistance of Insulating Concrete Form Walls
- Insulating Concrete Forms: Comparative Thermal Performance
- Insulating Concrete Forms: Costs and Benefits for Residential Construction
- Insulating Concrete Forms: Installed Cost and Acoustic Performance
- Insulating Concrete Forms for Residential Construction: Demonstration Homes