Insulated concrete forms
November 09, 2009 // Posted by: Constructor // Category: Construction Materials, Home Construction, Office Construction
ICF or Insulated Concrete Forms is a building system that is made from concrete, providing more toughness, energy efficiency and comfort than any other traditional method of construction. The technology of ICF was usually used in residential construction only, but now, it has gained popularity among commercial manufacturers and contractors also.
ICF slabs are reinforced concrete walls that act as barriers to the outside temperature of the air, thus keeping down your energy costs. These walls are braced and stacked and concrete is put into form. These finished walls have attachment flanges for the exterior finishing like interior finishes and siding. Because polystyrene foam locks out the moisture, the concrete cures faster and provides superior strength when it is poured into insulated panels. Usually, the concrete that is used in the ICF walls is the same that is used in foundation construction of traditional type. However, ICF concrete is made up of smaller average size, allowing for smoother pumping and pouring.