ICF Home Builders in Cobourg

What-is-ICF?.png — **WHAT IS ICF?**

Insulated concrete forms (ICF) are hollow, interlocking blocks made out of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) that are stacked on top of one another, reinforced with steel rebar, and then filled with concrete to create one of the strongest wall systems on the market today.
Insulated concrete forms can be used for all the exterior walls in your home. They are lightweight, quick to install, come in various forms, and can be built or constructed to fit any design. With ICF you get the strength of reinforced concrete and the versatility of wood, utilizing the advantages of modern engineering.

THE ADVANTAGES OF ICF

Expanded Polystyrene is one of the finest insulating materials available, making ICF blocks incredibly energy-efficient and helping you save money on your energy bill.

ICF walls have a completely uniform surface and a ready for direct application of your favourite finishes, including drywall, stucco, and stonework.

A home built with ICF is a safe home. ICF blocks are disaster-resistant, holding a fire rating of up to four hours, and capable of withstanding the wind speeds produced by an F5 tornado.

a hammer and a wrench crossed over each other

These blocks are very low maintenance and are mold, rot, mildew, and insect resistant.

a speaker with an ex so that the speaker is muted

Their EPS exteriors also give these blocks sound-blocking capabilities, with an STC rating of 51+. So, you can be close to the hustle and bustle of the big city without having to sacrifice your own quiet space.

ICF filters out 75% of outside air infiltration, so you and your family can breathe easy.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ICF

I already have plans drawn up using wooden frames, but I want to switch to ICF. Do I need to redraw my plans?

Yes. ICF walls are generally thicker than your traditional wooden ones (between 6” and 12”), and your plans will have to account for this change. Your plans will also need to show all ICF details for permitting purposes.

Is ICF more expensive than a wood frame?

Initially, yes, the cost of ICF is about 5-7% more than wood frames. However, ICF will save you money down the line. Homes built using ICF are highly energy-efficient and can save anywhere from $140 to $190 per month on your energy bill.

Can ICF be used for my basement?

Yes, you can! Insulated concrete forms were originally invented for that very purpose. There is an additional waterproofing step prior to backfilling, but ICFs are more than capable of handling the pressures of a basement wall.

Is it hard to get ICF? Will it increase my build time?

Not at all! ICF is very easy to obtain, and its lightweight composition makes it even easier to install than your traditional building elements like wood or stone.

Am I limited in my design if I decide to use ICF blocks?

Nope, you can still design your dream home however you want. ICF blocks come in various shapes and styles and can be cut and molded to fit your individual needs.

I’ve been working with an architect, but they are unfamiliar with ICF. Does that mean I can’t use ICF?

No, of course not! ICF forms are easy to work with once you get the hang of it. Our team of experienced designers and builders are more than happy to walk you and your architect through the process.

Can you install plumbing and electrical work into an ICF wall?

Electrical and plumbing boxes can be easily installed thanks to the ICF’s built-in webbing, and all wiring can be channelled right into the foam using a hot knife, electric saw, or simple hand-held saw. It’s quick, easy, and has no additional costs.

If ICF is so good, why isn’t everybody doing it?

ICF can give your home a slew of advantages, from energy-efficiency to sound-proofing and extra durability that will increase your quality of life. However, it’s still a relatively new product, and in the construction world, what’s new is often met with skepticism. You’d be surprised how hard it is to get people to move away from what works even when you have something that works better. But, its popularity is quickly growing.

If ICF is made out of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), does that mean it won’t last as long as wood?

ICF homes have a lifespan of over 100 years, and because they are a mixture of foam, steel, and concrete, they are not susceptible to things like mold, rot, mildew, and insect damage.

What can you build using ICF?

You can build pretty much anything with ICF. You can use them to build stem walls, retaining walls, basements, garages, additions, even swimming pools!