What are ICFs?
ICF is the acronym for Insulating Concrete Forms. There are multiple types of ICF’s but in general ICF’s are rigid plastic foam forms that are filled with reinforced concrete to create structural walls. They hold concrete in place during curing and remain in place afterwards to provide thermal insulation. ICF’s are used to make structural concrete walls, and can be used to make either foundation or above-grade walls. The forms are typically made from pure foam-plastic insulation but may also be made from a composite of cement and foam insulation or a composite of cement and processed wood. The foam is typically either expanded polystyrene (EPS). In addition to holding the concrete in place while curing, ICF’s usually provide a web system to hold rebar in place properly spaced so that ties are avoided, and also a system is provided in most (not all) ICF’s to mechanically attach interior and exterior wall finishes.
ICF is the acronym for Insulating Concrete Forms. There are multiple types of ICF’s but in general ICF’s are rigid plastic foam forms that are filled with reinforced concrete to create structural walls. They hold concrete in place during curing and remain in place afterwards to provide thermal insulation. ICF’s are used to make structural concrete walls, and can be used to make either foundation or above-grade walls. The forms are typically made from pure foam-plastic insulation but may also be made from a composite of cement and foam insulation or a composite of cement and processed wood. The foam is typically either expanded polystyrene (EPS). In addition to holding the concrete in place while curing, ICF’s usually provide a web system to hold rebar in place properly spaced so that ties are avoided, and also a system is provided in most (not all) ICF’s to mechanically attach interior and exterior wall finishes.
• A: ICFs are hollow, light-weight “stay in place” forms made of two Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) panels which are connected by polypropylene webs. During construction, the forms are stacked to the desired height then filled with concrete making stable, durable and sustainable walls. They offer a “5 in 1” solution that provides structure, insulation, vapor barrier, sound barrier and attachments for drywall and exterior siding in one easy step which dramatically reduces labour costs and construction time.
