Green Home Construction Using Insulated Concrete Forms
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are basically a rigid insulating plastic form used to hold concrete in place as it cures. The insulating form is left in place around the concrete after it’s cured.
The foam then serves as the backing for the interior and exterior finishes. Drywall is attached directly to the foam on the inside and exterior siding is attached directly on the outside. The result is a durably constructed energy-efficient wall.
The insulating foam is made of either polystyrene or extruded polystyrene. A variety of structural configurations are possible including posts, beams, grids or standard walls. The insulating efficiency is proportional to the thickness.
Benefits include a tighter envelope with very low air infiltration. The higher insulating values mean better energy efficiency which translates into lower operating costs.
On average, ICF costs about 2-5% more than ordinary stick frame construction, but costs are quickly recouped from lower utility bills, lower insurance premiums and better mortgage rates partly due to the high performance and structural durability of the finished home. Homes built with ICFs are designed with lifespan of up to 200 years.
I took the pictures in this article at a job site in Boulder Colorado. The custom green home currently being built was designed by the German company WeberHaus GmbH & Co. The home is being assembled by the construction firm, Vireo Vision.
If you or someone you know is planning to buy a new home, consider a home built with ICFs.
If you are interested in purchasing a home in the Denver or Boulder area, I can help. I can provide you with detailed market information in addition to information about neighborhoods, jobs and schoolls.
Visit E3GreenHOMES.com for information on Denver and Boulder Colorado green homes.
If you like this article please click the 'Tweet This' button above. Thank You!
Previous Post: Green Home Construction Using Structural Insulated Panels
____________________________________________________________________________
John Thomas MSEE, MBA
(m) 720-771-5594 (e) john.thomas@e3greenhomes.com
__________________________________________
John -- Are the appraisers able to include the increase costs when they do an appraisal of the home or do buyers have to pay the difference. This has been an issue in our neck of the woods for some "green" components .. especially geothermal.
Hi Joan...Thanks for your comments. There is still some issues with appraisers here too, but it's getting better. The Appraisal Institute is now offering classes to help appraisers understand and value green home features and benefits. I suspect it will take some time before we get into the mainstream market but rest assured it will happen.
Cheers,
john
John, we built our home five years ago..I wish we knew about the ICFs. Maybe on our next house. Great and informative post.
I've seen this system on This Old House and after viewing I only wished that I could go out and build a home utilizing it. When I do hear of people planning a new construction project, I always suggest that they consider such a foundation system to insure a pleasant "below-grade" space for their home.
There is a contractor here who specializes in ICFs. It is great to see green practices becoming more common.