Insulated Concrete Form blocks—or ICFs—are a strong, energy-efficient building material consisting of two panels of foam insulation held together with ties. The blocks are stacked on top of each other to form a hollow wall that is filled with concrete. Once the concrete sets, you’ve got a steel-reinforced concrete wall with built-in insulation!
Benefits of ICFs
- Insulation — ICFs provide exceptional thermal insulation for a home. Concrete reduces the effects of temperature fluctuations and greatly reduces the size of the heating and cooling equipment needed for a building.
- Fire Resistance — Concrete is naturally fire-resistant. It slows down the spread of fire, withstanding fire for longer than traditional construction materials.
- Water Resistance — ICFs are resistant to water and moisture damage, and can even be used as waterproof foundation walls. Concrete will not rot or deteriorate when exposed to water or moisture.
- Disaster Resistance — Concrete is a very strong material, making it much more resilient against natural disasters like strong winds, earthquakes, and floods.