Insulated Concrete Forms are foam block systems (typically EPS) that when installed have create a sandwich of foam and concrete. Standard ICFs have a layer of 2"-3" of foam on either side of a concrete core that is typically 4-6", some have even larger "concrete cores" available. This system creates the most energy efficient, structurally stable and sound resistant systems on the market today. Other products may advertise a few of the qualities that ICFs offer, but none of those products have everything in one package that has been rigorously tested for many years and is approved by nearly all building, energy, green building and fire codes.
Energy Efficiency is paramount in today's society. Few products can compete with ICFs. A standard 2x4 wood stud wall with fiberglass batt insulation will have an advertised R-value of about 13-15. An ICF wall with 4" of concrete will perform as an R-32 to R-50 depending on the block system & climate. The reason it is noted as "perform as" is due to the fact that the comparison is not a true apples to apples comparison. A wood frame wall transfers hot/cold air at a different rate than the foam & concrete due the Thermal Mass the concrete provides. R-value is the resistance of heat thru an object. EPS has a very high R-Value yet concrete has a very low R-Value. The difference is that fiberglass insulation resists the transfer of heat well, concrete absorbs and then dissipates that heat which creates the thermal mass. There is more that goes into the physics of how air transfers but that is the simplified version. A quick Google search will give you a more detailed analogy for those that would like additional technical data. See the diagrams below for a comparison between a 2x4 frame wall and an ICF wall.
ICFs are more than just energy efficient. They are also in a league of their own when it comes to Natural Disasters. A 4" core ICF wall will have a fire resistance rating of 3-4 hours and is able to withstand a projectile traveling at over 200mph with little more than a dent (see video below). Earthquake damage can also can be minimized with the system. In addition, the blocks have been tested by the military for use in combat areas and have proven to be resistant to numerous ballistic tests.
ICF's are rapidly gaining popularity due to their structural
integrity, ease of use and energy efficient design. RKD is recognized
as an industry leader when it comes to designing structures with ICF systems.
This experience will save you time and money during the construction
process. Lower on this page there is an example of an ICF home and how we helped a client saving over $70,000 on their home. With many different ICFs on the market, let us help you evaluate and
decide which system will work best for your next project.
Robert Klob Designs is proud
to be an active member of the Insulating Concrete Form Association. The
ICFA is an organization that represents manufacturers, distributors, suppliers
and professionals that service the Insulated Concrete Form industry since 1995. The ICFA is well respected with several
hundred members from around the globe.
The Vision of the ICFA is simple yet
powerful: Insulating Concrete Forms will become the preferred building method
in North America. Our Mission is broad: to promote the use of ICFs,
and to help overcome industry obstacles.
Robert Klob was a featured speaker during the 2009 ICFA Expo. He is also an original member of the
"Contractor & Distributor Strategic Planning Committee”. We are working diligently to enhance the ICFA
to be a viable association for years to come.
ICFs can be one of the best
choices to use when building any new structure, However nothing is perfect. When you understand the challenges, the more
likely it is that your project will succeed.
One of the biggest challenges we see time after time is Structural
Engineering. This happens when you have
an engineer that is not familiar with the systems or one that is apprehensive to engineering anything but frame or masonry construction. When this occurs, they have a tendency to
take on the attitude of if 1 is good, 5 is better. When this happens, it will cost YOU more
money. The following is a real project we had and is a prime
example of this happening.
A few years ago we had a potential
client that discussed a new 3,500 square foot custom home with us and he wanted
to use ICF. We explained the pros and
cons and showed him different types of block systems. He chose a system he liked and we started the design. The design was very unique and it was for a
lot that had some hillside challenges. When it
was time, we recommended that he use an engineer that we have worked with many
times on ICF projects. However, they had
an engineer that was an acquaintance and wanted to use him instead – we explained the challenges but in the end we followed the adage "the customer is always right"
and proceeded with their engineer. The plans and engineering
was completed and the project went out for final bid & when the bids came
in the project was over budget by nearly $75,000. The client was upset and wanted to kill the
project. I persuaded him to give me a
week to find out what the issue was.
I met with the general contractor and
he stated that the majority of the overage was in the concrete and rebar per
the engineering specifications. Upon
learning this, I immediately had the original engineer I recommended review the
plans. He came back with a solution – he
would re-engineer the plans and if he didn’t shave at least $25,000 off the
budget he wouldn’t charge for his services.
The client agreed. The plans were
engineered again then re-bid. The design
of the home didn’t change and when the new bids came in, the reduction for the labor, concrete
and steel was nearly $70,000. The owner further helped the budget by selecting
less expensive finishes, cabinetry, plumbing and electrical fixtures – this added another
$30,000 in reduced costs totaling $100,000 reduction from the original bid.
This proves how important
having the right team is integral to any project. While a few dollars may be saved early on, it
could result in thousands of unnecessary fees later on.
ICF Examples:
Fire resistance of ICF system
Southern California Wildfires 2008
An intoxicated driver was speeding down the
street, fell asleep at the wheel.
The Pontiac Firebird left the road, became
airborne, and slammed into the
exterior wall of the residence at a speed of
approx. 90 miles per hour.
The ICF wall protected the home and most important,
the child in the bedroom on the other side.
Infrared photography of two homes in the same
neighborhood.
Wood Frame on Left, ICF home on the Right. Red indicates air
infiltration, Blue indicates a sealed environment.
(Click on image for larger PDF version)
(Click on image for larger PDF version)
Concrete homes will revolutionize American life. They will be fireproof, insect-proof & easy to clean. Extra stories could be added with a simple adjustment of the molding forms. Best of all, the $1,200-dollar houses will be cheap enough for even the poorest to afford.
---Thomas Edison, 1906
ROBERT KLOB DESIGNS COMMITMENT FOR EACH DESIGN PROJECT
We work with many different municipalities and mesh their requirements
with our clients needs.
We have actual construction experience ensuring a cohesive team from
design through construction.
We design WITH our clients to
create the best possible living environment.
We research market conditions, design trends and resale strengths to
maximize your investment.
We create plans with room relationships that offer furnishing options, are
family functional & budget conscious.
We present multiple options during the design process to ensure educated
decisions.
We offer extensive experience with energy efficient and green building
technologies.
We design for maximum use of space as outlined in the “Not So Big House”
books by Susanne Suzanka.
We strive for a Design that will Live with your Family, Lifestyle and
Budget.
Designs that Live with your Family, Lifestyle & Budget ™
Insulated Concrete Forms 
