ICF (or Insulated Concrete Form) is a system of rigid insulation blocks made of EPS that are separated by plastic webbing. These blocks are concrete forms - during ICF construction, reinforced concrete is poured into the blocks to create a concrete wall (instead of a traditional wood plank or plywood frame). Once the concrete is poured, finishes (like drywall and siding) are attached to fastener strips embedded in the ICF walls. In the end, the ICF blocks fit together like Lego Bricks. Each ICF wall is seamlessly formed to create a tight building envelope.
As climate concerns rise, and more individuals begin to assess their ecological footprint, insulated concrete form construction has become more and more common in both residential and commercial construction. ICF homes are extremely durable with reinforced steel throughout the concrete walls, their exterior walls provide a thermal mass that is ideal for keeping homes environmentally friendly because they allow for no thermal bridging, and every ICF home has a simplified construction process.
