ICFs deliver extremely high energy-efficiency in several ways. The most basic is that ICFs create an air-tight wall that prevents precious heating and cooling from leaking out through the wall. In cavity framed structures air passes in and out of the home through the walls to keep moisture from building up in the walls. This unfortunately means heated and cooled air is also lost costing energy to keep the home at a standard temperature. ICFs eliminate air infiltration through the walls and don’t have to compensate for heat loss or gain through the wall.

ICFs are also doubly insulated with continuous insulation. BuildBlock ICFs have 2.5″ of dense foam insulation on both the interior and exterior of the home. Why? This has to do with protecting the structural concrete core from any changes in temperature. It takes so much energy to change the temperature of concrete, that once changed it will radiate heat or cold back into the environment for a long time.

Think about the streets and sidewalks after a hot summer’s day and the heat you still feel from the pavement. By protecting the concrete core and never allowing major change sin temperature it keeps the wall neutral. 

The walls, ceilings and floors are the larges surface areas for temperature change in a building. By preventing leaking heat or cold through those surfaces, the building has less of a change in temperature to manage in keeping the structure constant. 

The high thermal mass and minimal air infiltration of insulating concrete form walls create a more uniform and stable temperature throughout your home. ICF walls offer better energy efficiency to reduce your monthly energy bill and create a solid barrier to eliminate hot or cold spots giving greater comfort.