How to Use ICFs
Build virtually any design using ICFs!
So you’ve decided to build your home. Great! Now you are curious about the best way to use ICFs. What’s most cost-effective? Where will they make the most difference?
Good:
Build an ICF Safe Room & Foundation
Safe rooms that are built with insulating concrete forms are like any other room in your home: master bathroom, bedroom, closet, pantry, media room and more. Building a safe room doesn’t mean building an ugly bunker. Using ICFs, you can finish this room however you would like and use it as a part of your home each day.
A temperature-controlled room that isn’t musty or damp inside your home for your family’s safety. No worries about moving cars and climbing down into a hole in your garage, these safe rooms can be above ground or in your basement. A safe room will also prevent you from being trapped under debris in your garage waiting for rescue.
Better:
Build an ICF Basement & Foundation
Build your crawlspace or basement with ICFs and create a safe place for you and your family. Highly energy-efficient ICF basements typically are drier with lower humidity than standard basements. Insulated, waterproof and quiet. Safe rooms built with insulating concrete forms are an excellent value.
ICF basements let you maximize the square footage of your home regardless of your lot size.
Best:
Build All Exterior Walls with ICFs for Maximum Savings
Build all outside walls of your home using insulating concrete forms. The insulation below ground in your foundation or basement is even greater above ground and any cost difference is recouped within the first 3-5 years of owning your home. When compared to wood frame construction, the actual out of pocket cost difference is offset by energy savings alone
This means while your mortgage might be slightly higher, the monthly utility bills will be substantially lower and your total monthly out of pocket costs are the same.
Benefits such as safety from disaster, noise reduction, improved indoor air quality, and peace of mind begin immediately and never stop.