When it comes to the strength and durability of a structure, it is essential to use the best materials available for the job. One of the best materials for creating the shell of a structure is by creating an insulated concrete form (ICF). ICF construction makes use of concrete-based materials, resulting in stronger and more sustainable structures, instead of traditional wood framing.
As a result, this also means an ICF building is energy-efficient, requiring less insulation as the structure gets built, which saves time and money during and after construction. However, there are some particular practices to keep in mind regarding constructing ICF buildings.
1. Know the Green Codes and Regulations of Your Area
ICF construction is a favorite building type because it’s a greener construction method and less harmful to the environment, something that is a significant concern for people, especially those in more urban areas.
Contractors that are serious about green construction should stay aware of the regulations and standards that exist. There are programs at every level, from local to national, that have created a set of clear standards for green construction, including ICF structures. While some of these programs are voluntary, others are mandatory to be followed and get enforced. By ensuring all the standards get met, contractors can be sure their buildings meet the green, sustainable building codes that are in place.
2. Keep Proper Waterproofing in Mind
One of the main challenges contractors face when working with ICF is the lack of an air-tight seal in the structure. Due to the locking system featured in these forms, there are small spaces between the blocks. Even if they cannot be seen or seem very minimal, the smallest crack in the connections can allow for water to penetrate the structure, which can lead to severe problems. For that reason, it is essential that care is taken during installation to ensure there are no cracks or gaps in the walls where water could get in and cause damage.
3. Reduce Jobsite Waste
Because ICF construction is a form of green, sustainable construction, the waste created with construction jobs is something to be conscious of during building. Most construction jobs produce a lot of waste, which tends to end up in overflowing landfills that can harm the environment.
Purchasing construction materials in bulk, using reusable containers to hold and mix products, recycling when possible and salvaging materials before demolishing old structures are just a few ways to help reduce jobsite waste.
4. Eliminate Potential for Thermal Bridging
Another essential step in creating a well-made ICF building is eliminating the potential for thermal bridging. Thermal bridging occurs when there is a break in a structure’s insulation, which allows heat to escape quickly. This problem can seriously harm a structure’s energy efficiency, especially since thermal bridging accounts for 30 percent of heat loss. By eliminating points of potential leakage, the risk of thermal bridges can significantly decrease and the structure becomes more energy efficient, saving the owner a great deal of money in the long run.
5. Use OffSite Engineering and Modular Construction Methods
The great thing about ICF construction is the composite concrete blocks used to create the structure can be assembled as walls offsite and then put together when ready. This sort of modular design is meant to help minimize the number of wasteful construction activities, which accounts for about 57 percent of what occurs on a jobsite. Not only does offsite, modular methods of construction minimize wasteful construction activities, but it also speeds up a project’s timeline and helps to minimize the amount of waste created by a job.
6. Termite-Proof an ICF Building
It is essential to keep in mind that ICF structures do not have protection against termite infestations. All termites have to do to get through an ICF structure is tunnel their way through EPS insulation to get into a home, where they can feast on any wood-based products in the building. ICF buildings in areas where termites are more prominent need to be especially careful with how the structures are built and are not allowed to use foam plastics that are below grade.
Furthermore, contractors and builders should take care to use non-organic materials, such as steel studs and pressure treated lumber in the building’s interior, as it keeps termites from reaching their food source.
ICF buildings are becoming more popular due to their strength, durability and sustainability. If done right, it should not cost much more than an ordinary building construction job and it should have the added benefit of lasting much longer. As contractors begin taking on more jobs that use ICF construction methods, keep these practices in mind. They help make the job go much smoother and save them time and money in the long run, allowing the contractor to take on more projects.
