Vertical Insulated Concrete Forms - Innovation From the Ground Up
Builders, contractors, and homeowners alike are beginning to realize the profound advantages of incorporating vertical ICF (insulating concrete forms) systems into their homes. In fact, the technology has been ranked in PATH’s (Partnership for Advancing Technologies in Housing) TOP 10 technologies of 2007.
What are Vertical Insulating Concrete Forms?
Vertical ICFs improve upon traditional wall-forming methods, as well as the newer horizontal ICF systems. They are permanent concrete forms; serving as integral, functional parts of the wall after the concrete has been poured and cured. The forms then provide an increase in strength and insulation, providing a 25-40% increase in energy efficiency over wood-frame homes, as well as a 50% increase in wall strength over traditionally poured concrete walls.
As opposed to horizontal insulated concrete forms, vertical ICF segments are placed vertically in order to provide a unique, open-design, providing easier construction. Also, this orientation eliminates common problems associated with horizontal forming, such as floating, settling, and bowing. These problems can result in inaccuracies in the straightness and square of walls.
What are Vertical ICFs made of?
Essentially, VICFs are made up of 26-gauge galvanized steel I-beams, sandwiched by two 2 ½” high-density, expanded polystyrene panels. This setup creates a cavity into which the concrete is poured. After it is dried and cured, the segments remain, serving as a structural part of the wall. The panels have a R-25 thermo rating, resulting in up to a 40% increase in energy efficiency. These walls have are 50% stronger than traditional concrete and rebar walls.
Benefits
The benefits of these systems are numerous to both homeowners and builders alike.
Homeowners
- 25-40% increase in energy efficiency over wood-frame homes
- 50% increase in strength over traditional concrete walls
- R-values up to R-40
- Fire, wind, weather, insect, and rodent resistant
- Sound-proof
- Environmentally friendly- constructed with recycled material
- No maintenance required
Builders
- Easy to learn design is based on traditional forming and framing methods
- Erected at ground level, improving safety and insurance costs
- Eliminates costs of removing, cleaning, transporting, and storing form boards
- Reduces labor costs and improves efficiency due to dramatically reduced build times
- Can be constructed in high winds and temperatures as low as 0°F, extending your building season by months
- Vertical orientation results in elimination of floating, settling, and bowing which improves dimensional accuracy
- Versatility allows Vertical ICF systems to be used in basements, frost walls, and above-ground walls in both residential and commercial applications.
- Option of incorporating pre-fab wall segments, further reducing cost, time, and waste
If you are a homeowner, consult with your builder regarding the incorporation of vertical ICFs in the design of your home. If you are a builder, contractor, or construction company, consult with a manufacturer about adding vertical ICF systems to your catalog.
Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent of Better Green Technologies. The home technologies company is a Virginia TF distributor throughout the state of Virginia. For more information on their Vertical ICF and Tankless Water Heaters please visit their website.