ICF Insulated Concrete Forms are formwork for concrete that stay in place as permanent building insulation for energy-efficient, cast-in-place, reinforced concrete walls, floors, and roofs.
The forms are interlocking modular units that are dry-stacked
(without mortar) and filled with concrete. The forms lock together somewhat
like Lego bricks and serve to create a form for the structural walls
or floors of a building.
Concrete is pumped into the cavity to form the structural element of
the walls. Usually reinforcing steel (rebar) is added before concrete
placement to give the concrete flexural strength, similar to bridges
and high-rise buildings made of concrete. The forms are filled with
concrete in 300mm "lifts" to reduce the risk of blowouts. After the
concrete has cured, or firmed up, the forms are left in place permanently
for the following reasons:
- Thermal insulation & Soundproofing acoustic insulation.
- Electrical conduit electrical conduit and Plumbing plumbing. The EPS on either side of the walls can easily accommodate electrical and plumbing installations.
- Backing for gypsum boards on the interior and plaster, brick, or other siding on the exterior.
ICF Insulated Concrete Forms is an extremly popular construction method
in the the US and mainland Europe and delivers excellent airtightness
and structural strength.
Heatloss Barrier ICF