If you are currently in the market to build your own custom home, then insulated concrete forms (ICF) technology for residential construction ensures your dream house is also environmentally friendly.
To achieve the most durable, healthy and energy-efficient house, the first step is to create a green home checklist for the latest building material technologies. This would include suggestions for your walls, windows, siding, drainage, solar power, water management, ventilation, plumbing, heating, and cooling systems.
Be sure your checklist also includes the most insulated building envelope with reinforced concrete. Compared to traditional wood-framing, ICF walls are far more eco-friendly and will retain the interior temperature of your home for far longer.
How do ICFs work?
During construction, the insulated concrete forms lock together to form walls in less time and with less waste than wood-framing.
Once the ICF system is interlocked, concrete is formed in the cavity to create a monolithic wall with a thickness from 10 to 30 centimeters (4 to 12 inches). This stability and continuous insulation give your house greater protection from extreme weather, sound dampening, improved temperature control, and healthier indoor air quality. The walls’ ability to conserve thermal energy leads to reduced monthly heating and cooling bills. As a result, ICFs enable a stronger “greener” house with lower maintenance costs.
Beauty paired with functionality
With the eco-friendly and health benefits taken care of, you can now focus on the desired aesthetics of your dream home. Concrete homes can utilize all the exterior finishing elements of a traditional home with stone, brick, wood, and vinyl siding, among countless other options.
If you want all the benefits of ICFs in your new home, you’ll have to make the decision as early as possible so you can appropriately factor in the interior and exterior design needs. When you’re ready to take the next step, learn how to assemble your design/build team for ICF construction here.
