Q: What’s an insulating concrete form (ICF)?
A: ICFs are polystyrene forms that stack like blocks. Once these blocks are assembled, concrete is poured into the hollow core of the block to create walls. They are either shaped into pre-formed interlocking blocks or separate panels connected with plastic ties. These left-in-place forms not only provide continuous insulation on both sides of the wall, but also provide a backing for drywall on the inside and stucco, lap siding or brick on the outside.

Q: How many ICF homes have been built?
A: Today, it represents approximately 3% of North American housing starts. The rate of growth has been steadily increasing year over year at a rate of close to 40%. Over 100 distributors and manufacturers of ICF systems serve the Canadian market.

Q: Can an ICF home be built year-round?
A: Yes. An ICF home can be built at any time of the year. Unlike wood-framed construction, there is no warping when exposed to dampness from rain or snow and the technology exists to properly cure cement of in any kind of weather.

Q: What types of exterior finishes can an ICF home have?
A: An ICF home will accept any traditional exterior finish including brick, wood and vinyl siding, stucco and stone as well as many others. The options are endless.

Q: How can an ICF home save me money?
A: An ICF home keeps heat in during the winter and cool air in during the summer. This feature, combined with radiant in-floor heating, can save you as much as 50% on your annual energy bills.

Q: What makes the ICF system so energy efficient?
A: ICF provides the best of construction techniques with modern building technology. ICF homes surpass a standard home in energy efficiency because of the combination of natural thermal mass and an in-floor radiant heating system. This system heats from the floor up, which makes for a healthier living environment by reducing the amount of mould and dust in the air.

Q: How does the cost of an ICF home compare to that of a framed home?
A: The initial cost of an ICF home is approximately 3 – 5% more than a traditional framed house. However, when you consider the savings you’ll have in your energy bills, an ICF home will actually end up saving you money in the long run.

Q: Is ICF considered an environmentally friendly method of building?
A: It’s estimated a 3,800 square foot home saves up to 25 large trees when compared to conventional construction. Concrete is inert, non-toxic, and produced from abundant natural and recycled materials. ICF homes use 40% less energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Q: How does the homeowner benefit from this type of construction?
A: An ICF home offers a very quiet living environment. Studies have shown that compared to a typical wood-frame house, only about one-third as much sound penetrates an ICF wall. There are no-squeak, no-bounce and no-draft floors with substantially reduced sound transmission between floors. The home is a more secure structure as ICF is resistant to high winds and major storms. There is flexibility in design selection because ICF homes allow for larger windows with deep window sills; and concrete as a flooring system allows for wider, more open spaces.

Q: How can you change the wiring or the plumbing in the walls of a home built with ICF and concrete?
A: Changes in the wiring or plumbing are easy. All you have do is cut into the polystyrene foam. The wires or tubing will easily fit into the cuts and will be held firmly in place by the foam itself.

Q: How do I find a builder who is experienced in constructing ICF homes?
A: Most custom and design homebuilders are familiar with this type of residential construction. Industry leaders who build to R2000 standards provide both the experience and the understanding to be able to build you the home of your dreams. For a list of showcase home builders and a list of ICF manufacturers/distributors visit the cement association website at: www.ahomewithadifference.com or www.cement.ca

Q: What else is made of concrete?
A: Structures made with concrete are everywhere, just look around. Some of the endless examples include bridges, condominiums, and commercial buildings. Landmarks like the CN Tower, the Hibernia oil rig, Confederation Bridge to PEI, even major highways such as the new 407 outside of Toronto are made with concrete. Around the home, you will see concrete driveways, patios, floors, roofs and landscaping materials.