What Is ICF Home Construction? Green Building in Vancouver Washington

 What Is ICF Home Construction? Green Building in Vancouver Washington

Another building technique that is becoming more common in green building in Vancouver Washington, is the use of ICF's. ICF's are Insulated Concrete Forms. Insulated Concrete Forms are stay in place forms used to build a superior concrete home. ICFs can be made from a variety of materials: Expanded polystyrene (EPS) - most common, Extruded polystyrene, Polyurethane, Cement-bonded wood fiber, and Cement-bonded polystyrene beads.

The majority of forms are made of foam insulation, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), and are either separate panels connected with plastic connectors or ties; or pre-formed interlocking blocks connected with plastic or steel connectors or ties. Most forms have vertically oriented furring strips built into the forms on 6", 8", or 12" centers which are used to secure interior and exterior finishes. They are connected together forming the shell of the wall and then filled with concrete.

Local Contractors are increasingly taking advantage of ICF's for their green building in Vancouver Washington. Some of the benefits of building with ICF's are:

Minimal, if any, air leaks, which improves comfort and less heat loss compared with walls without an air barrier

Thermal resistance (R-value) typically above 3 K·m²/W (in American customary units: R-17); this results in saving energy compared with uninsulated masonry

High sound absorption, which helps produce peace and quiet compared with framed walls

Structural integrity for better resistance to forces of nature, compared with framed walls.
Higher resale value due to longevity of materials

More insect resistant than wood frame construction

When the building is constructed on a concrete slab, the walls and floors form one continuous surface; this keeps out insects.

Concrete does not rot when it gets wet

Reduces HVAC operating costs from 30%-70%

Construction methods are easy to learn, and manufacturers often have training available

ICF structures are much more comfortable, quiet, and energy-efficient than those built with traditional construction methods.

Designing and Building with ICFs help your construction project attain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building status.

Insulated Concrete Forms create a monolithic concrete wall that is 10 times stronger than wood framed structures. As one builder put it, " The difference in quality is similar to the difference between Three Little Pigs' brick house and the one that was made of sticks."

As green building in Vancouver Washington accelerates, I am certain that there will be more ICF constructed homes in the area.

If you are thinking about building green in Vancouver Washington, give us a call. We work closely with Vancouver's premier builders and can put you in touch with builders who are at the forefront of green building in Vancouver Washington.

Read more about green building in Vancouver by going here:
Green Building in Vancouver Washington

 

Photo Credits - Mark Hall all rights reserved.
When you choose us to handle your Vancouver WA real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area.  Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver WA dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here. What Is ICF Home Construction? Green Building in Vancouver Washington