ICF HOME BUILDER IN
ST. JOHN’S, NL
Homeowners across Newfoundland are more commonly requesting homes that are:
Able to reduce energy consumption and energy bills
Higher quality construction
Environmentally friendly
Financially feasible for the long-term
Custom built insulated concrete form (ICF) homes check all of these boxes, while providing the foundation for building a durable and long-lasting home.
As trained NUDURA ICF installers here in Newfoundland, we pride ourselves in delivering quality homes at affordable prices.
WHAT IS ICF?
An ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) foundation is a type of foundation system used in construction. It involves the use of interlocking modular units, typically made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) or other insulating materials, which are assembled to create a formwork for concrete placement.
Here's how an ICF foundation is typically constructed:
Excavation: The construction site is excavated to the required depth and shape for the foundation.
Footings: Concrete footings are poured and leveled to provide a stable base for the ICF walls.
ICF installation: The ICF units, often resembling large hollow Lego blocks, are assembled on top of the footings to create the formwork for the foundation walls. The forms are connected together using interlocking mechanisms or ties to ensure stability.
Reinforcement: Steel rebar is inserted into the cavities of the ICF forms to provide additional strength and structural support.
Concrete pouring: Once the ICF forms are in place and the reinforcement is properly positioned, concrete is poured into the forms, filling the cavities completely. The concrete fills the space between the ICF units and cures, creating a solid, reinforced concrete wall.
Finishing: Once the concrete has cured, the exterior and interior surfaces of the foundation walls can be finished as desired. This may involve waterproofing, insulation, and applying a suitable wall finish.
The use of ICFs in foundations offers several advantages. The insulation properties of the material provide increased energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer, resulting in lower heating and cooling costs for the building. Additionally, ICF foundations offer improved resistance to moisture, fire, and extreme weather conditions. The modular nature of ICF units also simplifies construction and allows for efficient and precise assembly.
ICF foundations are commonly used in residential and commercial construction projects as an alternative to traditional concrete foundations.
Concrete VS ICF Foundations?
Concrete foundations and ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) foundations are two different approaches to creating the base structure for a building. Let's compare the two:
1. Construction Process:
Concrete Foundation: Traditional concrete foundations are typically constructed using wooden or steel formwork. The formwork is built to the desired shape and size, and then concrete is poured into the forms. After curing, the forms are removed, leaving behind a solid concrete foundation.
ICF Foundation: ICF foundations use interlocking modular units made of insulating material, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS). These units are assembled to create the formwork for the foundation walls. Concrete is then poured into the ICF forms, filling the cavities and creating a solid, reinforced concrete wall.
2. Insulation:
Concrete Foundation: Concrete foundations provide little to no insulation on their own. Additional insulation may need to be added to the interior or exterior of the foundation walls for improved energy efficiency.
ICF Foundation: ICF foundations have built-in insulation due to the insulating material used in the ICF units. The insulation helps to reduce heat transfer, providing increased energy efficiency and thermal comfort within the building.
3. Strength and Durability:
Concrete Foundation: Traditional concrete foundations are known for their strength and durability. The solid concrete walls offer excellent load-bearing capacity and can withstand various forces and environmental conditions.
ICF Foundation: ICF foundations also provide high strength and durability. The combination of reinforced concrete and the interlocking ICF units creates a robust structure that can resist impacts, seismic activity, and extreme weather conditions.
4. Construction Time and Labor:
Concrete Foundation: The construction of a concrete foundation typically requires skilled labor, formwork assembly, and the curing time for the concrete. The process can be time-consuming, especially for larger projects.
ICF Foundation: ICF foundations can be quicker to construct compared to traditional concrete foundations. The modular nature of ICF units simplifies the assembly process, reducing labor requirements and construction time.
5. Cost:
Concrete Foundation: The cost of a concrete foundation can vary depending on factors such as size, design complexity, reinforcement needs, and site conditions. It generally requires the materials for formwork, concrete, and labor costs.
ICF Foundation: ICF foundations may have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional concrete foundations due to the cost of the ICF units. However, the built-in insulation can contribute to long-term energy savings, potentially offsetting the initial investment. Both concrete foundations and ICF foundations have their advantages and considerations. The choice between them depends on factors such as project requirements, budget, energy efficiency goals, and personal preferences. Consulting with an architect or structural engineer can help determine the most suitable foundation option for a specific building project.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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A: Overall the ICF cost will be 5% - 10% more than standard wood frame construction.
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A: Depending on the product you buy, R Values can get as high as R-35 plus
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A : ICF homes reduce your monthly energy bills, increase your home's comfort and reduce your environmental footprint.
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A: ICFs are forms used to hold concrete that remains in place to provide insulation for the structure they enclose.
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A: Depending on the product you use, energy cost savings of 50% to 80% on heating and cooling.