What is ICF Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) are hollow blocks or panels made of EPS (expanded polystyrene) plastic foam that construction crews stack into the shape of the exterior walls of a residential (or commercial) building.
Workers then add reinforcing steel and fill the gap (typically 4 to 8) between the two layers of foam with concrete, which cures and hardens into a monolithic core. The foam panel stays in place and acts as insulation for the home. This combination of concrete, steel and foam creates an incredibly strong and energy-efficient structure.
The EPS forms are held together with clips that are later used to attach sheetrock (inside) and siding (outside).Because there is no wood on the exterior walls of the home, they become impervious to decay, and mold. In addition, the finished thickness of approximately 10+ of concrete and EPS provides an extremely high level of insulation from both weather and noise. Due to the inherent nature of the walls, ICF homes are exceptionally energy efficient, interior air quality of the home is greatly improved, and the home will have a high resistance to wind and/or earthquake damage.
 CONSTRUCTION PROCESS
The Insultade Concrete Froms are composed of three components
The forms used by IPD consists of two types of plastic: Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and high-density plastic. Each block has two side panels, each measuring 48" long by 16" high by 2" - 2.5" thick. These side panels are made of flame-retardant EPS. Every 6" to 8 on the horizontal axis of the side panel, there is a high-density plastic web that has been molded into the EPS side panel. These webs provide a surface on both the exterior and interior to attach finishing materials.
The connector element spans the cavity between the two side panels and connects the two side panels together to make the blocks. The connector elements and the EPS side panels are easily and quickly assembled on site. The cavity made by the connector element can be varying sizes from 4", 6", 8" or 10" or more depending on the length of the connector element. It is in this cavity that concrete is placed to make the concrete walls of the building. After the concrete cures, the form side panels remain in place and provide the insulation for the building.
Stack-and-Pour for Fast Walls
The forms easy-to-use process eliminates several steps that are necessary with wood-frame construction, such as sheathing and insulating the exterior walls. Made of expanded polystyrene (EPS), ICFs stack and lock into place much like LEGOs. Extreme heat, frigid cold, rain or sun it doesnt matter EPS insulates concrete, allowing it to wet-cure as it strengthens.
After the concrete cures, the plumbing and electrical installation can begin. The foam is easy to cut and remove so electrical lines can be installed. Plus, any exterior or interior finish can be applied from panel and lap siding to brick, stone or stucco.
The forms features a bracing system with unique alignment features to ensure a smooth wall finish. Only basic hand tools are needed to position and secure our lightweight blocks. High-density webs provide furring strips for any standard wall-finishing product.
High-density plastic webs are recessed by 1/4, providing a uniform exterior to which any stucco or EIFS material can be applied. Having such a uniform surface provides superior adhesion and crack resistance.
Radius walls and angled walls can also be constructed with ease through simple mitering techniques.
Innovative Property Developers, LLC
PO Box 1782
Spotsylvania, VA 22553
phone 540-891-0882 / fax 540-891-1622
www.ipd-homes.com
For more information, please contact:
dave@ipdhomes.com
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