ICF & Durability
What You Should Know About ICF
A guide by the Insulating Concrete Formwork Association
When building with an insulated solid wall construction method like Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF), are there any problems with durability?
Like with any property, there are always several criteria you want an ICF house to meet such as security, energy efficiency and thermal performance for a comfortable living space. However, one element that might not be top of your list is the durability of the building envelope. But, this is something we should all consider. Aim for a durable structure and it can add value, make your building safer and reduce ongoing costs.
With the growth in technologies and construction methods, incorporating durability is now even easier to achieve. We look at the benefits of choosing durable materials for a construction project.
Why Consider Durability in Build?
The first thing to address is what durability means in a building.
Design a structure that incorporates durable materials and it offers several additional benefits to your property, addressing common factors that any building endures over its lifetime.
What is a Durable Build Material?
Durable Materials Can Help Maintain Structure
Buildings that maintain their structure keep their shape. This starts with the structural integrity of the building when met by strong forces but can also extend through to whether the walls crack once installed.
By building with insulated concrete forms, it is the simplicity of the technique that aids its durability.
With the ICF building system, you stack the insulated concrete forms blocks which interlock into place with no need for mortar. Concrete is then poured into a central cavity in the block. The ICF blocks remain in place once the concrete has cured.
One of the big advantages with ICF construction is the way it supports the reinforced concrete core. The insulating material of the blocks aids the reinforced concrete. The continuous insulation sitting on both sides of the concrete allows it to set quickly but cure incredibly slowly, developing additional structural strength.
Resistance to Heat and Cold
As the materials in our buildings expand and contract it slowly causes damage to the structure. To avoid this, you need to choose building materials that can absorb temperature fluctuations. It is no secret that concrete is perhaps one of the strongest and most durable construction systems available. With its high-temperature storage capacity, concrete doesn’t expand or contract in extreme weather making it extremely durable.
Resistance To Mould and Rot
The best way to avoid moisture, mould and rot is to limit cold surfaces by creating steady and even temperatures in all rooms. With ICF, once the concrete has set, the blocks remain in place to deliver two layers of insulating material which wrap around the building. The blocks sit in direct contact with the concrete walls to ensure a building that delivers on air tightness, thermal efficiency and minimises cold bridging.
Fire Resistance
The solid concrete core in your ICF wall can create an almost impenetrable shell that protects the building and prevents fires from spreading internally and externally. Every ICF system is different but testing on the leading systems states that the wall has a fire protection rating of up to 4 hours. Plus, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) forms are treated with a flame-retardant additive whereas the mineralisation process during the manufacture of Woodcrete blocks makes them fire-resistant.
Resistance To Animal Life
Last but not least you should consider the impact of small rodents, insects or animal life entering and setting up home in your building. Most insurance companies do not cover the damage caused by vermin, yet they can cause untold destruction and expense. The best way to avoid nasty surprises is to stop them entering the building. With ICF, the external walling also has no wood to attract woodworms or beetles and, with its solid concrete core, it is unlikely that any creatures will succeed in gnawing their way through the structure.
Looking To Build With Concrete Insulated Forms?
The correct design and installation of an insulated solid wall construction method like insulated concrete forms plays an important role in create a strong and durable structure. If you’re looking to build an ICF house, work with our ICFA members and get them involved early in the design process. Our members have the knowledge and technical resources to support your project and flag any areas that may require special considerations.
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Interested to find out more about the durability of the ICF system? Get in touch today!