Building With Insulated Concrete Forms

Making use of insulated concrete forms is a very simple method of construction that has many advantages compared to wood frame building. The structure is more robust and durable and has a higher degree of insulation. The technique is not very complicated and can be learned quickly too.

Lightweight panels are used to create the formwork for the walls of a building. Steel rebar is placed in the spaces for reinforcement and these are then filled with concrete. The panels are then left in place and create very good thermal and acoustic insulation. Channels can easily be cut into the softer insulating material to run electrical wire and plumbing.

This type of construction can cost up to 40% less than traditional types of building. There are fewer stages to be completed and they are simpler so would require less labor. Because the materials are more durable it is also likely to last longer.

The cost can be slightly higher than the alternatives if the standards used are above grade. This is only marginal though and will be offset by the long term savings in energy costs. Utilities for heating and cooling do not have to be as big and will also initially cost less which helps to even prices. In the end the building will also have a higher resale value so the extra investment will more than pay off.

There are generally four different types of panel that can be used to create the formwork. The most light weigh and easy to work with would be made of a single type of foam like polystyrene or polyurethane. Bonding and insulating material like polystyrene beads or wood fibers is also possible. All of these would have slightly different properties by are effective thermal and acoustic insulators. For easy assembly they are made to interlock.

The concrete cannot be poured all at once because it would create too much pressure. The formwork is therefore filled up by one to two feet at a time to eliminate blowouts. It has to settle properly to eliminate air pockets and honeycombing and the best method of doing this is by using a vibrator.

After plumbing and electrical work is complete the interior walls can be covered in gypsum board or a number of coatings. Exterior walls can be finished off with brick or some other kind of siding. Because polystyrene on outside surfaces is at risk of water damage or insects they are often waterproofed and treated with insecticide.

As the walls are poured directly onto the floor slabs there should be no gaps where insects could get through. There is also no risk of wood rot or boring insects and this is another big advantage. This type of construction is not only more secure but more comfortable and requires less maintenance.

One drawback is that it is more difficult to make changes or alterations afterwards but it does require less structural enhancement once you have cut a doorway or window. In the long term insulated concrete forms are a good investment. They also make more comfortable homes for living in.

Durisol Insulated concrete forms are created from a wood concrete material which allows for energy efficient construction for all your green-building needs.

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This entry was posted on Sunday, January 22nd, 2012 at 10:50 pm and is filed under building construction. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.