I suspect that in climates that typically have either prolonged periods of extreme heat or extreme cold, that ICF houses perform less satisfactorily than houses that have substantial outer layers of insulation. In some climates, the balance of mass/insulation that is offered with ICF's might be just perfect, while in others it might leave something to be desired. I have talked to home-owners who live in ICF homes who swear by the inherent comfort, and others who say that the industry claims for insulation are way over-stated.
The performance is obviously affected both by climate and house design.
#Icf blocks basemtn free
Feel free to contact me.īest regards, Rick Hansen, Reddi-Form ICF LLCĪ : (Kelly) I agree that the whole evaluation of performance based on given R-values for materials can be misleading, and is really much more complex than it might seem. Just thought you would be interested in these updates. Seems the argument now is whether there is 4, 5, 6, or even seven kinds of heat rather than the three we all grew up with. Recently the boys at ASHRAE have found that the mass does work - they just aren't sure why. Your explanation of thermal mass working or not depending on where it is located in reference to the insulation was correct as far as we used to know. Construction Technology Labs data shows that a wood frame structure of R-32 in Northern climates and R-55+ in Southern climates is required to compare to Insulated Concrete Form constriction. Actually the studies show that 2圆 construction is rated at approx R-12 not the R-19 that is stamped on the fiberglass. Either of these systems would probably stand up to hurricane force winds better than something made of papercrete, or standard wood-framed houses.Ĭomment: I noticed you compare Insulated Concrete Form R-value of 20 to 2圆 wall construction of R-20. A better choice is to use some sort of "shotcrete sandwich panel", which puts the thermal mass inside the house where it can do some good. How does it compare to papercrete against high winds?Ī : (Kelly) The Insulated concrete forms (ICF's) are very common, with several dozen manufacturers, but they are not very energy efficient. Q: We are looking into a poured concrete house either insulated concrete forms or poured concrete into wall molds that is a new thing being promoted as better than concrete block and either we will build it or a contractor will. Nabil Taha and his engineering firm see Questions and Answers Taha's goal is to continue to grow and provide knowledge and services for those trying to make their dream project a reality. He loves to share his knowledge and offers educational seminars and trainings for the do-it-yourselfers and professionals alike. He is Licensed in twenty three states and can design buildings and/or consult to assist with structural permitting in these states as well as internationally. Taha is dedicated to future sustainability through innovation he creates solutions for beautiful sustainable and safe structures by melding old and new technologies. His focus is on green design and he is always willing to trying something new. He has structural expertise in a wide range of building systems and can answer questions related to virtually any common building method. Prior to opening his own engineering firm in Oregon in 1997, he was a Professor of Engineering at Northern Montana State University and at Oregon Institute of Technology. Nabil Taha has over 27 years of structural engineering experience. If you have anymore questions or would like to learn more contact us or click on the link below.Issues with Insulataed Concrete Forms (ICF)ĭr. If you choose to build above ground your house will be stronger than a traditional stick built house. The time needed to build either a basement or a house with ICF blocks will change your schedule very little or not at all.Īssuming you use a company such as ours that has installed ICF foundations and have had the training to complete such projects your foundation will be as durable as a standard foundation. If you decide to build above ground the cost compared to building a stick built house is very similar and you actually gain from the money saving benefits down the road. However, your foundation will have a higher energy efficiancy rating than a typically poured founation. Will my foundation or house be as strong as a poured concrete wall with standard forms?Ĭonstructing a standard basement with ICF blocks will cost more than building with a traditional forming system.
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