Insulating Concrete Forms, or ICF's, are used in residential construction as a cost-competitive alternative to wood frames for home construction. Its advantages range from low material and labor costs, to life-long benefits for its fire resistance and key sustainability qualities. Fortium™, a revolutionary new building technology recently developed by CEMEX, is an example of an ICF and further extends the benefits of this building material for home construction projects. This video explains the steps necessary for the construction of ICF walls. An ICF home is built essentially the same way as is a wood-framed home, with the exception of the construction of the walls. Insulated concrete forms are first stacked to create the exterior wall of the home. Reinforcing steel is then added as mandated by local building codes. Lastly, concrete is poured inside the forms and they are then left in place, to be followed by the interior and exterior finishes. The finishes can consist of any standard material of choice. Drywall and other finishes can be used for the interior, and the exterior finish can be brick, siding, stucco, or even field stone. Insulating Concrete Forms are a cost-competitive alternative to home building. They can provide homeowners with energy savings of up to 20% of their total energy bill due to the overall reduction in air infiltration. ICF's enhanced thermal mass properties include 2.5 inches of continuous insulation provided by both the internal and the ...
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