FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
The following are questions most commonly asked about ICFs (Insulating
Concrete Forms). To get more information
or request a consultation, please contact
us.
Q. What is the cost difference
between ICF’s and wood (stick) framing?
A. The cost difference is approximately 3-5 % of the total cost
of the job. If you are financing your project, then the monthly
cost will be no more for ICF's than wood framing. return
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Q. What is the
R-value?
A. The rated R-value is 20, the effective R-value is 40-50 due to
lack of air infiltration thru the block.
Q. How much savings
on utilities can be expected?
A. In the range of 30-70%, there are too many variables in life
style to be more precise. return
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Q. Do the interior walls need to be ICF?
A. No the interior walls can be framed with wood or metal studs.
However ICF interior walls make for great theater rooms and safe
rooms.
Q. Does a vapor
barrier need to be used on the exterior walls?
A. No the polystyrene is closed cell foam and acts as a vapor barrier.
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Q. What type of finish can be used on the exterior
walls?
A. Siding, brick, stone stucco, the exterior walls may be treated
like the exterior walls on any other typical building. return
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Q. What type
of finish can be used on the interior walls of ICF?
A. The interior ICF walls may be finished out just like any other
building. Predominately the walls are sheet rocked.
Q. Is there any
reduction in home owners insurance?
A. Usually in the range of 30-35% reduction since the building is
mostly masonry. return
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Q. Are there
any limitations to style or design of building?
A. For the most part if it can be built, we can use ICF’s.
Q. If I have building
plans already drawn, but not for ICF, is it necessary to redraw
the plans?
A. No it is just a matter of increasing the size of the foundation
to accommodate the thickness of the block walls. This can be done
by the engineer when the foundation is drawn. return
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Q. What type of
foundation do I need?
A. This will be determined by the structural engineer. return
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Q. Does it take
longer to erect the walls?
A. Actually in most cases the walls will be done quicker, since
there is no insulation to install at a later time.
Q. Is there a limit to height of the building?
A. 100 feet high before structural steel is needed. return
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Q. Can ICF be
used below grade?
A. ICF block is ideal below grade; just be sure that a good waterproofing
system is used.
Q. Does the
block burn?
A. If a flame is held to the block the polystyrene will melt, however
once the flame is removed the polystyrene will not support flame
spread. return
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Q. Are termites a problem?
A. Termites may burrow into the foam seeking out wood; however the
foam is not a food source for them.
Q. Is mold a problem?
A. The polystyrene is closed cell foam, so that it does not absorb
water. There is nothing organic for the mold to feed on so it will
not allow mold to grow. return
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Q. Is there difficulty
in the placement of plumbing pipes and electrical lines?
A. For the most part there is no more difficulty running these items
than with a conventional stick building. There may be a slight learning
curve with the trades on the first ICF block building they rough-in.
Q. How safe
are ICF buildings in floods or wind storms?
A. Very safe and it is possible to have an ICF building certified
by FEMA. http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/mat/mat_fema499.shtm
fact sheet #5
Q. Can I erect the walls myself?
A. Probably, however we recommend that you use a certified installer,
so that you receive the most benefit from your purchase of ICF block.
Installing the block is relatively simple, the bracing of walls
and pouring of concrete is somewhat more complicated. return
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Q. Are there any
type of special financing programs available for ICF’s.
A. Yes, some lending institutions offer Energy Efficient Mortgages
(EEM).
Disclaimer: Please check with your local building authority for
compliance with the above
referenced items. return
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