Introduction
What is ICF
Construction Benefits
How Does it work?
FAQs
Case Study
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| “All materials used in the ICF system are inert, so give off no toxic fumes. The building maintains an even, more comfortable temperature and air quality is easily controlled with no leakage – good news for those with asthma or other allergies. Problems associated with condensation, mould and mildew on walls are eliminated.” |
| Insulating Concrete Formwork Association |
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Insulated Concrete Formwork is a series of interlocking lightweight modular blocks which when assembled and pump filled with concrete gives a monolithic concrete wall with exceptional thermal qualities and no thermal bridges.
Whilst ideal for house building it is now recognised as a modern method of construction for hotels, schools and industrial buildings. ICF blocks are made up of two high density, fire resistant polystyrene leafs held between 100mm and 300mm apart by a tie system. These tie systems have evolved from the original low density and bulky polystyrene “bridges”, to modern moulded plastic spacers or metal struts. Once assembled the inner cavity is pump filled with a specified concrete mix, this results in a monolithic, high strength, thermally insulated construction with high thermal masss ready for external and internal finishing.
The thermal efficiency of polystyrene is well documented and with various thicknesses of external leaf available, low thermal “U” values down to 0.14 are achievable. The concrete wall not only gives exceptionally high strength but provides a insulated thermal mass. In use the ICF structure will smooth out temperature gradients of the building allowing the installed heating and cooling systems greater control.
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Energy efficient
There are a range of wall thickness with U-values from 0.16 to 0.30 W/m2K. Due to the UK governments commitment to lower our carbon emissions the minimum requirements for overall U-values (SAP rating) on new homes is set to tighten. All ICF systems easily cope with these regulative changes.
Sound Insulation
An ICF with a concrete core of 160mm with finishes on both sides will give a decibel absorption rate of 44Db. New part E regulations on sound transmission through walls make concrete an atractive solution. Concrete has high mass which will dampen airbourne sound and if coupled with the polystyrene envelope can easily cope with the latest requirements.
The walls
Consists of a steel ladder frame encased within a polystyrene insulating formwork. The steel ladder makes it extremely strong allowing us to pour up to 4 meter in height per day. The polystyrene formwork is a poor conductor of heat this is why we can achieve such low U-values.
The floor
The insulated in situ poured concrete floor is easy to lay and can be used in conjuction with an ICF wall system or traditional masonary wall. The floor formwork easily spans eight meters and can be laid without cranage. The resulting floor slabs have 190mm thick insulation over the lower surface. Under floor heating can be laid straight into the floor and service ducts are already formed for easy routing of services.
The roof
The roof sections consist of two Z-shape steel re-enforcements running through 230mm thick dense polystyrene insulation. The roof sections can be produced in any length and clip together to form a water tight seal. They are easy to cut with a skill saw and can support any roof covering desired. Batten and plasterboard can be easily fixed to the roof sections with self tapping screws. The U-value can be as low as 0.21 W/m2K. |
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