Insulated Concrete Homes: Building Energy-Efficient Homes with ICF Technology

2010-07-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

Insulated concrete homes with ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) technology are built with today’s standards of green living in mind. The cutting-edge techniques are responsible for reducing energy expenses by up to 70%. The demand for insulated concrete homes in on the rise. Though they cost more than the traditional wood-frame homes, they quickly pay for themselves in substantial energy savings.

Insulated concrete homes are replacing the traditional 2 X 4 wood frame construction with fiberglass insulation because they are unmatched for energy efficiency. ICF is the Cadillac of exterior wall systems for maximizing energy efficiency.

Hey, did anyone see where my energy went to?
About 80% of air leakage in homes is through the walls. The ICF technology eliminates this leakage by enveloping concrete between two layers of foam insulation to provide a nearly air-tight seal from outdoor temperatures.

Insulated concrete form basement walls alone will reduce heating cost by up to 50%. With traditional concrete basements about 75% of heat produced by your furnace is lost due to radiation from the duct work and radiation from the main floor back to the basement. Heating a concrete basement includes heating the dirt for 3 feet all around the basement.

Most people think their largest energy loss is through the attic; however, the heat lost through the average basement is 50 times the loss from the attic. ICF technology allows heat to bounce around rather than allowing it to penetrate walls.

More Energy Saving Tips:

The Attic: use cellulose insulation in the attic and add a layer of foil on top of the drywall for heat ray reflection back into the living space. An R factor of 50 is recommended to start with because it will lose R value over the years.

Windows: Choose good windows with heat mirror glass for energy efficiency in the summer and the winter. They act as a mirror to reflect heat back toward the source. Seal around the windows with foam and use good energy-saving blinds.

Walls: Use sprayed on cellulose insulation for exterior walls to eliminate drafts and reduce noise. Fiberglass insulation is not recommended today. It makes a great furnace filter, but does nothing to stop air movement.

Caulk every pace where air can enter or leave your home around windows and door frames, sill plates and plumbing and electrical penetrations.

The cost of an ICF home is higher than a traditional wood frame home; however, it is not outside of your budget when you consider the substantial energy savings. Considering the rate of inflation and the rising costs of energy, the total utility bills on today’s wood-frame homes will be higher than your mortgage payment in 20 years.