What are ICF Forms?
ICF forms hold poured concrete in place while a wall is being built. Unlike temporary forms, they stay in the wall afterward and provide insulation.
Definition
Purpose
ICF walls already have insulation in place when the concrete cures. The continuous foam helps reduce thermal bridging, while well-sealed joints and openings limit air leaks that can increase heating and cooling demand.
During construction, the plastic webs help hold rebar in place. Once the wall is complete, they provide fixing points for drywall or siding.
The concrete core also helps reduce sound passing through the wall. How much depends on its thickness, finishes, and any openings or penetrations.
Examples of Use
- Basements: Building concrete foundation walls with insulation already in place.
- House Exteriors: Using the forms for exterior walls above ground level.
- Schools and Commercial Buildings: Choosing a wall assembly to meet insulation and sound-control requirements.
- Multistory Buildings: Reinforcement and connections follow the engineer's design.
Notes
- Keep forms braced during pouring. Follow the specified placement rate and consolidation method.
- Resistance to storms, high winds, and seismic forces depends on the designed core thickness, reinforcement, and connections.
- Window and door bucks hold openings during the pour and provide fixing points.
- Some tested wall assemblies carry fire ratings up to four hours. The rating requires the specified concrete, reinforcement, and finishes.
- Neither concrete nor EPS rots or feeds termites. Termites can still travel through the foam, and damp finishes may develop mold. Below grade, provide compatible waterproofing and drainage, with suitable pest protection.
- Cover the foam with the interior and exterior finishes specified for the wall system.
SHARE TO
Get a Step-by-Step Beam AI Walkthrough
Fill out this form and see how easy it is to set up takeoffs, export reports, and get ready-to-use quantities.
