3 secrets to living in an ICF home

| by David Morris
3 secrets to living in an ICF home

Homebuyers tend to look at using ICF construction for energy efficiency and strength.

That makes sense because the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development found that ICF construction can provide 25 percent savings in annual heating and cooling costs compared to homes built with traditional wood studs. And, ICFs are becoming popular in areas prone to high winds and wildfires because they offer an extra measure of safety.

But once people start living in their new ICF home, they start seeing some additional benefits.

Quiet. Surrounded by 6 inches of concrete and at least 4 inches of foam, an ICF home shuts out the noise around it. You won't hear traffic noise or airplanes flying overhead, and the neighbor's barking dog will be a faint racket. Interior sounds between rooms are dampened as well, so loud music or TV sounds won't bother people in other parts of the house.

Clean Air. ICF homes are basically airtight, so it's harder for pollen and other irritants to find their way indoors. 

Comfortable. It's easy for ICF homes to maintain their temperature, especially with a properly sized HVAC system. There won't be drafty spots caused by leaky walls or moisture condensation. You won't have to wear a sweater in an ICF basement even in the winter.

People who have built and lived in ICF houses say they can feel a difference from a stick-built home. The ICF home feels sturdier and more durable. The walls are thicker than in a wood home, and doors and windows close with a solid feel because the framing doesn't flex.

Talk to a local contractor or distributor to find a home that you could tour to experience the benefits of living in an ICF home. It's one thing to read about it, but it's another thing entirely to feel the difference for yourself.


Topics: Building Green, Foundations, Indoor Air Quality, Insulated Concrete Forms - ICF

Companies: Fox Blocks

David Morris

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