ICF is light and east to handle without mechanical assistance, and the components are delivered to site in packs or bags. Picture: ICF lends itself to use in basements. ICF is ideal for basement construction, but if the walls are earth-retaining, have large openings or have significant loads applied to them then they may require reinforcement. ICF walls can be built directly off any suitable foundations, and water-resistant concrete may be specified for areas where a damp-proof course would be needed. For this reason it makes sense to involve an experienced architect from the start, who can design the house to suit both its inhabitants and the chosen ICF building system. ![]() One potential problem may be the difficulty of adapting an ICF house once it has been built, including adding or moving window and door openings. Render may be applied directly to the outer layer of polystyrene, making this an easier and less expensive option, and internally plasterboard can be attached directly to the formwork, or on battens. ![]() Picture right: Econekt have a unique ICF system.Įxternally the walls may be clad in virtually any material, including bricks, stone, tiles and timber, which will need to be tied to the shell of the house using either built-in fixings or wall ties. The most common materials used for the ICF forms are expanded or extruded polystyrene, providing u-values ranging from the standard 0.30w/m2k, as required by the Building Regulations, down to 0.11 w/m2k. ![]() There are various systems on the market, varying in format, size and detailing, so do your homework to find out which system will best suit your site, design and pocket. Picture: Insulating concrete formwork uses polystyrene connected with a web system that allow the forms to be stacked and steel reinforced. ICF is an innovative modern method of construction which combines the intrinsic strength of concrete with the exceptional thermal insulation properties of polystyrene to produce cost-effective, durable structures. The first ICF houses to appear in this country were built in the 1970s, and now the system is really taking off as a viable alternative to brick and block or timber frame. Insulating Concrete Formwork (ICF), otherwise known as Permanently Insulated Formwork (PIF), is an insulated concrete building system which was first used in Germany in the 1950s and has been growing in popularity in the UK as a building method for some years. One of the biggest advantages of building your own house is your choice of options, but even so most selfbuilders end up sticking to brick and block or timber frame for the shell of their new home without ever fully investigating the alternatives. Build your home to be earthquake resistant with ICFs.Insulating Concrete Formwork - ICF ICF, as it is commonly known, is a flexible and highly efficient building method that, with some basic training, lends itself to DIY. ICFs are just one part to your wildfire protection strategy.Ĭoncrete structures can be among the safest and most durable types of structures in an earthquake. Walls made with ICFs withstand more than 4 hours of continuous fire and remain structurally sound protecting your home and belongings. Protecting you from flying debris and other dangers from tornadoes and hurricanes. Standard ICF walls withstand wind speeds of 200mph or more Learn how to build your own home with BuildBlock ICFs today! ![]() ICF homes offer greater insulation than wood-frame homes saving you thousands of dollars annually.Įnjoy a lifetime of superior energy savingsīuilding a home with BuildBlock ICFs means more comfort, extra protection, and superior energy efficiency.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |