ICF FAQs

ICF is an acronym for Insulated Concrete Forms. Think of ICF forms as hollow “Lego®” blocks. ICF blocks are assembled to the desired size and shape of the project. The hollow center is then reinforced with rebar and filled with concrete. The foam ICF forms remain in place, providing insulation, nailing surfaces and a vapor barrier, all in one. It’s ready to finish right away.

The origin of ICF technology belongs to Werner Gregori, a German immigrant to Canada. In March 22, 1966 Werner applied for the first ICF panel patent.

Compared to wood construction, the initial cost difference of traditional building vs. ICF varies from 2%-12%, depending on the design and size of the home. However, an ICF dwelling continues to provide cost savings to the homeowner over the life of the home. A home built using ICFs, coupled with complementary technologies, can provide up to 80% savings on operational costs and may allow homeowners to qualify for insurance discounts and tax credits.

You can save approximately 42 trees on an average size home using ICFs.

Yes. We can have any plans drawn to ICF specifications. In fact, ICFs offer greater flexibility in building a home than wood home construction. There are many new exciting products to compliment the performance of ICFs.

No. The outside can have any form of cladding (brick, stone, stucco, siding, etc.) The inside may have deeper window wells, but you can have your walls finished any way you like. The real differences you’ll notice are the sound and air quality, energy efficiency and cost-savings!

Yes. Compared to a conventional wood wall with studs every 16 inches, the block used by Crane Builders has a fiber stud every 6-8 inches. In addition, heavy items can be fastened directly to the concrete wall with Tapcon fasteners.

A home built using ICFs, coupled with complementary technologies, can provide up to 80% savings on operational costs.

It varies according to the insurance company you choose, however you may see a reduction in your insurance premium. Many insurance companies recognize concrete as being safer than any other form of construction. ICF built homes are much stronger than conventional homes, engineered to withstand winds up to 180 miles per hour and more resistant to fire.

It generally takes about the same amount of time – and sometimes even less time – than building a traditional wood-framed home.

Stronger! When cured, the concrete in ICF walls is 50% stronger. Plus, ICF automatically provides insulation and furring strips, and it’s ready to finish right away!

Yes. When installed by a qualified contractor, ICF walls should exceed conventional standards for straightness.

Yes. The forms act as insulation, nailing surfaces and a vapor barrier, all in one.

Yes. Waterproofing is required below grade just as it is with any form of below-grade construction.

A wooden or vinyl buck is built and incorporated into the ICF wall as it is being stacked and prior to pouring the concrete. Once the concrete cures, doors and windows are installed as usual.

It depends on the home you’re building. Prior to the start of construction, we will choose the wall width based on your design and the structure.

Contact Crane Builders today at (317) 481-1470 and set up your visit today to see many of their ICF projects.