Question 1

WHAT ARE ICFS?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

HOW LONG HAS ICF TECHNOLOGY BEEN IN USE?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

WHAT IS THE COST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ICF AND WOOD FRAME?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

HOW MUCH WOOD DO YOU SAVE BUILDING WITH ICFS?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

CAN I USE ANY FLOOR PLAN?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

CAN YOU TELL IF A HOME IS BUILT WITH ICF JUST BY LOOKING?

Accepted Answer

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!

Question 7

CAN I HANG PICTURES, CABINETS AND SHELVING ON ICF WALLS?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

HOW MUCH SAVINGS WILL I SEE IN MY ENERGY BILLS?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

ARE THERE INSURANCE BENEFITS TO BUILDING WITH ICF?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

WILL IT TAKE LONGER TO BUILD WITH ICF?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

ARE ICF WALLS AS STRONG AS CONCRETE BLOCK WALLS?

Accepted Answer

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!

Question 12

ARE ICF WALLS STRAIGHT AND PLUMB?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

DO THE ICF FORMS STAY IN PLACE AFTER THE CONCRETE IS POURED?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

DO YOU WATERPROOF ICF WALLS?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 15

HOW ARE DOORS AND WINDOWS INSTALLED?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

WHICH SIZE DOORS & WINDOWS FORMS SHOULD I CHOOSE?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

HOW CAN I VISIT A ICF JOB SITE OR A COMPLETED ICF HOME?

Accepted Answer

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

ICF FAQs