Wood-frame construction makes up 90% of low-rise residential buildings in North America, despite some of the advantages that insulated concrete forms (ICFs) offer. Is it just habit that keeps the industry from using ICFs more often?

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Gord Cooke, President of Building Knowledge Canada, has experience working with both wood and ICFs. In an article originally published in Spring 2021 in Better Builder Magazine, Gord says the answer is not so simple. 

ICF advantages – Gord says that there are several clear advantages to using ICFs: they’re safe, in that concrete doesn’t burn, and it’s both durable and strong. ICFs also don’t rot, attract termites, or become mildewy, all of which can affect health. 

Perhaps the main selling point for ICFs is that their insulation and inherent airtightness make them more energy-efficient. A typical ICF design with two 2.5” layers of polystyrene foam achieves an effective R-value of R22, bringing an ICF home within reach of qualifying as Net Zero. And many newer ICF products allow for more insulation to be added. 

Good insulation also provides comfort: in a project involving six families on the windy shores of Lake Huron, Gord says that his siblings and their families not only found the ICF home more comfortable but also quieter than any house they have lived in. 

Costs – Many builders question the cost of ICFs in comparison with wood-frame construction. However, some of the cost differences diminish in high performance construction, especially if the builder is aiming for Net Zero Ready designs. The durability of ICFs, says Gord, also offers a long-range cost offset, as the property can effectively be amortized over generations. 

The learning curve – Gord acknowledges that using ICFs for the first time involves process change in design and building. In addition to getting the right tradespeople to put the forms in place, there is a challenge of getting plumbers, electricians, drywallers, and finishing contractors willing to work on them. The best approaches for a first-time building with ICFs, he says, are either to work with an ICF supplier that provides on-site training and support or to enlist the services of someone who has already worked with ICFs. He also stresses the importance of using the best reinforcement and bracing systems as part of the forming work before pouring the concrete.

Now that he’s been able to work with an experienced ICF contractor and applied the lessons he learned in that process, Gord stands behind ICFs in high performance construction—especially because demand for energy efficiency will only continue to grow. And he puts his money where his mouth is, having used ICFs to build the family cottage. Gord urges builders to learn more about ICFs and to partner up with knowledgeable contractors, as this innovative technology reaches maturity.

Building Knowledge Canada helps builders and contractors understand how to make the best use of innovative and emerging systems and technologies to optimize their housing designs. Get in touch to see how we can support your design and business goals. 

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Originally published in Better Builder Magazine, Issue 37 / Spring 2021.