Concrete Homes - ICF Homes

Concrete Homes are not mainly about concrete. Concrete homes are about the structural integrity and raw strength of concrete, poured inside thick extruded polystyrene foam forms to provide a quiter, safer, and economically heated home. Concrete homes are about taking home building to the next step. These concrete homes are high quality, affordably maintained homes built with proven superior technology.

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Question: What are the R-Value of ICFs walls?

Answer: Depending on the region R-Value will change. If you are in the far North the standard R-value will be around 30 and if you are in a warmer climate you are looking at 50 or so. The change is do to the temperate swings during the day.

Question: How much more is ICF compared to a standard poured basement?

Answer: Depends on the plans of course. The difference is little to none compared to a finished basement. If you are comparing an un-finished basement you would be looking at about a 10% to 15% difference in cost. The lost of heat for a un-finished basement is around 60%. The extra cost for ICFs will normally be paid back with in 2 to 3 years.

Question: Can I install this myself?

Answer: Yes. Most ICFs lend themselves to Do-it-Yourselfers. This is not like stacking Legos though; there is more to it then that. You will need guidance from ICF professional this might come from you local ICF dealer or a Trained Installer.

Question: Does it take longer to complete an ICF house?

Answer: No, Most of the time it can be completed in the same amount of time that it takes a standard home builder to complete a house. It might look like it takes longer but you are completing a bunch of sets in just placing the ICF system. Most ICFs take the place of you 2x framing, vapor barrier, moisture barrier, insulation and wall sheathing.

Question: Why don’t I see more of the concrete homes on the market?

Answer: That is a tough question this has to do more with change then it does with ICFs. The building industry is hard to change do to the people in the industries. They have been doing the same thing for 4 generations now. Change for most people is hard to do ICFs are no different. Even thou, ICFs are easier to get a well build house then standard 2x build homes. ICF have been around for over 30 years now it takes time for products to be proven in the market place.

Question: How much more are concrete homes compared to a 2x build home?

Answer: This again depends on the plan. The difference is around 5%-10%, this might seem high but, the pay back on you energy bill will pay for the difference in around 4 years. Then after that you will end up saving money each month on you energy bills.

Question: What makes a brand of ICF better then another?

Answer: Most ICFs will perform the same tasks. What makes one stand out over another is the service that you receive from their Dealers and Installers that makes a difference.

Question: How many different Brands of ICFs are out there?

Answer: Last count around 70 or 80 different companies.