Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF) available at a major home improvement retailer represent a modular building system used in wall construction. These forms, typically made of expanded polystyrene (EPS), interlock to create a mold for concrete, which is then poured into the cavity. After the concrete cures, the EPS remains in place, providing insulation. These products offer a method for constructing energy-efficient walls for residential and commercial buildings.
Employing this construction technique offers benefits such as enhanced thermal performance, improved sound attenuation, and increased structural integrity. The insulating properties can reduce heating and cooling costs, while the concrete core provides resistance to fire and extreme weather. Historically, this construction method has gained traction as building codes have become more stringent regarding energy efficiency and disaster resilience. It allows a homeowner to have a wall system that has a higher R-value than a standard constructed wall while maintaining the ease of purchase from a big box store.
