Home Building With Insulated Concrete Forms

For most of the country winter is a harsh taskmaster, demanding a heavy commitment of nonrenewable resources for heat. In areas where electricity is generated in coal or oil-burning plants electric power is not only extremely expensive but is also a drain on fossil fuels and, along with heating oil, produces large amounts of greenhouse gases. One way to cut down on the use of these scarce commodities is to build homes in which require minimal heating and to seal them against heat loss.

Living in a home where there is heat loss affects the homeowner in both the bank account and in comfort. When a home is cold many people turn up the thermostat and brace for the high heating bill. Others consider the source and stuff more insulation into attics and walls. They also replace windows or re-caulk the old ones and other sources of air leaks in the home. But what about building an efficient home with a high R-value right from scratch?

Insulated Concrete Forms

One of the leaders in energy efficient homes is insulated concrete forms (ICF). These are stackable, polystyrene foam blocks - or panels constructed on site into forms- that are filled with cement to form the walls of the home. In other words the foam is the form – and it stays on as the home’s insulation when the cement cures. The strength comes from steel reinforcing bars that are place in specially-made grooves in the plastic spacers. The plastic webbing provides an anchor for siding on the exterior and drywall inside.

ICF not only insulates, it provides a sound barrier that makes building near a highway or under a flight path for an airport a more reasonable idea. One more added feature about ICF homes is that they are known to withstand hurricanes, tornadoes and fires which makes the product a good risk for insurance companies and therefore in many areas you get a savings in insurance premiums.

Insulation Factor

Your garden designer should be able to advise on any issues that require planning permission, etc. Although the necessary paperwork is usually required to be completed and submitted by the home owner. Along with a list of your requirements and, after looking at your existing garden your garden designer will be able to estimate a building cost in conjunction with a landscape contractor. We work across London and the home counties.