PRS: wall construction technologies, part 5

Wall construction with insulated concrete forms

Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) are another rising star in wall construction technology. These are also panel-like yet different from SIPs. They are blocks constructed with two sheets of Styrofoam with a void between them. Like SIPs, they are designed by the architect or engineer, assembled by a manufacturer, and delivered to the job site.

Once they've been delivered, they're assembled as specified on the blueprint. Once in place, the void in the blocks forming the wall are poured with reinforced concrete. The resulting wall is both strong and insulated on both sides.

The pros and cons

Like SIPs, ICFs form a nearly air-tight structure. This makes it an Energy Star candidate which means a lot for the home's equity. Also, there is little to no scrap to deal with. This not only makes it green and renewable, but it saves big bucks on labor and disposal overhead.

This particular wall technology is well-suited for areas that are prone to high winds, wild fires, and the like. Due to the acoustic and fire-proof aspects, these are being used in interior demising walls (separating units in duplexes or hotels).

The insulation provided by the Styrofoam can be rated up to R-25 depending on the specified thickness! Exterior walls can be finished with any method used with stick framing - siding, brick, stucco, ect.

And in conclusion...

That pretty much wraps up our overview of wall construction technology. I'm becoming a big fan the green methods: SIPs and ICFs, although they lend themselves more to new construction and additions.