PRS: wall construction technologies, part 5
- by Kelly Smith on May 15th 2008 9:16PM
- Filed under fix-it, weekend projects, framing and drywall, staying green, tools, remodeling, Perpetual Remodeling Syndrome
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.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-16-2008 @ 1:18PM
Bill Volk said...
Kelly -- good stuff; thanks for the great information.
Bill
Reply
5-17-2008 @ 6:25PM
greg said...
How 'green' is styrofoam really? I don't relish the idea of having that stuff outgas through the concrete into my living area for a decade after construction.
Reply
5-18-2008 @ 9:54AM
Frank Townend said...
Terrific article Kelly! Thanks for taking the time to put it together.
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