Versatile System – Flexible Designs

ICF homes can be designed in any style, and will accept any traditional exterior finish including vinyl or wood siding, stucco and brick. Because custom angles and curves are easily created, it’s simple to build in bows, bays and radiuses. And ICF systems accommodate any of today’s most popular design features, such as tall walls, large openings, long floor spans and cathedral ceilings. Window and door openings of any size are possible.

Blocking for Windows and Doors

Cutting block is simple in ICF construction so, unlike the cumbersome concrete constructions of the past, custom window designs and complex angles are commonplace. When considering building with ICF's, be sure to discuss how to accommodate the doors and windows with your contractor. With ICF's, windows and doors must be cut and blocked before the concrete is poured. Blocking the openings accomplishes two things: it holds back the concrete to preserve the opening, and creates the frames for the doors and windows. Once a crew is experienced in ICF construction, scheduling and speed become key benefits. An experienced crew can put up a house faster with ICF's than with traditional framing.

Internationally Proven & Code-Accepted

Originally developed in Europe (where concrete home building is standard) ICF systems have been used successfully around the world for more than 30 years. Thousands of ICF homes have been built in recent years throughout the United States and Canada. They have proven successful in every region and climate, from Orlando to Calgary. ICF systems are accepted by all the major model codes in the U.S., and by the R-2000 program in Canada.

Fast To Learn & Easy To Use

Although it looks new and different, anyone with construction experience can quickly get up to speed with ICF's. An ideal crew has a mix of concrete placement and carpentry experience. Once the crew has some practice, each ICF-build home requires less skilled labor and less total labor than a wood-framed home. And ICF's are very lightweight, so crews stay fresh through the day.

Likewise, ICF's present no problem for the sub-contractors who come after the walls are poured. Since holes, chases and rectangles are easily cut into ICF's with a knife or saw, installation of mechanical systems is a snap. The fastening of drywall and lap siding is just as fast and easy. And mid-course corrections, such as moving an opening, are no big deal – just saw it out and re-form. It’s not more difficult to make changes to an ICF wall – it’s just different.

Cost Competitive

Over the last ten years, concrete prices have been remarkably stable. Recent price increases in other materials have generated interest in concrete building systems as never before. Labor savings and readily available materials make ICF's, feature for feature, one of the most cost competitive wall systems in the U.S. and Canadian housing markets.