Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located and where does your company primarily work?
ICF Homes of Virginia is based in Fredericksburg, VA, and proudly serves a wide area across Virginia — from Fairfax to Williamsburg and from Charlottesville to Colonial Beach. Contact us today to learn more about our service area!
How does the homeowner benefit from ICF construction?
Homes built with ICFs offer resistance to natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, and floods. An ICF home can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs while providing an exceptionally comfortable and quiet indoor environment.
How do ICF homes resist tornado and hurricane-force winds?
Debris driven by high winds presents the greatest hazard to homeowners and their property during tornadoes and hurricanes. Recent laboratory testing at Texas Tech University compared the impact resistance of residential concrete wall construction to conventionally framed walls. Only concrete wall systems, such as ICFs and concrete masonry, successfully demonstrated the strength and mass to resist the impact of wind-driven debris. Wood-frame walls failed to stop the penetration of airborne hazards.
What is the average R-Value of ICF walls?
Walls made of ICFs perform, on average, like a wood-frame wall with R-30 insulation. The equivalent R-value of ICFs is determined by three key factors: First, the R-value of the expanded polystyrene. Second, the thermal stability of the concrete walls reduces temperature fluctuations, lowering heat load requirements compared to wood-frame buildings. Finally, air leakage (infiltration) accounts for 20-40% of the heat load in wood-frame buildings, but ICFs eliminate this air infiltration. Combining the R-value of the expanded polystyrene, the thermal mass of the concrete, and the reduced air infiltration, ICF walls can perform as high as R-40—or even more in certain regions.
Who can build ICF homes in my area?
ICF Homes is the premier custom ICF builder in the region, with over 20 years of experience.
Can ICF homes be built in earthquake areas?
Yes, if properly reinforced, an ICF home can offer significant protection during earthquakes. If you live in an earthquake zone, it’s recommended to consult a structural engineer to understand the reinforcement requirements specific to your area.
Will it take longer to build my ICF home?
Experienced ICF crews report that building with ICFs can take less time than traditional wood-frame construction. The ICF method eliminates several steps—such as sheathing and insulating the exterior walls—that are required in wood-frame construction.
What are the design possibilities and/or limitations with ICF?
Today’s concrete homes can be built in virtually any design or style. The ICF forms used by ICF Homes feature furring strips every 8 inches, embedded in the panels to support a variety of finishes—such as wood or cement board siding, brick, stucco, and stone on the exterior, and drywall or plaster on the interior. The result is a home that blends seamlessly with its surroundings while offering all the benefits of solid concrete construction.
Does it cost more to build this way?
Typically, a home built with ICFs will cost slightly more than a comparable wood-frame home. However, much of this cost can be offset through lower utility and energy bills, insurance savings, and downsized heating and cooling equipment. Additionally, an experienced ICF contractor may help reduce construction costs further.
How popular is the ICF building technique?
ICF construction continues to grow at an impressive rate. It is estimated that in 1998, nearly 20,000 homes in the U.S. were constructed with ICFs. It is anticipated that soon more than 100,000 homes will be built annually with ICF exterior walls.
Is the ICF building technique approved by code organizations?
Yes. Every major code organization in the United States and Canada has accepted this construction technique. ICF home building has proven successful in every region and climate. The 2000 and 2003 International Residential Codes have a section on ICF construction.
Why is ICF construction considered an environmentally friendly method of building?
Throughout a building’s life cycle—from construction to demolition—the greatest ecological impact comes from the energy required to heat and cool the home. Insulating Concrete Homes are an environmentally preferred choice due to the significant savings in natural resources needed to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Can radius and angled walls be constructed in ICF homes?
Pre-formed 90° and 45° corners are available to speed construction, as these are the most commonly used angles. Radius walls are easily created by miter-cutting the form at the proper angle and joining the edges with foam. For more information, please contact ICF.
How do ICFs decrease mold and mildew in my new home?
ICFs help create a mold-free environment due to their inorganic nature. They also form a tight building envelope, minimizing unintentional air infiltration. In high-humidity areas, interior moisture can be controlled by using spot removal methods (e.g., bathroom fans) and properly sized air conditioning units that run long enough to dehumidify the air.