Image
With the rising yearly energy requirements and fuel costs, it’s necessary to start considering more environmentally and cost-effective options for new construction and renovation projects.
How Are ICF Foundations Built Differently?
ICF foundations are made by stacking forms together like interlocking bricks with vertical rebar installed at regular intervals for added support. Once the concrete is poured into the forms and cured, they
remain in place to create a durable, airtight foundation. This airtight seal prevents frigid drafts from creeping in, a problem that can drastically increase heating requirements during cold Canadian winters.
The additional insulation prevents the thermal bridging effect that causes heat to escape through wall studs, an area where the thermal resistance in conventional building methods suffer.
The Energy Saving Advantages of ICF Foundations
In a study performed by Cleb Laboratory Inc, it was revealed that ICF walls provide an outstanding thermal lag effect that slows down the loss of heat within the home. In a guarded hot box test, conventional low mass stud assembly was matched against a high-mass ICF wall. The results showed that the ICF chamber maintained its indoor temperature for more than 50 HOURS before the heating unit switched on, whereas the stud chamber’s heater came on as soon as outdoor temperatures fell. According to Logix, one of the leading manufacturers of ICFs, Insulated Concrete Forms save the average homeowner up to 50% on their monthly energy bills.