Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF)
A simplified building process with dramatic results
Insulated concrete formwork (ICF) is an in-situ concrete system of building that is quick to construct and offers superior levels of performance over alternative methods of building envelope construction. It has become increasingly popular in the UK & Irish Self Build sector for some years.
ICF is based on hollow lightweight block components that lock together, the provide a formwork system into which concrete is poured. The blocks are made from expanded polystyrene panels fixed together with plastic webs (reducing thermal bridging) to create a formwork to which horizontal and vertical steel reinforcements can be easily added for extra strength. Once braced, concrete can be poured into the forms enabling fast construction one storey at a time.
As soon as the ICF walls are built they’re already waterproof even before the external finishes are applied, allowing internal work to commence sooner. This ensures for an incredibly fast & efficient construction that isn’t impacted by adverse weather in the same way traditional masonry is. Cold temperatures do not affect progress.
One of the main benefits is that it offers a saving of between 25% to 30% in both cost & building time. ICF offers low ‘U’ Values from 0.23W/m2degk down to 0.11W/m2degk – When all factors & benefits are taken into consideration, ICF becomes extremely competitive compared to both traditional building methods and lightweight framing.
Are you an Architect – Small developer – Self-Builder or Installer?
Click here…
About this Process
ICF delivers a sustainable building which offers measurable benefits over both brick and block and timber frame:
- Safer Construction
- Excellent insulation values and energy efficiency
- Effective sound insulation
- Virtually eliminates construction waste
- Ideal for complex and curved structures
- Used in above and below grade walls
- Fire protection in excess of normal requirements
- Minimal flood damage
Call For a Quote:
02890 686756
F.A.Q.
Wondering why you should choose ICF? Check out some of our most frequently asked questions. Better yet, get in touch for a consult!
What Is Insulated Concrete Formwork? (ICF)
ICF is based on hollow lightweight block components that lock together to provide a formwork system into which concrete is poured. The blocks are made from expanded polystyrene panels fixed together with plastic webs (reducing thermal bridging) to create a formwork to which horizontal and vertical steel reinforcements can be easily added for extra strength. Once braced, concrete can be poured into the forms enabling fast construction one storey at a time. The expanded polystyrene panels stay in place, resulting in a super-insulated monolithic solid concrete structure.
Is ICF suitable for a Sustainable Building?
If you are planning a Sustainable Building, regardless of the Energy Performance Standard that you wish to achieve, the two key requirements for the building envelope are the thermal efficiency and equally important but sometimes less obvious requirement of air-tightness then ICF construction is an ideal build method to achieve both of these goals.
Are build times faster with ICF?
Absolutely! The ICF walls as soon as built are waterproof even before the external finishes are applied, allowing internal works to commence sooner. ICF construction is not impacted by adverse weather in the same way that traditional masonry is. Cold temperatures do not affect progress. Services and cabling conduit can be quickly and easily chased into the interior of the ICF panels leading to a faster interior fit out.
Is it Cost Efficient?
With an average saving of between 25% to 30% in both cost & building time and low ‘U’ Values from 0.23W/m2degk down to 0.11W/m2degk – When all factors & benefits are taken into consideration, ICF becomes extremely competitive compared to both traditional building methods and lightweight framing.
Why choose us as ICF Suppliers/Installers?
Ballantine Building Solutions have over 17 years experience as Suppliers, Builders & Installation experts of ICF having completed many successful projects over our 67 years in the construction business.
Related Services
Thermal Bead Screed
Thermal Bead Screen is a lightweight aggregate that provides an alternative to traditional insulation boards
Bentonite Enriched Soil (BES)
Bentonite Enriched Soil is an effective means of reducing the hydraulic conductivity of sand or silt support materials
Plumbwall
A ‘polymer cement overlay’ consisting of a proprietary blend of cements, various aggregates and hybrid polymer resins