In “firewall” tests ICF walls were subjected to continuous gas flames and temperatures of up to 2,000°F for as long as four hours. None of the ICF walls ever failed structurally, in contrast to wood-frame walls, which typically collapse in one hour or less.

In one step, the lower level is poured, framed, and insulated all the way up to the floor joists, even throughout daylight and walk out areas; eliminating the need for any work before the sub-floor can be installed.

The foams in ICFs are manufactured with flame-retardant additives. The National Research Council reviewed the numerous existing studies of fire emissions and concluded that the emissions from polystyrene foams are no more toxic than those of typical softwoods used in home construction.

An ICF concrete wall is stronger, more soundproof, more resistant to natural disasters, rot, and termites, better insulated (superior R-value) and, therefore, more energy efficient; it reduces air infiltration and benefits from the thermal mass of the concrete keeping inside temperatures more even.

After any concrete wall is poured, there is a curing process that needs to occur. Without adequate curing conditions, this does not happen, and the wall weakens and is prone to cracking and even shifting.

One of the most common complaints in new homes is leaky basements due to cracked foundation walls. With ICF construction, concrete is protected by the very forms that create its shape, which means that the curing process will complete as required.

Pre-formed 90 and 45-degree corners are available to speed construction since they are the most commonly used corner angles. Radius walls are easily constructed by miter-cutting the form at the proper angle and using foam to join the edges. Some manufacturers will deliver already curved walls.

One thing to keep in mind is that you have to finish the basement with drywall due to the building code regulations. you can not have an “unfinished” basement due to the styrofoam fumes if it ever catches fire.

An ICF basement should be called a “lower level” since the old stereotypes about basement do not apply to them. An ICF foundation is warm, dry, quiet, comfortable, and provides no opportunity for

Yes, most building departments throughout North America send their inspectors on courses to learn this type of construction.