

prices of standard ICF units: they vary, but expect prices between $1.75-$3.5 per square foot (the prices do not include labor costs, reinforcement, concrete pouring and finishes) Įxpect ICF prices between $2 and $3.5 per square foot. They also have pre-cut and special assembled units.Įnvironmental and health concerns: the most environmentally-friendly ICF products are made with recycled expanded polystyrene (styrofoam), mineral fibers (rock-wool) and cement-bonded wood fibers. “Custom” ICF products: Some ICF manufacturers offer panelized and large flat sheets, with special sizes, for big projects. Interlocking grids: ICF interlocking grid systems are becoming standard they can speed the construction time forms that only stack together – instead of interlocking - aren't so easy to work with and are not necessarily cheaper. The type of cavity (flat, waffle.) also matters. ICF walls involving a larger cavity, that is, with a thicker “layer” of concrete – often strengthened with reinforced steel – are stronger and will have a better seismic- and wind- resistance. Increasing that value by gluing additional rigid foam to the forms will increase the final costs. Note: the R-value (insulation value) provided by Insulated Concrete Forms falls short of the recommended for energy-efficient buildings, in cold climates. Styrofoam and mineral wool ICFs have R-values comparable to typical ICFs (made with EPS blocks) but slightly more expensive. Some of the most environmentally-friendly ICFs - products made with cement-bonded wood fibers, for instance - are also more expensive (besides having a smaller R-value (insulation value)).

But the most inexpensive and typical ICFs are made with EPS (expanded polystyrene).Īs expected, ICFs with thicker layers of insulating materials can be significantly more expensive. ICFs can be made of styrofoam, rockwool, cement-bonded recycled with wood and other insulation materials. Thickness of ICF Insulating Layers & Prices Just choose a non-conductive web: steel is a bad choice from a thermal standpoint. The ICF web (the stuff that connects the two sides of the forms) In the US, ICF prices may range between $2 and $3.5 per square foot. Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs): ICFs are prefabricated products for home construction typically, they consist of hollow blocks or panels made of plastic foam, designed to be part of the walls and to be filled with concrete.ġ) exact type and features of the ICF products (standard vs. Structural Insulated concrete construction costsĪccording to several studies, ICF construction costs are more expensive than those of wood frame construction (5 to 10%.) and very similar to those of pre-cast concrete block or poured-in-place concrete construction.Īnyway we should consider other factors.
