Scientific testing has proven this and other common ICF myths have been proven false.įor decades, the ICF Industry has been asked to provide definitive proof that thermal mass, the airtightness and continuous insulation features of ICF walls deliver real, quantifiable benefits in terms of overall energy-savings and achieved R/RSI-values. By combining these materials, they produce a dramatically superior energy-efficiency performance compared to wood. Both concrete and foam are both excellent thermal barriers. Unlike with wood-frame walls, ICF walls are made of solid concrete with thick, insulating foam on each side. Downsized HVAC also results in reduced greenhouse gas emissions over the life of the structure compared to less efficient wood-frame construction.Ĭlick here for more information about ICF affordability!Īffordability of Building with BuildBlock ICFs So the net extra cost will be about 3 to 6% of the sale price of the home 1.Higher quality exterior walls and smaller mechanical systems mean less monthly cost for the homeowner with savings of at least 25% or more depending on the climate. This can typically result in at least 1% in up-front savings. Since ICF homes are more energy-efficient, mechanical equipment can be smaller than in a frame home. There are cost savings in other areas that will help to offset some of these first costs as well as provide the homeowner with significant improvements in day to day operational expenses and environmental impacts. On average, new houses built by experienced contractors cost about 4-7% more than conventional 2×4 wood frame houses of the same design. In hotter areas, heating savings will be less and cooling savings more.

and Canada, heating savings will be more and cooling savings less. The bigger the house, the bigger the savings. Houses built with ICF exterior walls require an estimated 44% less energy to heat and 32% less energy to cool than comparable frame houses. It’s important to know that potential increased building costs can be offset by significantly lower utility bills.

On average, ICFs cost 3-5% more to build a comparable size home, depending on the manufacturer and other factors impacting local building costs. Proper planning and design mitigate most of the cost difference in choosing to build with ICFs. You can also reduce potential additional construction costs through smaller HVAC requirements, energy-efficiency tax breaks, and lower utility bills. ICFs cost 3-7% more on average when compared to using traditional wood construction.

Insulating concrete blocks