Question
My builder doesn’t want to use ICFs, but I’ve heard they’re a great product. What do you think?
The custom green builder I'm working with tells me Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) are not a good product. He did not say why, but he is opposed to using them. His opinion is contrary to what I have heard in other green-building circles. Could you give me your take on whether ICFs are a good choice for my future green house?
Answer
Insulating Concrete Forms are a fantastic invention. They are most often used to build high-performance, durable basement wall structures with the potential of cutting costs. ICFs typically involve a certain setup cost and are more expensive than conventional forming. In a new-construction setting, the extra investment pays off in labor and material savings (costs are reduced, for example, by the fact that ICFs are often drywall ready). But when building an addition on an existing structure, there is little benefit to the extra cost. I have found that on my remodeling jobs ICFs were just not a cost-effective or desirable option.
ICFs are a good product for new construction, but I advise you not to try and force a builder to use a technology they are not comfortable with. ICFs are not the only way to build a good basement, and many builders are not experienced with this technology. Focus on finding a builder you trust. Then listen to their rationale; if they have an honest reason for not choosing ICFs, you should respect that and move on.
