FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are ICFs?
Tru-Green (ICF) wall system is comprised of hollow foam blocks which are stacked into the shape of the exterior walls of a building, reinforced with steel rebar, and then filled with concrete. The result is a protective wall of unmatched comfort, energy efficiency, strength, and noise reduction. Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF) and Green Building are natural partners.

Homes built using Tru-Green ICFs literally have the insulation built into the walls as part of the structure. This system creates walls that have a high thermal resistance, with R-values usually above R-30. The great combination of high R-values, low air infiltration, and high thermal mass is believed to account for the amazing 25% to 50% energy savings of ICF versus wood or steel framed homes.

Even though ICF homes are constructed using concrete, they look just like traditional stick built homes. You can finish the inside and outside just like you would any other type home.

With Tru-Green ICFs, you only need TWO kinds of ICF blocks; the end block and the line block. There is no need for different blocks with T's, angles, corners, etc.

Also, there is no need for additional plastic or metal cross ties because of our engineered locking design for locking the form blocks together. The advantage is that gluing, taping etc. is not necessary! The tight locking system also plays a role to avoid extensive need for bracing.

The emerging popularity of building homes with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) seems to be proving the old adage true. Of course, for home builders, erecting forms and pouring concrete walls is nothing new, at least below grade. But the advent of lightweight, stackable, interlocking forms which also incorporate interior and exterior insulation has opened the market for ICFs for virtually all exterior wall applications.

What are some of the impressive homeowner benefits?

Extra Strong - ICF walls benefit from concrete's inherent structural qualities, particularly important in regions affected by severe weather. Our ICFs receive reinforcement bars both vertically and horizontally to withstand strong hurricanes and earthquakes. Then they are filled with concrete to form a solid monolithic wall structure, giving the system a lateral load capability that can withstand catastrophic events. "Hurricanes pose three main threats to a structure" strong winds, storm surge, and flying debris" and ICFs stand up well to all three." (ICF Builder Magazine: August/September 2007)

Lower Utility Bills - The combination of a continuous concrete wall plus the integral interior and exterior insulation provides superb energy efficiency. Use of MGB ICFs translates into more even, consistent temperatures throughout the home, thus making it more energy efficient. A 13,524 square foot house built in Tennessee has documented average utility bills at $166.02 per month since February 18, 2003.

Outdoor pollutants can be kept to a minimum - particularly important to allergy sufferers. With several inches of concrete sandwiched by foam insulation, ICF homes are typically quieter than neighboring homes built conventionally, thus forming a quieter environment. These properties ensure protection against corrosion, water, fire, fungus, mold, and termites.

Reduced Construction Time - Using Tru-Green ICFs, construction time is reduced. The concrete cures overnight, without expensive additives. Windows, door frames and anchors are set in place before the concrete is poured allowing rapid installation. Installing plumbing and electrical lines is easy! You just use a Hot Knife or Router to cut the holes in the ICF after the concrete is hardened!

Our ICFs do not require a lot of specialized training to assemble. If you can play with LEGO Blocks, you can build with Tru-Green ICF.

Less Repair and Maintenance - With Tru-Green ICF homes, the equation is simple: No Rot = Less Repair and Maintenance. Neither polystyrene nor concrete will ever rot or rust. Concrete can even be exposed to the elements for centuries with few ill effects. Reinforcing steel, buried deep inside and protected by concrete's alkalinity, does not corrode.

A Healthier Home and Environment - Building with MGB ICFs is healthier for the environment in a number of ways: by minimizing the number of different building products involved in construction, by reducing the amount of waste generated on the construction site, and by lowering energy requirements for heating and cooling.

Adapting Home Plans to ICF Construction
ICF construction is compatible with virtually all home designs. Once built, ICF homes are indistinguishable from their traditionally-framed counterparts. Yet, there are some differences in building homes with ICFs. The most obvious difference is the increased wall thickness. Due to the thicker exterior walls, the overall width, depth, and square footage of a home is usually increased in order to not crimp on room sizes. Due to increased overall dimensions, the roof system will get bigger for an ICF home. Typically, the roof geometry will stay basically the same, but the ridge heights will increase. Of course, the foundation changes as well. Additionally, wall thickness varies among ICF manufacturers. Check with the original home plan designer or architect with regard to modifying a particular set of plans to work with ICFs. Or ask your ICF manufacturer about modifying plans for ICF construction. Many of the manufacturers have a network of designers or architects familiar with ICF building who can modify your plans. Your local ICF distributor may also be able to modify the plans for you.

back to top