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    ANY PROJECTS: Durable: ICF envelop acts as weather barrier
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    ANY DESIGNS: Cost Effective : Fast & Easy Construction Reduces Cooling Cost
Major Advantages of Using Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF)

ICF wall assemblies offer several unique benefits. As a multi-purpose building material, ICFs allow multiple construction steps to be completed simultaneously, unlike traditional methods where each step must be performed separately.

  • Structural Wall Steel-reinforced concrete provides exceptional structural integrity.
  • Insulation EPS panels within the ICF assembly offer superior thermal insulation.
  • Air Barrier The solid, monolithic wall minimizes air leakage, ensuring very low air changes per hour (ACH).
  • Vapor Retarder ICFs have a PERM rating of 0.70, which drops to 0.30 when interior drywall is attached.

Fast, Easy & Strong Construction

Insulated Concrete Forms provide a faster and easier construction method compared to conventional building techniques. Since concrete forming and finishing can be completed quickly, ICF buildings are constructed in significantly shorter timeframes. Additionally, the cast-in-place reinforced concrete structure results in superior strength.

High Energy Efficiency

A building's energy efficiency depends on three key factors: R-Value, Thermal Mass, and Air Tightness. The absence of any of these elements can negatively impact building performance. Gwalls’ ICFs address all three factors, delivering exceptional thermal performance and substantial energy savings. No other wall system achieves this level of efficiency without additional modifications.

  • R-Value Measures a material’s resistance to heat flow. iForm ICFs have a static R-Value of 22, incorporating EPS foam, concrete, and basic drywall finish. ICFs also provide continuous insulation across the entire wall.
  • Thermal Mass Concrete in the ICF core stabilizes temperature fluctuations, reducing heating and cooling demands. Our ICF cores range from 10 cm to 30 cm in thickness.
  • Air Tightness ICFs eliminate air movement through walls, allowing better control of indoor environments by focusing only on sealing around windows, doors, and service penetrations.

Moisture and Water Management

ICFs significantly reduce the risk of moisture intrusion due to their built-in vapor retarder properties. Connection points can be designed to minimize water infiltration. Additionally, a controlled indoor environment enables mechanical systems to manage humidity effectively, reducing or eliminating mold growth.

Safety and Disaster Resistance

ICF walls provide unmatched protection by offering steel-reinforced concrete structures designed to withstand winds exceeding 250 mph. Maintaining structural integrity during natural or man-made disasters enhances occupant safety and building longevity. Furthermore, ICFs have a fire resistance rating of up to 4 hours, adding another layer of protection.

Indoor Air Quality and Comfort

ICFs enhance Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) by preventing the intrusion of outdoor pollutants. When paired with a well-designed mechanical system, ICF structures improve air quality, reducing allergy and asthma triggers. Their high thermal performance also eliminates drafts and temperature fluctuations, ensuring a consistently comfortable indoor climate.

Eco-Friendly Construction

ICFs are environmentally friendly, generating minimal waste. Components such as expanded polystyrene foam, plastic ties, concrete, and rebar are all recyclable, making ICF construction highly sustainable. The plastic ties used in ICFs are primarily made from recycled polypropylene, further reducing environmental impact.