ICF is a modern method of building extremely energy-efficient, comfortable homes and commercial buildings. Island Efficient Homes is proud to be Vancouver Island's leader in insulated concrete forms.
Let’s face it: even as technology marches forward, the typical ‘stick-frame’ method of construction hasn’t changed much in the past 100 years. When we started out building homes, we asked ourselves some big questions before settling on ICF as our method.
We believe that insulated concrete forms are the future of building here on Vancouver Island. The ICF-style of building homes and businesses combines new technology with clever building methods to build the strongest, healthiest, and most energy-efficient structures possible. These are buildings that are designed to last the test of time.
The most common reason our clients seek out a Nanaimo ICF builder is because they want to take control of their energy bills. ICF structures are extremely energy-efficient, and require significantly less time running heating and cooling systems. With less energy being consumed, heating and cooling costs decrease dramatically.
It’s no secret that lumber quality is rapidly deteriorating. Lumber stocks are becoming scarce, which is driving up the cost of building materials. In fact, the recent price hikes in lumber mean the cost gap between ICF and lumber framing is nearly gone. Furthermore, ICF uses materials that will never rot or decay, resulting in consistent performance.
Before we focus on the benefits of building with ICF, let’s take a moment to cover the basics. First things first: ICF is an acronym that stands for Insulated Concrete Forms, which refers to a specific method of construction.
ICF refers to insulated extruded polystyrene “blocks” that are filled with cast-in-place concrete to build full-height exterior walls. However, when we refer to ICF, we’re often referring to the method or style of building using insulated concrete forms, rather than the blocks specifically.
You can think of ICF blocks as large, interlocking LEGO® bricks that have a hollow cavity. As an alternative to the traditional “stick-framed” method of framing walls out of lumber, ICF blocks are assembled on site where they lock together before they are filled with concrete to construct walls.
Structures built with insulated concrete forms look like any other, albeit with slightly thicker walls (and thus windowsills). You can finish the exterior of an ICF building in myriad ways, or even install an Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS) to further improve the energy-efficiency of your home.
While thermal retention and energy savings are a major selling point of insulated concrete forms, energy efficiency is only one of the benefits. From minimal maintenance requirements to building more secure, comfortable homes, this page will provide an overview of the many features of ICF.
If you have a question about insulated concrete forms, we’re here to help! Our team has come up with a list of common questions about ICF and put them all on our ICF FAQs page.
It’s hard to single out just one reason to choose ICF. Some clients like the little-to-no-maintenance, others appreciate saving money on energy costs (and often insurance, too). Here are a few other reasons why we think you’ll love an ICF-built dwelling.
As lumber quality rapidly deteriorates and lumber stocks become scarce, ICF homes provide a sustainable alternative to traditional building methods. And unlike lumber, concrete ICF walls will never rot or decay.
Structures built using ICF are inherently pest-proof, with no cavities for bugs, rodents, or other creepy-crawlies. Furthermore, the materials used in ICF walls are unappealing to termites that can plague and weaken wood structures.
ICF buildings are impact-resistant and seismically-superior to wood-frame structures, providing peace of mind during inclement weather. And if Vancouver Island is ever hit with “the big one”, you’ll be glad you choose ICF.
While traditionally-built lumber-framed homes last 50 or so years, strength is a permanent quality of ICF. Homes built using ICF have a lifespan of centuries, and can be passed down from one generation to the next.
Because ICF walls built from solid concrete and extruded polystyrene, there’s no air infiltration. This means dust and other allergens can’t pass through your exterior walls to contaminate the air inside your home or business.
Building highly functional energy and space-efficient homes and businesses is what we do best. Here are 6 ways that Island Efficient Homes will bring value to your Nanaimo ICF building project.
Sure, we’re a construction company, but we build relationships just as much as we build homes. We’re dedicated to providing outstanding customer service, which means clear communication and no excuses.
Since day one, we’ve been on a mission to build better, greener homes and businesses on Vancouver Island. We were early-adopters of the ICF method of building, and know what it takes to get an ICF job done right.
We strive for the highest level of quality when building ICF homes and businesses, both in terms of craftsmanship and materials. We only select the best construction materials and never cut corners to save a buck.
Island Efficient Homes is a 2nd generation family owned-and-operated business with a long history of construction in Nanaimo, BC. We have families of our own, and look at every job as if we’re going to live or work there ourselves.
There’s nothing worse than building a new home and realizing that you need another storage closet, or that your bathroom is cramped. We work closely with our clients to build homes that function as effectively as possible.
Island Efficient Homes is one of three companies within our family. Along with Island Efficient Excavating and Island Efficient Interior Design, our end-to-end services can take you from initial planning phases right through to move-in.
Tired of out of control energy bills? Contact us today to discuss your project and learn more about the process and benefits of building with Island Efficient Homes.
We've discussed how ICF homes are strong, environmentally-friendly, and even pest-proof. But what about other benefits of insulated concrete forms? Here are 8 beneficial characteristics common to structures built with ICF.
Unlike some materials used in traditional construction, insulated concrete forms are non-toxic and don’t emit unhealthy VOCs.
There are no cavities within ICF walls, and no nutrient sources to encourage mold, mildew, bugs, or rodents from moving in.
Walls built using insulated concrete forms stay standing in the toughest weather, and are wind-rated to over 480 km/h.
With a fire rating of 4 hours, insulated concrete form structures massively outperform traditional buildings in fire tests.
Since the ICF method doesn't use lumber to construct exterior walls, ICF blocks and concrete will never rot or decay from water.
Outside noise within an ICF structure is reduced by an incredible 50% when compared to typical lumber-framed dwellings.
Without gaps in between the key parts of your building envelope, cold spots and drafts are virtually eliminated in an ICF home.
Thanks to the thermodynamics at work in an ICF build, water in the air stays outside, making your interior more comfortable and less humid.
Insulated concrete forms can significantly reduce your heating and cooling bills. To see how, check out this helpful article where we outline the ways ICF achieves drastically reduced energy use.
How ICF Works
Take a quick look at the construction of a wall built using insulated concrete forms.
Stick-frame Home Construction
Our primary focus is building energy-efficient homes using insulated concrete forms, but we understand that you may be looking for a traditional home build.
But did you know that the cost gap between building using ICF vs. building using timber-framed walls is closing due to rising lumber costs? In fact, over time you’ll save money on your project by recouping any additional costs through reduced energy usage.
We would love to discuss the benefits of investing in an ICF-built home, and help to answer any questions you may have about the process or product.
Before you choose lumber for your next build, why not get in touch for a free consultation?