ICF Construction

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.

It’s time to reconsider how we build

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.

What does the future of building look like?

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.

How can we control energy use and costs?

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.

How do we curb our lumber dependency?

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.

What are insulated concrete forms?

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 is a block and a method

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.

Think LEGO® bricks, but bigger

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.

ICF buildings look ‘normal’

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.

ICF is more than energy savings

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.

Find answers to questions about 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.

Why build using the ICF method?

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.

ICF doesn’t decay over time

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.

ICF is pest-proof

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 is seismically-superior

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.

ICF is built to last

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.

ICF prevents dust and allergens

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.

Why choose Island Efficient Homes?

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.

We put our clients first

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.

We’re leaders in ICF construction

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 care about the result

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.

We’ll build it like it’s ours

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.

We’re big on functionality

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.

We’re a full-service company

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.

Call today for a free consultation

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.

Characteristics of ICF structures

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.

Non-toxic

Unlike some materials used in traditional construction, insulated concrete forms are non-toxic and don’t emit unhealthy VOCs.

Solid

There are no cavities within ICF walls, and no nutrient sources to encourage mold, mildew, bugs, or rodents from moving in.

Upstanding

Walls built using insulated concrete forms stay standing in the toughest weather, and are wind-rated to over 480 km/h.

Fire-retardant

With a fire rating of 4 hours, insulated concrete form structures massively outperform traditional buildings in fire tests.

Permanent

Since the ICF method doesn't use lumber to construct exterior walls, ICF blocks and concrete will never rot or decay from water.

Quiet

Outside noise within an ICF structure is reduced by an incredible 50% when compared to typical lumber-framed dwellings.

Draft-free

Without gaps in between the key parts of your building envelope, cold spots and drafts are virtually eliminated in an ICF home.

Dry

Thanks to the thermodynamics at work in an ICF build, water in the air stays outside, making your interior more comfortable and less humid.

How does ICF achieve such superior energy efficiency?

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

ICF walls at a glance

Take a quick look at the construction of a wall built using insulated concrete forms.

  1. Concrete  Core
    Wall cavities are filled with concrete for strength and thermal retention.
  2. Steel Reinforcement 
    Steel embedded in the concrete provides incredible strength to the structure.
  3. Insulation 
    Continuous extruded polystyrene insulation delivers incredible energy retention.
  4. Air Barrier 
    Envelopes your structure in an air-tight seal, again helping to retain energy.
  5. Vapor Barrier 
    Damp-proofing layer to control humidity in any climate and improve comfort.
  6. Furring Strips 
    Allows for the addition of any exterior finish, such as siding, brick, or EIFS.

Stick-frame Home Construction

Still considering building without insulated concrete forms?

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?