Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) Home Walkthrough - Alair Homes

[@shawncolemusic]

After building an ICF home and living in it for a few years, I would never build any other way. We built in Coldstream BC. Hot summers and cold winters. Truly amazing building envelope.

[@SolonFonseca]

Nossas favelas são construídas assim há anos. Utilizamos madeira e blocos de barro, além do concreto. O acabamento da Nadura é muito melhor. Pode ser construído encima de uma laje?

[@Kootenayexcavation]

Once bc brings in step 5 carbon neutral builds ICF above grade is going to be tough

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

How does the masonry dry out in icf? Masonry loves to wick moisture. We put thermal breaks next to windows with wood behind. So only the window screws are thermally conductive. And not wood next to window to absorb moisture from condensation. Icf block is 5 times as expensive as cmu block. Icf walls are twice as expensive as cmu block or poured walls with r 20 mineral wool insulation. Icf can have moisture problems as plastic ties let moisture through concrete. Icf walls is not as strong as brick wall of same masonry thickness. Moisture problems allow icf to mold behind the insulation. How do you fix an icf wall that leaks or molds? Moisture issues in air tight houses are too common. Common moisture problem areas are kitchen, bathroom, basements, and rim joist pockets. Rim joist pockets on icf are the worst. Moisture wicks to rim joist pockets in icf, cmu, and poured walls. And if spray foam or fiberglass in joist pockets it molds. Here masonry need to be exposed to air of at least 18 inches above grade. This allows masonry to dry out and not become water logged.

[@bwillan]

Most of your objections to ICF are easily managed. With any air tight house, mechanical ventilation is needed for fresh air. An ERV is also used to pre heat or pre cool any incoming air and exhausts out the stale air from the house. During the concrete curing process, running a dehumidifier will help with any excess humidity that builds up. Mold does not grow on the foam of the ICF or the concrete. Mold needs moisture and an organic source to grow (wood, drywall, etc). As for your cost comparisons against ICF, are you factoring in total installed cost to get the same level of performance?

[@coreym5072]

As far as energy efficient and cost what is the best for post frame barn? I was thinking icf for very efficient building

[@av1204]

Did you say the product at grade was tough X? who makes it?

[@laragoeckeritz7702]

I would also like to know the answer to this question.

[@nightlightelectric3890]

Wow, don't know who your electrician is but I would blur out their wiring.