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We found a home that we like in FL. I just found out it is made of something called Insulated Concrete Form (IFC).
There is a lot of information on the internet about the advantages to this type of contruction. Does anyone have experience with this type of home?
Bascially, they use polystyrene blocks to build the house. Those are held in place by rebar and then concrete is poured into the open spaces in the foam blocks. It is supposed to be great for insulation value, soundproof, and hurricane/ wind resistance, as well as fire resistance also (mostly because of the concrete)
I'm very familiar with the standard concrete block homes in FL with stucco over the outside, and I'm wondering if the IFC house is even better than that? I used to live in concrete block home in FL and it had great energy efficiency and great sound proofing.
I think that you are correct in that the strong points of ICF housing are all improvements over traditional concrete block construction techniques. The material is far less subject to differences in skill of the masons and has a much greater durability as there are no mortar joints. If you can purchase a home built with ICF for a similar price to the concrete block construction you are getting a good deal.
I live in Alaska and my home is built on this type of foundation. The insulation is amazing! I have radiant heat and in my basement surrounded by the foundation, Ican't have it up hardly at all because it gets hot so fast. For Florida it is a grea foundation because this foundation does not easily give way to termites. (I am an entomologist that worked in the lower 48 for a while). When I build again, I would never use anything but, regardless of where I live.
I live in Alaska and my home is built on this type of foundation. The insulation is amazing! I have radiant heat and in my basement surrounded by the foundation, Ican't have it up hardly at all because it gets hot so fast. For Florida it is a grea foundation because this foundation does not easily give way to termites. (I am an entomologist that worked in the lower 48 for a while). When I build again, I would never use anything but, regardless of where I live.
How about carpenter ants? My internet research tells me they can chew and nest in the styro. walls, same as wood.
I ask that because this house is a mess. Somehow the stucco didn't adhere to the styro. base and it needs to be replaced. In addition, there is water leaking, mold, and carpenter ants.
We just took a quick look at the place but will check it out from top to bottom when we get back to FL at end of May. It is definately a fxer, but we think we can get it for a good price. (has been in short sale status for about 1 year)
Also, we are going into the FL heat and downpour season, so by the time we are able to close and get in there, the condition will probably be a lot worse. Yikes?
Even if carpenter ants chew at the insulation, they won't find much value from it, he poured concrete will stop them from moving to the inner walls. I imagine it would be possible, but I find it unlikely. The moisture component is extremely important and the styrofoam wouldn't provide that IMHO
As a hint, if you want to find out what kind of infestation of carpenter ants there are, wait until about dusk. Carpenter ants are nocturnal and begin movement around them. (I was involved in a research project at Purdue University on carpenter ants, we had to go out in the evenings collecting them). If it is a REALLY bad infestation, you will see. Daytime observations of the ants won't tell you too much.
Location: Central Atlantic Region, though consults worldwide
266 posts, read 449,742 times
Reputation: 95
Quote:
Originally Posted by MovedfromFL
We found a home that we like in FL. I just found out it is made of something called Insulated Concrete Form (IFC).
There is a lot of information on the internet about the advantages to this type of contruction. Does anyone have experience with this type of home?
Bascially, they use polystyrene blocks to build the house. Those are held in place by rebar and then concrete is poured into the open spaces in the foam blocks. It is supposed to be great for insulation value, soundproof, and hurricane/ wind resistance, as well as fire resistance also (mostly because of the concrete)
I'm very familiar with the standard concrete block homes in FL with stucco over the outside, and I'm wondering if the IFC house is even better than that? I used to live in concrete block home in FL and it had great energy efficiency and great sound proofing.
Yes, I am knowledgable about ICFs. Be careful about assuming energy efficiency with ICFs. ICFs offer energy efficiency several ways: First the convection and infiltration rates are virtually nil; Secondly, thermal mass changes the frequency of thermal cycling. Concrete has an R value of 0.2 per inch. A 12 inch thick wall would therefore be R-2.4.
Although ICFs are used in most any geography because of concrete's thermal mass the system for energy considerations requires some complicated math to determine if exterior climate data is favorable to exploit the mass relationship. I often tell people to remember somewhere inside the concrete its 35 deg f when the interior is 70 and its zero outside. That concrete is inside an excellent coleeman cooler if you will.
In reality, one would be far better of having 4" of foam panels outside a poured concrete wall rather than 2" foam, concrete, and 2 more inches of foam. In the latter one has a very high thermal mass inside a super insulation. In Florida I would recommend other than ICFs unless your convinced that is your path and you can afford them. I can help you and others with these systems. Lastly, do not be fooled thinking an ICF house to be less fire resistant. ICF use only means the concrete will not burn down. ICFs are like any other building system - everything has its place.
Location: Central Atlantic Region, though consults worldwide
266 posts, read 449,742 times
Reputation: 95
Quote:
Originally Posted by MovedfromFL
How about carpenter ants? My internet research tells me they can chew and nest in the styro. walls, same as wood.
I ask that because this house is a mess. Somehow the stucco didn't adhere to the styro. base and it needs to be replaced. In addition, there is water leaking, mold, and carpenter ants.
We just took a quick look at the place but will check it out from top to bottom when we get back to FL at end of May. It is definately a fxer, but we think we can get it for a good price. (has been in short sale status for about 1 year)
Also, we are going into the FL heat and downpour season, so by the time we are able to close and get in there, the condition will probably be a lot worse. Yikes?
Some ICFs are treated with boric acid powders to prevent pest infestation. When I do ICFs in extreme climates I install Wirsbo hePex inside the wall ICF. The system is more often than not powered by how water solar collectors, whether flat panel or vacuum tube types.
In hot climates the same piping is used. I then zone the oriented walls which are connected to a burried 500-1,000 gallon concrete box tank. The tank is connected to a rat-maze I install prior to back filling. This system will remove heat that builds up within the concrete walls -- therby minimizing HVAC to compensate for heat gain/losses from windows/doors and roof. In effect, the walls are removed from the btu load capacity for machine sizing requirements.
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