Benefits of Using Insulated Concrete Forms in Residential Constriction

Abstract
While technology has changed rapidly within the last decade for cell phones and computers, building construction remains the same as it was 100 years ago. Traditional wood frame structures have insulation problems that cause thermal bridging, through which precious energy is lost. These houses have a low thermal resistance resulting in a low insulation value. There is a more efficient way to build a house: using insulated concrete forms (ICF). Despite that technology had been present in the market for a long time, people are reluctant to use ICFs because of higher cost. An ICF structure is an amazing shelter in a natural disaster. The rebuilding cost of an ICF structure is far less than that of a typical structure. In an effort to become more environmentally friendly, we must explore alternative building techniques. This paper discusses how the significance of the long term energy savings, durability and fire resistance of ICFs offset the short term high cost of construction.

Benefits of Using Insulated Concrete Forms in Residential Constriction
Living in the 21st century makes people more aware of emerging technologies. The telephone is no longer just a communication device; it provides users with all kinds of information from changing global interests to the latest fashion trends. It has become near impossible to live without the assistance of computers, electronics, gadgets and appliances. Despite advances in technology, houses continue to be built the same way they were 100 years ago. The issue is that people who worry about the new technological toys do not always consider how their houses are built. Are modern houses comfortable, reliable and safe to live in? Do people think before they buy a house if it is energy efficient, durable, and capable of withstanding strong winds or an earthquake? How is it safe for the environment? There are newer forms of construction, like insulated concrete forms (ICF) which address these issues; however they are currently more expensive than standard construction.
Traditional wood frame structures have insulation problems and thermal bridging, through which precious energy is lost. These houses have a thermal resistance typically below an insulation value, R-value, between R-13 and R-19 (Blanford, 2009a), while ICF house will provide an R-value of over 30 (Fleischmann, 2008). Unfortunately people are more likely to use conventional materials because they are widely and easily available, and they are recognized by local building codes. However, the significance of the long term energy savings, durability, and fire resistance of an ICF home significantly offset the short term high costs of construction.
With the Earths changing weather patterns, there is a constant possibility of new records of natural disasters. The internet is full of video clips where entire cities are leveled by earthquakes. Hurricanes destroy miles upon miles of coastal communities. Yet after the disaster clears, conventional construction methods are utilized to quickly rebuild. History will inevitably repeat itself, but there is a possible solution for preventing devastations. ICF structures provide excellent protection against all of these natural disasters. ICFs are forms that hold concrete during a curing period and serve as insulation for those walls. It is strong enough to resist high winds and wind-blown debris, seismic forces and abnormal loadings (Blanford, 2009a). Not only are ICF structures an excellent source of protection from the elements, they are also energy efficient as well.
Once the building is erected, the efficiency continues for the life time of that structure. When Shirley T. Fleischmann, and her engineering students built and ICF house in 2006, they installed thermocouples in the concrete walls to measure the core temperature. With the data they gathered, they discovered the house did not require to be mechanically cooled during the summer months. In addition, they discovered that this efficient structure cost almost three times less to heat than other houses in the neighborhood. The house built with ICF had an average gas bill of $40.27 for a 2648 sq. ft. 7 bedroom house with up to 8 occupants. Neighboring houses frequently had heating bills of over $300 (Fleischmann, 2008). The energy efficiency speaks for itself. There are additional benefits of an ICF structure as well.
With all of the exterior walls being constructed of solid concrete, and then insolated by Styrofoam, noise transmission is held to a minimum. Owners of ICF homes have commented on the peace and tranquility present by the lack of noise pollution. In one case, a vehicle crashed into an ICF structure without the owners of the building being aware of the accident (Blanford, 2009b).
The significance of the long term energy savings, durability, and fire resistance of an ICF home significantly offset the short term high costs of construction. The benefits of ICF are: communities would be better protected, rebuilding could be quicker and less costly, and the quality of life for the occupants would be greatly increased. As technology increases the properties of concrete, and building supplies become more readily available, an ICF structures are becoming the logical choice.

References
Blanford, M. (2009a). Insulating concrete forms: Walls for a better home. Cityscape: A Journal of Policy Development and Research, 11(1), 137-140. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/20868695 Blanford, M. (2009b). Structural insulated panels: An alternative to wood frame construction. Cityscape: A Journal of Policy Development and Research, 11(2), 113-116. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/20868706
Fleischmann, S.T. (2008). Green house on Watson - Case study in energy performance and community service. 38th Annual Frontiers in Education Conference, 2008, F4C-3-F4C-8. doi:10.1109/FIE.2008.4720482