ICF vs. Traditional Construction: Which is the Better Choice

While designing your new home, the term “ICF’ might have popped up once or twice. It’s a method of construction that offers several benefits to homeowners. This is especially true when it comes to being sustainable and saving money.

However, you may wonder if this construction method may be better than the traditional methods. For example, how does ICF compare to using wood framing for construction? In this article, we go over why  ICF is better than other methods, especially wood construction.

ICF Is Fire Resistance

The fire-resistant material is the most significant benefit of using ICF construction over the traditional wood method. Wood is naturally combustible to fire; even when chemically treated, it doesn’t hold well against fire.

Materials used for ICF, such as concrete and rebar, allow buildings to burn more slowly if a fire does happen. Therefore, those living in areas prone to natural fire disasters should choose to build their homes with ICF blocks for added protection if a situation occurs.

It Is More Energy Efficient Than Wood Material

Another bonus to using ICF material over wood methods is your home will be more energy efficient. Concrete provides a thermal mass and prevents heat from entering the house. As a result, it’s a better way to insulate the home and help you reduce the overall cost of your energy bills.

The proof is within the coding requirements. For example, IFC has an R-value of 23 and exceeds the expectations of the ASHRAE/ANSI 90.1 codes. 

Wood materials also have a high R-value; however, it doesn’t measure up to IFC construction. Also, depending on the material used with wood framing will affect the insulation. Researchers found that IFC exterior walls use 32% less energy for cooling and 42% less energy to heat than wood frame homes. 

It Doesn’t Absorb Moisture

Another downside to using wood framing is that it has a natural ability to absorb moisture. Wood is a porous material, making it easier for wood frames to accumulate moisture within their cavities. This makes it hard to prevent moisture from entering the wood frames, even when taking effective methods.

However, with ICF, this problem is obsolete. In addition, the concrete walls have a perm rating of 1.0 which helps with moisture intrusion. 

This prevents rotting, mold, and mildew from happening within the walls. As a result, owners can ensure the air quality is healthy and can worry less about the structure of their homes.

ICF Is Pest Resistant

Many homeowners who live in traditional wood frame homes face a major problem with termites and other pests. Due to the attraction to wood, termites will enter homes and eat through the wood frames, causing structural issues. Other pests homeowners must worry about include powered post beetles, carpenter ants, and carpenter bees.

Trying to get rid of termites and other pests can be a headache. You can save yourself this headache by using ICF construction instead. It isn't susceptible to pest infestation like wood frames due to not being organic.  

Ability To Soundproof Your Home

ICF walls can absorb sound due to the concrete. This means you can converse in one room without someone in the next room hearing everything you say. 

Even though it is required for builders to place soundproof material in the walls with wood frame homes, it doesn't hold as well as ICF homes. According to sound transmission tests, with ICF walls, sounds passes through ⅓ less than wood frame homes with fiberglass insulation. 

Also, builders must use more materials to create soundproof walls with wood frame homes. So, it's best to stick with ICF for those who would like a peaceful home.

ICF Is More Durable and Longer Standing

It's no secret that wood is weaker than concrete. This is especially true when using the material for building a home. Over time wood loses its strength due to pests, moisture, and weather.

Also, ICF homes hold up better against the winds from tornadoes and hurricanes. So if you're looking for a home that will hold up well against 150 mph winds, it's best to go with ICF construction. 

Why Do Builders Still Choose To Use Wood Framing for Homes?

With all the benefits of using ICF over wood framing, it would make you wonder why builders still choose traditional methods. For one, using them is cheaper than using IFC construction. With IFC materials, you can expect to spend 10% more than using wood materials.

Also, wood framing is preferred because its quicker to assemble than IFC. With wood framing, it can be constructed onsite and doesn't require heavy equipment to move the material.

Lastly, more contractors are knowledgeable in using wood framing. They know what to expect when building with this material and prefer to use the traditional method over new ones. Even with the benefits of using other methods, they prefer the old because they're used to it.

There’s No Doubt That ICF Is the Better Choice

Despite many builders deciding to choose traditional methods over ICF, it's still better to choose the second option. This is due to the benefits ICF materials provide to homeowners. 

It's stronger and resistant to most problems of wood framing. So when building your home, choose ICF over wood for a long-lasting home.