Saving Energy: What ICF Does Best
Thermal Mass
Air Infiltration
The biggest benefit of ICF construction over wood is the thermal mass provided by the concrete core.
Concrete absorbs and holds heat. When outdoor temperatures fluctuate, the concrete will absorb the changes before they impact the interior. This keeps the indoor temperature more stable. The solid structure also stops heat loss through thermal bridging.
When temperature inside is stable, heating and cooling costs go down.
A simpler term for air infiltration is “drafts”.
Everyone knows that a drafty house costs more to heat and cool than a tightly built one. In tests, ICF construction has been shown to cut air infiltration in half over wood frame homes.
This not only translates to greater energy savings, it also means a more comfortable, draft-free home.
