Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

ICFs are basically forms for poured concrete walls that stay in place as a permanent part of the wall assembly. Made of foam insulation or other insulating material, they come in two basic configurations: pre-formed interlocking blocks into which the concrete is poured, and as individual panels with plastic connectors that form cavities into which the concrete is poured. All major ICF systems are engineer-designed, code-accepted, and field-proven.

To further help homebuilders and homeowners build economical safe rooms for new and existing homes, the Portland Cement Association, American Polysteel, and Lite-Form International worked together to develop safe room plans specifically for insulating concrete forms (ICFs).

Up until now, the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) guide for safe room construction included plans for conventionally cast concrete safe rooms and reinforced concrete masonry safe rooms. The new plans include details for 4- and 6-inch flat ICF walls and 6-inch waffle grid ICF walls.

For more information about ICFs, click here

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