INSULATED CONCRETE FORMS
ICF Construction Company Toronto
ICF blocks raise the level of your construction project with time saving, energy efficiency and durability.
ICF is an innovative construction technology. It is much faster and less expensive relative to traditional methods.
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) is a system of formwork for reinforced concrete made with a rigid thermal insulation that stays in place as a permanent interior and exterior substrate for walls, floors, and roofs. The forms are interlocking modular units that are dry-stacked (without mortar) and filled with concrete. The units lock together somewhat like Lego bricks and create a form for the structural walls or floors of a building. ICF construction has become commonplace for high performance residential, and commercial construction as more stringent energy efficiency and natural disaster resistant building codes are adopted.
Insulated Concrete Forms 101
Building Process
Walls
ICF walls are constructed one row at a time. As the wall rises, blocks are staggered to avoid long vertical seams. Steel reinforcement (rebar) is placed vertically and horizontally. Structure frames known as bucks are placed around openings to give added strength to the openings and to serve as attachment points for windows and doors.Interior and exterior finishes and facades are affixed directly to the ICF webs. Brick and masonry facades require a 'brick ledge' at the main floor level. Interior ICF polystyrene wall surfaces are ready for drywall installation.
Concrete placement for Insulated Concrete Form is best accomplished with a concrete pump.
Insulated Concrete Form Characteristics
Energy Efficiency
Strength
Sound Absorption
ICF walls have much lower rates of acoustic transmission. Standard thickness ICF walls have shown sound transmission coefficients (STC) between 46 and 72 compared to 36 for standard fiberglass insulation and drywall. The level of sound attenuation achieved is a function of wall thickness, mass, component materials and air tightness.
our services.
concrete slabs & stairs
footings
framing
structural steel installation
waterproofing systems & weepers
window & door installation
construction/project management
swimming pools
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Insulated Concrete Forms - ICF Installer
We use this construction technique for residential, commercial, medical, education, and multi-level projects. The reliable insulation, airtight envelope, and the concrete’s thermal mass allow for an energy-efficient structure in both warm and cold climates. Insulated Concrete Forms are a technology that is faster and more cost-effective relative to traditional wood methods.
ICF Uses in Construction
Residential Projects
Custom homes, renovations and additions are our specialty and our key advantage when using insulated concrete forms. Build your dream home using our expertise and ability to conceive your vision.
Industrial Projects
We deal in all types of industrial construction projects whether small or large. We have worked with private companies or the City of Toronto to help provide better spaces or functionality.
Commercial Projects
Whether it's a condo development, retirement home, medical facility or college dorms, ICF is the new gold standard for ensuring durability and timely timetables to complete your project.
Swimming Pools
Create elegant outdoor living spaces with our concrete ICF swimming pools. Extend your summer season with better insulation and a more durable swimming pool.
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Insulated Concrete Form Benefits
Fire Protection
ICF walls have a four- to six hour fire resistance rating and negligible surface burning properties.
Indoor Air Quality
Because they are constructed without a sheet plastic vapor barrier, ICF walls can regulate humidity levels, mitigate the potential for mold and facilitate a more comfortable interior while maintaining high thermal performance.
Environmental Sensitivity
ICF walls can be made with a variety of recycled materials that can minimize the environmental impact of the building.
Vermin
Because the entire interior space of ICF walls is continuously occupied (no gaps as can occur between blown or fiberglass insulation and a wood frame wall) they pose more difficulty for casual transit by insects and vermin. Additionally, while plastic foam forms can occasionally be tunneled through, interior concrete walls create a much more challenging barrier to insects and vermin than do walls made of wood.
Typical ICF Forms
Typical ICF Walls
what our clients say about us.
“
I used the Authentic Construction team to build an ICF home in 2011. I found them extremely professional, working extra hours to deliver the project in time and on budget. Dealing with the Authentic personnel was a real pleasure from the beginning to end of the project.
- 5,600 Sq. Ft. New Home Build
- Plus finished basement
Richmond Hill ON.
Victor M.
“
We hired Authentic Construction Ltd., to build the ICF addition of our home. We retained them to project manage the complete gut and renovation of our existing home. We were so impressed with the ICF that we added an ICF pool to the project. We are delighted with our home and we enthusiastically recommend the Authentic Team to anyone looking for a knowledgeable quality driven builder.
-1,600 Sq. Ft. ICF Addition,
-2,000 Sq Ft. Renovation
-Plus finished basement
-ICF Pool/Spa
Kingsway Area, ON.
Fausto D.
“
We contracted Authentic Construction as the builder and project manager for our new home. Paul and the crew really delivered for us, our house is stunning and their work was outstanding. We couldn't recommend Authentic Construction more highly.
-5,800 Sq. Ft. New Home Build
-Plus finished basement
Mississauga, ON.
Nick G.
Your Questions - FAQ
In short, yes! ICF installation provides better quality construction material. Excellent indoor environmental quality that improves air quality, energy-efficiency, and fire and earthquake resistance. As an ICF homeowner you can be assured of maintenance savings which is why most custom home builds prefer ICF installers in Toronto like Authentic Construction Ltd. The main benefit is an increase in your home value.
Sometimes it can be difficult to remodel your home depending on the design and architecture. However, because Authentic Construction Ltd. is also experienced with remodels and renovations using ICF, this can be explained and understood by you before commencement of your project.
In short, no. You can expect to pay more for an ICF installation over a typical woodframe given the quality and durability of Insulated Concrete Forms.
A lot depends on your home design and the type and model you are looking to bring to life for your project. The best way to find out for your particular project is to contact us or describe your project so we can provide you with a proper idea and expectation of the cost of an ICF installation.
Anything is possible. However, ICF installation is very specialized which is why you will notice that we are one of a few ICF installers in Toronto. Everything including DIY installation is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. Take advantage of our knowledge with different construction projects from custom homes to multi-level and remodels, to help you bring your project to efficient completion.
Get started with the best ICF construction company in Toronto.
9 times stronger than wood framed construction, ICF installation provides up to 70% savings on energy consumption and significantly reduces exterior sound transmission into the building
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At Authentic Construction Ltd Toronto, our ICF installers are just a call away for all of your construction and structural needs in Toronto and the GTA.
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