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What You Need to Know About ICF Construction

One advantage of being professional real estate photographers is the opportunities we are afforded for sneak-peaks into the forefront of industry advances. Most recently, we had the chance to work with Remote Alaska Solutions on photographing a residential project that will knock any homebuyer’s socks off. We also think this dwelling offers a glimpse of Alaska’s future in home construction!  

What are we talking about?

They call it Integrated Concrete Form (ICF) construction. We call it a game-changer.

Breaking Down ICF Construction for the Uninitiated

Integrated Concrete Form is an emerging technology in construction that can provide ultra-high-energy efficiencies for residential and commercial spaces. Furthermore, these buildings’ resistance to the elements is unparalleled when compared to common building materials currently being used here in Alaska home construction. 

Remote Alaska Solutions (RAS), Alaska construction industry leader and certified ICF installer, has embraced this method. They describe the technology best as blocks similar to legos that are reinforced with both horizontal and vertical steel bars and then filled with solid concrete.

This process yields some of the most energy-efficient and durable buildings around - two very important considerations when looking for a home in Alaska!

RAS says, “Compared to traditional timber structures this process provides continuous insulation, fire protection and a superior sound barrier.” Walls also provide more than 800 times the strength of a wood-framed home.

So, how are ICF homes built? 

The 10-Step Process of Building an ICF Home

This is an entire process we had the chance to document, and we’ll admit, we were pretty blown away. Check out some of the images we captured along the way. 

[EDITORIAL NOTE: INSERT RELEVANT PHOTOS AMONG THESE STEPS; COULD SHORTEN TO INCLUDE ONLY PROJECT RELEVANT ITEMS OR TO SIMPLIFY IF NEEDED; CAN EXPAND ON STEPS FOR LONGER ARTICLE]

Step 1: Excavate and Site Preparation

Step 2: Form the Footings and Reinforce

Step 3: Finish Out the Concrete Footing Forms for Level ICF Block Stacking

Step 4: Stack the ICF Blocks

Step 5: Install Vertical Alignment Bracing 

Step 6: Inspect All Reinforcement, Strapping, and Bracing

Step 7: Pour the Concrete Into the ICF Walls

Step 8: Use a Mechanical Vibrator to Remove Air Pockets

Step 9: Level Off the Concrete and Wet Set Anchor Bolts

Step 10: Equipment Clean Up and Removal

Although the process isn’t complicated, these steps must be precise. Otherwise, the integrity of the building could be compromised. We always recommend bringing in certified professionals to build these homes. 

The Advantages of Using ICF Construction  

Add insulation and install new weather-proof window solutions and you’ll do just fine in virtually any Alaskan home. So then, why exactly would a homebuyer choose ICF construction over other options like these? 

If you have clients interested in new construction ideas, quality ICF construction can give them huge advantages when it comes to living the Alaska dream. How exactly? Let’s go over the benefits... 

  • Ultra high-quality insulation packages

  • Proven energy savings of up to 70% 

  • A nearly completely soundproof home 

  • Faster overall construction

  • Close to seven times the life expectancy of wood structure homes

  • Unmatched weather-proofing

These homes are windproof, water and mold resistant, and even meant to resist natural disasters (tornados, hurricanes, and earthquakes).

When it makes sense, ICF construction should be at least one option you are offering clients. Who wouldn’t want a quiet, energy-efficient, durable, sustainable home at an overall lower cost to own over the long-haul?

More on the Financial Benefits of ICF

We said this kind of home winds up costing its owner less over the long-haul. But how is this possible when they see up to a 40 percent premium over the average traditional new build? 

It comes down to efficiency, safety, and resale value:

Efficiency

ICF concrete walls require nearly half the energy (read: half the cost) to heat than comparable wood-built homes. The insulation factor (R-Value) of an ICF home is more than three times that of an insulated wood-frame home. Again, lower energy costs.

Safety

Concrete ICF homes help you breathe easy because they contain no organic material. In other words, no mold, mildew, or other potentially harmful microorganisms.  Additionally, fire- and severe weather-resistance mean a safe and worry-free life in Alaska.

These factors contribute to lower insurance premiums - often to the tune of 50 percent less!

Resale Value

Beyond the savings, ICF home values are almost guaranteed to appreciate more rapidly than traditional builds over time and have proven to have higher resale values. 

If you have clients considering new construction, ICF really is an amazing process, and the benefits your clients would reap by choosing an ICF-built home go beyond any other option for a new build, really. 

For more information about ICF Construction or to arrange an introduction to our partners at Remote Alaska Solutions - thought-leaders in the Alaska homebuilding sector - call us! We’re happy to help you make the right connections.