COMPARISON: Insulated Concrete Form Vs. Poured Concrete Foundations
(Courtesy of buildersontario.com)
ICF foundations are more energy efficient, less prone to moisture intrusion, less sensitive to cold temperatures than poured concrete foundations.
- ICF foundations have an R-value of greater than 20. Poured concrete foundations have *R-values of less than 3.
- *R-Values — An insulating material’s resistance to conductive heat flow is measured or rated in terms of its thermal resistance or R-value — the higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness.
- Because the forms protect the concrete of ICF foundations, they are less susceptible to cracking and leaking than poured concrete foundations.
- ICF foundations can be constructed most times of the year because the process is not as sensitive to cold temperatures as pouring concrete.
- ICF foundations have about double the compressive strength of conventionally poured concrete foundations. Therefore, there is less opportunity for moisture intrusion with ICF than poured concrete.
- Poured concrete foundations are more prone to shifts in the ground and water pressure than ICF foundations. So, poured concrete foundations are more at risk of cracking and leaking, which can lead to mold and mildew growth.
ICF and poured concrete foundations both strive to support a building and resist lateral forces and buckling. However, a high-performing ICF foundation is more energy-efficient and resistant to cracking and moisture intrusion than poured concrete foundations.
How do costs compare?
ICF wall construction can increase the cost of your home’s foundation by approximately 30 to 40 percent as compared with the traditional method. Note however, given the recent escalation in lumber prices, the price gap is closing. Future energy savings is another factor to consider when comparing costs long term.