Frequently Asked Questions

• What does it cost per square foot to build an ICF house?
• How is an ICF home protected from insect infestation?
• Is training available for installation of TF System's® walls?
• How does building with ICF compare to traditional buildings?
• How is drywall, stucco, stone, or brick attached to ICF's?
• How do you waterproof an ICF home?
• How do you install utilities?
• Do the forms stay in place?
• Can the ICF's be used above grade?
• Is it easy to learn to assemble?

1.  What does it cost per square foot to build an ICF house?  Top

This is greatly influenced by your building design and location. When you compare the cost and performance to any masonry or wood design you will find TF System® out performs the competition.

2.  How is an ICF home protected from Insect infestation?  Top

TF System® ICF panels can be ordered with Perform-Guard®, an insect resistant inorganic mineral.

3.  Is training available for installation of TF System's® walls?

Yes, on site training is available.

4.  How does building with ICF compare to traditional buildings?  Top

Constructing a concrete home with ICF's will out-perform traditional masonry or wood frame houses. Energy efficiency, insurance savings, time, labor, durability, longevity, low maintenance, healthier environment, security, and comfort are some examples how.

5.  How is drywall, stucco, stone, or brick attached to ICF's?  Top

With the vertical design of TF System®, the I-beams allow for full height attachment points every 1 foot that can be easily screwed into. The ICF exterior must be rasped and then a polypropylene mesh is used before the stucco can be applied.

6.  How do you waterproof an ICF home?  Top

Three methods are used to water proof ICF foundations. Peel and stick membranes, air gap membranes, and spray on membranes.

7.  How do you install utilities?  Top

Penetrations through the walls must be installed before the concrete is poured. A hot knife or cordless chainsaw with a guide on the end can remove the polystyrene insulation back to the concrete very efficiently. Once the utilities are placed back against the concrete, spray foam is used to fill in the voids.

8.  Do the forms stay in place?  Top

Yes, TF System's® vertical insulated concrete forms insulate, form, and stud out a concrete wall in one step.

9.  Can the ICF's be used above grade?  Top

Yes, ICF's can be used above grade and will deliver a finished product far superior to traditional masonry or wood frame construction.

10.  Is it easy to learn to assemble?  Top

Yes, anyone with basic construction knowledge and a few tools can quickly learn to build with TF System's® insulated concrete forms.