If you’re considering installing ICF walls, you’re probably already aware of the fact that ICF construction typically costs 40% less than the conventional basement construction due to reducing the number of steps. But in order to make the most of these benefits, it’s essential to ensure that your insulated concrete form construction is carried out properly, which means avoiding some common mistakes. Here are just a few damaging mistakes to avoid when installing ICF walls in your home.
Working Without a Guide
First and foremost, some people underestimate the difficulty of working with and installing ICF walls. But the installation process can be extremely challenging, especially those without experience. For this reason, it’s nearly impossible to install an ICF wall correctly without the help of a reliable design guide. Your design guide will contain some crucial information regarding where the walls need reinforced and what specific materials you need. Never start the installation process without the use of a design guide. Not only will it help make the process more efficient, but it could prevent you from making detrimental installation mistakes.
Not Paying Attention to the Roof Line
If you don’t pay careful attention to your home’s roof line during the installation process, you’ll lose out on some of the biggest thermal retention advantages of ICFs. Thermal efficiency can only be optimized if ICFs are installed properly and there’s no gap between the air barrier, the insulation, and the roof.
Rushing/Not Doing Your Research
Finally, with all things considered, there’s no denying that it’s easy to make a mistake when installing ICFs unless you have professional experience. For this reason, it’s always worth it to do your homework and ensure that you’re buying the right type of ICF forms for your needs. Any reputable supplier should be happy to sit down with you and discuss the details of your home in relation to their products. Don’t rush the installation process, either — it just increases your risk of making an efficiency-reducing mistake.
Avoiding these mistakes is the key to enjoying all the sustainable benefits ICF forms have to offer.