How to Install Insulated Concrete Forms:All You Need To Know
According to excelbuilders.com, having insulated concrete forms (ICF) is one of the wisest home investments a homemaker can make. Why? Because insulated concrete forms offer several advantages, such as:
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Temperature Stability
It allows homeowners to have temperature stability within their homes. With it, you don’t have to worry about having cold or hot spots when moving from one room to another.
Highly Customizable
Another great thing about ICFs is it is highly customizable. You can have it in walls following any shape or slope. You can buy then in varying sizes and shapes. Some of the sizes can vary per supplier or manufacturer. So, before buying them, you must have an idea of what size and shape conforming to your home project.
Durable
Insulated concrete forms are pretty durable. They can withstand even the harshest of weather. Initial costs can be justified with all the home renovation savings a homeowner would have.
Mold and Pest Resistant
If you dislike the idea of having black mold in your home, then it is a good idea to install insulated concrete forms. In most cases, homes installed with ICF are mold-resistant and mold-proof. You also don’t have to worry about pests creeping in your home.
If you wish to install an insulated concrete form on your own, you have to know that handling it is not easy. Often, it requires professional knowledge to ensure that it is installed correctly. If it would be your first time to do, we suggest hiring professionals to do this for you.
However, if you feel that you have the craftsmanship to carry out this part of your home renovation project on your own, here are the steps on how you can install your insulated concrete forms.
Prepare a Layout Plan
This layout plan is critical. You have to start converting your building plan and wall placement on to the ground you are building on. You have to ensure that your ground layout is in full scale. You can use chalk powder to create your markings. Once you have accurately marked everything, start digging trenches for the footings of your foundations.
Note that this has to remain in scale. Make sure that your excavation is enough to fit the insulated concrete forms securely. As much as possible, there should not be any movement.
Install the Insulated Concrete Forms
Once you have finished digging your trenches, you can now install the concrete forms. After placing them on the pit, secure them with interlocking edges. Make sure that your bracing material can accurately put pressure on the forms to keep them stable. Apply the bracing material on each side. A bracing material ensures that the concrete forms will remain level.
Place the Plasticizer
First, mix concrete and liquid plasticizer. This is necessary to increase the efficiency of the concrete as it flows to fill up the forms. This is also crucial to avoid the presence of bubbles or voids as the concrete undergoes the curing process.
Curing Time
Note that the concrete’s curing time is 28 days. Never attempt to try removing the bracing material before the curing time, as it can affect the stability of the forms. However, curing time can vary from different manufacturers. Check the specifications to know how long you should let the concrete forms should heal.
Finishing
Once the concrete forms have properly cured, it is time to remove the bracing materials that you have applied. Then, you can now start to apply any finishing touches, such as the installation of wiring.
Investing in your home is never wrong. In fact, it is a necessity. Your home should be a place where you can feel safe. Installing it with all the necessary luxuries can sure return to you a hundred-fold.
