We will talk about something about another new kind of formwork: insulating formwork.

Insulating concrete formwork system(ICF) is an insulated on-site concrete formwork system whose formwork is manufactured of insulating materials to support concrete walls or shape the concrete.

ICF is also a formwork system of building that is quick to construct and offers levels of performance significantly better than alternative methods of construction. ICF has proved to be a robust, cost-effective method of constructing of the variety of building types – from houses and basements to multi-story cinemas and commercial buildings.

Creative design (without compromising performance) is encouraged by the availability of a comprehensive range of components, further enhanced by the option to incorporate reinforcement for basements or multi-story projects. The highly insulated structure may be clad internally and externally with a wide range of finishes, including plaster, masonry, curtain walling and renders.

Concrete is poured into the forms which can be built up to 3 meters high as a complete wall. This is normally done by the pump. Once the concrete has cured, it becomes a high strength concrete frame structure with the formwork remaining in place as thermal insulation. The building process is quick, tidy and precise, with lower equipment requirements than alternative methods and requires only semi-skilled labor.

Insulating Concrete Formwork is based on hollow lightweight block components that lock together without intermediate bedding materials, such as mortar, to provide a formwork system into which concrete is poured. The blocks are formed of panels of insulation material, usually expanded polystyrene, tied together with plastic or steel ties. Some systems are delivered complete and others are fabricated on site.