Commercial building construction projects usually have to undergo rigorous applications processes, permit approval processes, and code inspections. Public buildings have even more hurdles, including public forums, city council presentations, and, in many urban cases, press scrutiny and critical opinions. Builders must consider every aspect of the buildings over and over, and find the perfect building materials and processes for the job.

ICF Options for Commercial Building Construction

For some commercial building construction projects, ICFs (insulated concrete forms) may present the most suitable building options. They are strong, cost-efficient, and enable construction crews to operate even through the harsh winters that plague building efforts in some parts of the country. ICFs also allow for builders to take advantage of state-of-the-art heating and cooling systems by providing a building shell that has a tightly sealed thermal envelope.

ICFs represent an update on classic concrete construction, and have been used in Europe in commercial building construction applications for over 30 years. They allow for cast-in-place concrete walls, and combine framing, insulating, and sheathing into a single step of the process. The Styrofoam forms insulate the concrete before and after drying, which means that it can meet its full structural strength and also provide some of the best thermal insulation available.

This creates energy-efficient, modern buildings. They forms are also easy to work with--each weighs only a few pounds, and they can be modified for large windows and doorways. ICF walls also have attractive noise-abatement qualities, which makes them great for schools, downtown office buildings, studios, and libraries.