Product Types
While there are now several producers of these systems, there are really only a few "product types": blocks, planks and panels.
- Blocks: most are 16" high and 48" wide. Each supplier has a slight variation so forms from different suppliers are generally not interchangeable. Most all suppliers offer block forms in different wall thicknesses. These blocks are a single piece construction made up of the face panels with ridges or teeth and have embedded or formed ties.
- Planks: these systems work much the same way but the ties are shipped separate in different lengths which represent the overall wall thickness. The ties are inserted into a slot in the foam plank.
- Panels: panel systems work much like conventional concrete forming systems where a 4' x 8' foam panel is used with bracing to form a wall. The panel can be left in place or re-used on another project.
The two types of pure foam products generally used in these systems are Expanded Polystyrene or Extruded Polystyrene:
The majority of ICF systems utilize Expanded Polystyrene Foam; its technical description is as follows:
- Primary ingredients: Benzene and Ethylene
- Produced in molded or sheet form
- Density (lbs/cu. ft.): 1.35 . 1.8
- R-value per inch: 4.17 . 4.35
- Compressive strength (psi): 15 . 33
- Tensile strength (psi): 18 . 27
- Water absorption (%): <3.0
