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| Concrete is poured into the Advantage insulated forms to create a monolithic wall. |
The Advantage ICF System is a patented insulating concrete forming system consisting of two layers of expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation connected with web connectors molded into the EPS insulation. The top and bottom edges of Advantage ICF System blocks have pre-formed interlocking mechanisms which ensure web connectors align vertically for attachment of surface finish materials.
When the installed Advantage ICF System blocks are filled with concrete, an insulated, monolithic concrete wall of uniform thickness is formed. The result is superior, energy efficient wall that will provide long-term energy cost savings and add resale value to the building.
View the Advantage product in action and see the finished residence.
Building with Advantage ICFs provides improved energy efficiency and effective thermal resistance. The Advantage system also provides a safe and quiet living, reduced noise transmission and reduced air leakage in the structure.
Advantage ICFs are used in projects such as residential homes, recreational homes and cottages, multi-family projects, party walls for residential projects, industrial buildings and commercial buildings. View examples of these projects in our Photo Gallery.
Effective Thermal Resistance
Walls built with the Advantage ICF System provide improved energy efficiency that result in reduced operating costs for the life of the building. In addition, since less energy is being used, related greenhouse gas emissions are proportionately reduced. Today, more than ever, building an energy efficient structure is the right environmental choice and will provide savings in energy costs.
Space heating and cooling account for 61% of total energy consumption for residential buildings and 56% for commercial and institutional buildings.
According to 2001 Natural Resources Canada report |
The thermal resistance (R-Value) of a wall assembly provides a measure of its ability to resist heat flow through it. Walls constructed with the Advantage ICF System have a higher R-Value than other construction methods. It is important to distinguish between the overall “effective” R-Value of a wall assembly calculated
using the methods detailed in model energy codes versus “nominal” R-Values.
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| Effective R-Value Comparison: Above-Grade Wall Assembly - Advantage ICF System versus Wood Frame System |
Minimum thermal insulation requirements in building codes are typically nominal values based on the center-of-cavity R-Value at the point in a wall cross-section containing the most insulation. In wood-frame construction, this nominal value indicates the thermal insulation required between framing members.
The “effective” R-Value of a wall assembly, calculated as per the model National Energy Code for Houses (MNECH) 1997, on the other hand, refers to the complete assembly, including the effect of thermal bridges such as wood framing members.
Wall assemblies built with the Advantage ICF System incorporate a monolithic layer of expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation over the interior and exterior face. Walls built using wood-frame construction include framing members at 406 or 600 mm (16” or 24”) on center with insulation between them. The effective R-Value of a wall assembly provides a better measure of thermal resistance because it includes the effect of thermal bridges in the wall assembly.
| The higher effective R-Value of the Advantage ICF System significantly reduces heat transfer compared to other construction methods resulting in lower energy consumption for heating and cooling. |
A home built using the Advantage ICF System will provide a wall structure at least 40% more energy efficiency than a new home constructed using wood stud framing and batt insulation.
This will translate into a savings in energy consumption of at least 30%. The graph below provides a comparison of the effective R-Value for a wall assembly constructed using the Advantage ICF System versus a wood frame system with R-20 insulation.
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| Effective R-Value Comparison: Below-Grade Wall Assembly - Advantage ICF System versus Wood Frame System |
Attention to maintaining energy efficiency can not be focused solely on the above-grade portion of the construction. A poorly insulated below-grade wall can account for more than 50% of total heat loss from a house. The graph below provides a comparison of the effective R-Value provided by a below-grade wall constructed with the Advantage ICF System wall versus a typical concrete wall with wood frame wall and R-8 insulation.
The higher effective R-Value of the Advantage ICF System significantly reduces heat transfer compared to other construction methods resulting in lower energy consumption.
If you are interested in learning more about the technical elements of the Advantage ICF System, check out our technical library.
