Insulated Concrete Formwork

For quality insulated concrete formwork in Plymouth and the surrounding local areas, consider our professional team at Corporatura SW. Insulated concrete formwork is an efficient construction technique. Classed as a modern method of construction, it combines insulating hollow blocks with poured concrete that’s inserted in an in-situ environment.

The insulating blocks are placed in the desired shape. They are then locked together with fixing strips and filled with wet concrete to strengthen and reinforce the structure. This delivers superior levels of performance when compared to other, more traditional construction techniques. The result is a robust layer of thermal insulation that forms the shell of a building.

The Process Of Insulated Concrete Formwork

There are many versions of insulated concrete formwork available. Though these systems can differ slightly, in general the underlying processes are usually similar. The first step in the process is always choosing the ICF system that’s best suited to your space. This can be an overwhelming choice. Here at Corporatura SW, we can advise you on the system that complements your space best.

When it comes to groundworks, the process of erecting insulated concrete formwork is similar to the standard or traditional building methods. However, because the blocks are lightweight and can be moved easily by hand, this method reduces the number of contractors required as well as the need for heavy machinery.

The blocks are usually built up and stacked by overlapping – much like traditional bricklaying. They may then be reinforced vertically and/or horizontally with steel rebar that’s placed into the wall.

Once the blocks have been assembled, wet concrete is then poured into the gaps and is left to cure and harden. Sometimes additional supports may be required whilst the concrete is poured and setting. These can then be removed once it’s dried. Once it has cured and strengthened, additional floors can be added until the desired structure has been achieved.

Benefits Of Insulated Concrete Formwork

There are many benefits of insulated concrete formwork, including:

Durability – the unique blend of concrete, interlocking joints, and steel reinforcement within the wall structures make them incredibly structurally sound. This means that buildings constructed with this technique are strong and sturdy, and can withstand harsh weather conditions
Opportunity For Creativity – before the hollow blocks are filled with concrete in-situ, they are fairly lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. This means that they can be manipulated into unique shapes, meaning it’s possible to get creative with a design without compromising on the performance of the material
Simple & Effective – due to the relatively simple construction process, ICF isn’t particularly labour intensive. This means that walls can be erected quickly, whilst remaining structurally strong and sound
Energy Efficiency – due to their material makeup, the structures have excellent insulating properties. This is because the strong concrete core is directly contacting the insulating material, creating an airtight seal that delivers on thermal performance. Not only does this mean that your home or building is more likely to remain a comfortable temperature, but subsequently, it can also mean that your energy bills are reduced, resulting in a more cost-efficient finish when compared to alternative methods of construction

Contact Corporatura SW Ltd

To arrange insulated concrete formwork in Plymouth or the surrounding areas, get in touch today. Our team are happy to discuss our services with you, and offer a free, no-obligation quotation.