Foam concrete form is a type of insulating structural formwork that is used in building energy efficient reinforced concrete structures. These structures include flooring, walls and roofs. The concrete forms come in the shape of modular units that interlock, allowing the builder to stack them without using mortar and fill the entire interlocked structure with concrete, which reinforces the structural element.
The process of filling the foam concrete form is usually gradual in increments of less than twelve feet, which allows for easier management of the internal pressure and prevents heavy wet concrete from causing a blowout. Occasionally steel or another brace is put into the structure before pumping the concrete in, which increases its strength. Once the concrete cures, the structure is capable of standing on its own, but the form is usually left in place to help provide a space for extra insulation, plumbing and electrical wiring.
The benefits of foam concrete form are numerous compared to other traditional structural materials. They are particularly well suited for residential work because they are energy efficient and provide comfortable, quiet insulation with few leaks from the air barrier, which makes them more heat efficient as well. The increased efficiency can be attributed to thermal resistance, which is higher in concrete form than it is in other types of structural insulation. Additionally, the sound absorption makes it ideal for use in apartment buildings, suites, dormitories or double houses.
Houses that are built with foam concrete form are often subject to higher resale values than comparable buildings. This is because concrete is a particularly long-lived structural material that does not require frequent maintenance or replacement. Additionally, it is largely insect resistant because the concrete slabs provide continuous non-porous surfaces that keep insects from getting inside, especially compared to wooden frame construction. Finally, concrete forms make it easier to get the building LEED certified as a green building, which boosts resale values considerably.
The cost of foam concrete form as a construction material is somewhat higher than comparable wood frame construction because of the nature of the materials. Despite this, structures built with concrete forms are considerably more energy efficient than other buildings because of the increased insulation and heat efficiency, as well as the durability of the materials. The money saved by energy efficient heating and decreased maintenance costs can help pay for the initial higher cost of construction, making it a worthwhile investment.
