Building with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) has proven to be an excellent alternative to traditional building methods.

With it's eco-friendly construction and thermal mass walls, ICF is stronger and safer, energy efficient, and offers a comfortable home in all weather conditions. All this, while offering incredible design possibilities.

ICFs are manufactured from polystyrene and are stacked, steel-reinforced, and filled with concrete. This process creates continuous insulation and a thermal mass of concrete, making an air-tight envelope that is quiet, draft free, and does not enable mold. 


Custom carpentry

Benefits of Building with ICF

Eco-friendly

ICF is 100% recyclable, reduces on-site waste, and uses less energy than conventional construction methods.

Durable & Resilient

ICF construction is resistant to high wind, impacts, fire and weather events. It also has mold, rot, mildew, and insect resistance.



Cost Efficiency

Cut energy costs and reduce HVAC system requirements. Get up to 25% lower insurance costs.


Quality of Life

 ICF acts as a sound barrier from traffic, trains and neighbours. It evenly heats and cools each room with energy efficiency, resulting in cost savings.

Construction of a wall built using insulated concrete forms

01

Concrete Core

Inner core is filled with concrete for strength and thermal retention. 

02

Steel Reinforcement 

Steel embedded in the concrete provides strength and stability.

03

Insulation 

Continuous extruded polystyrene insulation delivers superior energy retention.

04

Air Barrier 

An air-tight seal wraps the entire core for further energy retention.

05

Vapour Barrier 

Damp-proofing layer prevents mold, controls humidity in any climate for better comfort.

06

Furring Strips 

Allows for the addition of multiple exterior finishes such as siding, brick, or exterior wall cladding.

Contact the AMP team
ICF Construction

Common ICF Questions

  • How much of the building process do you take care of?

    AMP Construction builds the structure of the house with Insulated Concrete Forms; this is referred to as the “shell” of the house. 


    We install concrete footings, concrete slabs, damp proofing, ICF foundation, and ICF main walls, hanging floor systems between levels as necessary. 


    During our first meeting with you, we will discuss what scope of work best suits your needs

  • Do you manage the drawings and permits?

    We are happy to refer you to an ICF-friendly architectural designer who can provide you with custom house plans, stamped by an engineer and ready to submit for a permit. Permit applications, in most cases, are handled by the homeowner.

  • Is ICF more expensive to build with?

    If you’re comparing apples to apples – no.  But the design plays a big part as it relates to added costs. 


  • What is the lifespan of an ICF building?

    Over 100 years – It lasts longer than any other building material. It resists pests, and fires and is sturdier in the face of natural disasters. 


    The foam will not degrade overtime, unlike conventional construction methods.

  • Is it faster to build with ICF than typical wood framing?

    Yes! Our team of experienced crew simultaneously insulates the house as the walls go up. This is because ICFs are a form of concrete with integrated high-density insulation, integrated furring studs, a vapor barrier, and more.


    In a straight comparison of the number of materials for high-performance wall assemblies: 

    •  ICFs have 3 – ICF block, concrete, and rebar
    •  Wood framing has 8+ – weather/air barrier, sealing tape, exterior insulation, sheeting, studs, batt insulation, sealant caulking, vapor barrier, and sealing tape

  • Are there limits to size or height when building with ICF?

    As with typical wood framing, the size and height of an ICF structure are determined by structural reviews and the building code. The great thing about ICF Construction is that it offers amazing design possibilities while still meeting the most stringent building code requirements.