Explore the Streamlined Process of Building with ICF Foundations

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ICF Foundations Deliver Better Energy Efficiency in Fewer Steps

by Joe Harnois

November 20, 2024

At Atlantic Builders Supply Northeast, we are ICF foundation experts.  With Nudura ICF forms, there is no need for conventional formwork and no forms to rent. ICF foundations can streamline your construction process, reduce your need for additional contractors, and keep your project on schedule! As a premier distributor for Nudura® ICF systems in the New England area, we can help you experience all of the benefits of ICF construction.

ICF is Great for Residential Foundations!
Take a look at our latest residential project in Douglas, Massachusetts.  The homeowners have chosen Nudura ICF for the foundation for this 4,000 square-foot-home. On this project, we’re using Nudura forms for the foundation, TREMPRO 540 peel-and-stick waterproofing membrane, PrebuckTM for the windows and doors, and Prebuck Wet-Set Sill, designed for contact with concrete.

View these three great new videos to learn more about Prebuck products!

Prebuck  Pre-cut
Prebuck 16-Foot
Prebuck Parapet Cap

Six Steps in One

Nudura ICF foundations and wall systems allow you to complete six building steps with one product:

1. Form system
2. Wall structure
3. Insulation
4. Air barrier
5. Vapor barrier
6. Interior/exterior finish anchorage

Higher R-Value in Fewer Steps:  With six steps in one, ICF construction offers a quicker and more efficient building process. The interlocking foam sections simplify assembly, with the concrete core acting as both insulation and load-bearing structure, eliminating the need for separate framing and insulation steps.

ICF Foundation Benefits
Nudura ICF systems can be easily customized – no matter what the architectural style of your project — reducing the need for complex formwork. This flexibility simplifies the construction of foundations for structures with unique shapes or configurations, whether residential or commercial.

Fewer Contractors and a Shorter Construction Schedule: Building with ICF foundations can result in shorter construction schedules when compared to traditional construction. No time-consuming set up and break down of traditional wooden or metal forms! Plus, ICF technology allows construction to proceed – even in cold weather conditions, reducing weather-related delays.

Versatile Construction Options: The interlocking modular Nudura system is lightweight and easy to handle, reducing the need for specialized labor. Crews can quickly assemble and connect these forms, creating a precise foundation structure.

Structural Performance Advantages: ICF foundations offer exceptional structural performance, enhancing the durability and longevity of a building. Key benefits include:

  1. Strength:Rebar reinforcement creates a robust and load-bearing structure with resistance to wind, seismic activity and soil pressure.
  2. Insulation:ICF is part of an energy-efficient building envelope and contributes to consistent indoor temperatures and reduced energy consumption. Lower level spaces can be used year-round.
  3. Moisture Resistance:ICF foundations resist moisture infiltration, minimizing the risk of water damage, mold and deterioration over time.
  4. Reduced Thermal Bridging: ICF systems minimize thermal bridging, containing the transfer of heat through structural components, such as studs or framing. The dual-sided foam panel configuration virtually eliminate these bridges, resulting in superior energy efficiency.

Get that First Foundation under Your Belt and You’ll Never Turn Back
We help our customers who are new to ICF get past the initial learning curve quickly and efficiently. We find that once you’ve had your first great experience with ICF foundations, most contractors and builders wouldn’t choose to build foundations any other way.

Want to Learn about Self-Performing ICF Foundations?
We are certified Nudura trainers and can help your crew learn the simple steps to construct ICF foundations efficiently for your next project.  If you’d like to know more about saving time on your project and how ICF can help you meet stricter building codes for insulation in fewer steps, let us know.  Whether you self-perform or enlist the help of specialized ICF installers, we can help to ensure you experience all of the advantages of building foundations with Nudura® ICF.