Insulated concrete forms are a great method for efficient green building, but if the wrong windows are used, the purpose of building efficiently loses its meaning.
Windows for ICF
This article will focus on explaining what ICF Construction means along with the key features and benefits of using this type of construction for your home. The article will also talk about why fiberglass window frames are most ideal to use with ICF Construction.
What is ICF?
ICF, short for Insulated Concrete Forms, are insulated building blocks with spaces that are filled with concrete and are designed to increase the energy efficiency of a home. ICF Construction has become very popular in the last decade and continues to flourish in the Green Building technology market. The comfort value of living in a home with ICF walls is phenomenal; not allowing for one cold spot or draft to be felt. Along with comfort value, ICF walls offer energy benefits such as high R Values and lower heating/cooling costs.
Using Fiberglass Windows for ICF Homes
With such an effort put into building an energy efficient home, if the proper windows are not used, the whole idea of having an energy efficient home can go to waste. The best window material to use is fiberglass due to its similar properties to ICF walls. Fiberglass windows can offer great insulation values to compliment the R values of the walls and therefore efficiently fill in the window spaces rather than having a vinyl window that will let off a cold space around the window. In addition, argon gas filled triple glazed fiberglass windows add the finishing touch to ICF homes, getting the best insulation performance that can be achieved from a home.
Fiberglass windows and ICF walls both have great benefits and perform greatly when used together to create a durable home to live in for many years to come. Fiberglass windows are strongly recommended as an energy efficient solution for ICF Construction.
See how Fibertec’s trimline perfectly fits with ICF walls
Sean Barron
February 10, 2016Hi I am a student in Wit. Currently I am working on an Integrated Project on a Construction Management and Engineering course. I would be grateful if you are able to help. On construction project, I want to introduce triple glazing + ICF. Section through drawing or pdf brochures would be of help! If you can provide. I would gladly appreciate. Regards Sean Barron.
Fibertec Windows
February 12, 2016Hey Sean,
That’s great to hear! shoot us an email at sales@fibertec.com and we’ll be glad to help you out with your project.
Regards,
Fibertec Windows and Doors
Rick Oeder
March 21, 2016I would like some prices on normal size Windows for under home 8 inch basmentand then 6 inch on top
Fibertec Windows
April 1, 2016Hi Rick,
Feel free to shoot an email to our sales team at sales@fibertec.com we’ll be glad to help you out!
Regdards,
Fibertec Windows and Doors
ANNA SOSSAMON
April 19, 2016I’m building a new icf home (2,400 sf). Lot’s of windows needed in the back of the home which faces east. I have a picture of the window design I want and know that I must have tha appropriate windows for rf factors. i also need to know if windows can be tinted or have some sort of process that helps block the beating western sun? I need help! Do you have a dealership around Joplin, MO?
Thanks
Fibertec Windows
May 26, 2016Hey Anna,
Shoot us an email to sales@fibertec.com we’ll be able to have a sales representative get in touch with you
Best of luck with your project,
Fibertec Windows and Doors
Andre
April 23, 2016What is the maximum size acheivable for your triple glazed windows? I would also like multiple windows that do not have large frames to interrupt the view. Is this possible? An indication of price would be great.
Fibertec Windows
May 24, 2016Hi Andre,
It all depends on the window style itself. Each style can hold a different amount of stress that is placed on the hardware. Our frames are slim and allow for more glass area. Feel free to send us your inquiry to sales@fibertec.com so that our sales team can help you out.
Thanks and have a great day
Ken Blosser
July 6, 2016If you want the window flush with the stucco exterior of an icf home, do you use a nail flange window?
Fibertec Windows
July 8, 2016Hi Ken
This will all depend on how you install the window buck. You could use a nailing fin window, but we suggest to install with a trimline brickmould for a better seal.
Fibertec Windows and Doors
Aprile Sandefur
July 22, 2016We are researching windows for our ICF net-zero energy home that we will begin building next year. We have incorporated passive solar features as the back of the home faces due south. Can you send us information/recommendations in regards to windows best suited for solar gain and energy efficiency? Most of the windows will be located on the southern exposure. Our home will have a open concept with a prow exposure to the south.
Fibertec Windows
July 25, 2016Hi Aprile,
We’ve sent you an email in regards to your inquiry
Looking forward to hearing back from you
Fibertec Window and Door Technologies
David
February 4, 2018I am starting an ICF house next month and would like to get more information on your trimline product. Hopefully we will use a casement type window. Thank you.
David
Fibertec Windows
February 6, 2018Hi David,
That’s great to hear, we’d be more than happy to help you out. Our sales team should be reaching out to you by the end of the day to get some more details on your project.
Regards,
Fibertec Windows and Doors