ICF vs Precast Insulated Panels

[MariaDi]

Hello everyone,

I find myself in a dilemma between choosing ICF or Precast Insulated Panels for the construction of my new house, specifically for external walls and floors. While I lean towards precast insulated panels, some questions remain unanswered. I plan to build a 2-storey house with internal dimensions of 8.5m x 8.5m, intending to make the attic 'habitable' with a spare room and utility space. I'm also considering raising the walls by 0.5m, essentially making it nearly a 2.5 storey structure. Additionally, I am contemplating a roof pitch of either 8/12 or 7/12. Here are my questions:

1. Can anyone provide an estimate of the potential differences in cost and completion time between ICF and precast insulated walls?
2. For the external rendering of precast insulated walls, is it sufficient to paint the concrete, or is another type of rendering (such as stucco) necessary? If rendering is necessary, what would you recommend for optimal durability and maintenance? Should a membrane be installed between the concrete and rendering to prevent trapping humidity/water?
3. Concerning precast insulated walls, is rendering needed on the interior side, or is it possible to paint the concrete directly?
4. Regarding the floor, if I opt for hollow core slabs, are load-bearing walls necessary on the ground floor, considering a span of 8.5m from wall to wall? How thick would the floor be approximately?

I appreciate any insights or advice you can offer. Thank you.

 

[noseall]

Hello everyone,

I find myself in a dilemma between choosing ICF or Precast Insulated Panels for the construction of my new house, specifically for external walls and floors. While I lean towards precast insulated panels, some questions remain unanswered. I plan to build a 2-storey house with internal dimensions of 8.5m x 8.5m, intending to make the attic 'habitable' with a spare room and utility space. I'm also considering raising the walls by 0.5m, essentially making it nearly a 2.5 storey structure. Additionally, I am contemplating a roof pitch of either 8/12 or 7/12. Here are my questions:

1. Can anyone provide an estimate of the potential differences in cost and completion time between ICF and precast insulated walls?
2. For the external rendering of precast insulated walls, is it sufficient to paint the concrete, or is another type of rendering (such as stucco) necessary? If rendering is necessary, what would you recommend for optimal durability and maintenance? Should a membrane be installed between the concrete and rendering to prevent trapping humidity/water?
3. Concerning precast insulated walls, is rendering needed on the interior side, or is it possible to paint the concrete directly?
4. Regarding the floor, if I opt for hollow core slabs, are load-bearing walls necessary on the ground floor, considering a span of 8.5m from wall to wall? How thick would the floor be approximately?

I appreciate any insights or advice you can offer. Thank you.

Where do we need to send the bill?

 

[wessex101]

The main problem with these "modern methods of construction" is that very few builders use them. Consequently you only have a very limited number of companies you can employ resulting in a lack of competition and high prices. I suspect that only a company working in this very specialist field will be able to answer your questions.
I've got a neighbour down the road building a new ICF house. Its been over 2 years so far and they have only just started to build up the first floor walls. The builders turn up and work for a few days then just disappear for months on end. I do not understand the benefit of using polystyrene formwork other than it requires very little skill so could be a DIY option.