ForConstructionPros.com

By Joseph Lyman, executive director, Insulating Concrete Form Association

Llittle less than 10 years ago, insulating concrete forms (ICFs) were known as a relatively obscure building system used mostly for foundations. However, ICF construction has grown quietly over the past decade to become one of the fastest growing building systems in North America. It is certain that in the years to come, ICFs will receive a great deal more attention and become a building system of choice for several market segments.

Market share
ICFs have seen tremendous growth over the past 10 years. In 1996, ICFA estimates the total square footage of ICFs used in North America was approximately 17,400,000 sq. ft. Since 1996, ICF market share has increased almost sixfold with approximately 104,000,000 sq. ft. used in 2006. Despite the dramatic growth in the first few years, industry gains have slowed to roughly 20 percent per year in the past several years. However, the growth in the ICF market is just part of the story. Understanding shifts in markets and market segments are equally as important so that the industry can understand the direction the market is moving.

In 1996, it is estimated that more than 90 percent of all ICFs were used in the residential market. Also, approximately 83 percent of ICFs in the residential market were used in below-grade applications. Fast-forward to 2006 where ICFA estimates that approximately 52 percent of all ICFs used in the residential market were used in above-grade applications. Given these numbers, ICFA estimates the majority of those homeowners building foundations using ICFs in 2006 also decided to use ICFs for their above-grade walls.

"People have decided to upgrade their wall systems and go to the roofline using ICFs," says Jim Niehoff, residential promotion manager for the Portland Cement Association. "The price of energy, concerns about natural disasters and a desire to improve the overall quality of the home have pushed people to consider a better building system."

The commercial market is equally interesting. In 1996, ICFA estimates that less than 10 percent of ICF square footage was used in the commercial market. However, this percentage has grown to over 30 percent in 2006. ICFs are now becoming widely used for a full range of market segments including the theater, hospitality/resort and big box retail segment. Theaters are among the hottest, as numerous theater megaplexes were built using ICFs in 2006. It isn't hard to believe within the next few years that ICFs will become the building material of choice for many market segments, especially the theater market.