Sorry if I am too pesky last question here. If I am building a house with many windows, is there still a reason to build with ICFs instead of wood framing? (considering the number of "holes" punched in the energy efficient concrete?)

sleepycorn,
Perhaps your primary reason for ICF is strength. But consider a number of "holes" punched in a not so energy efficient alternative. Regards.

I was hoping that what I would hear. Thanks

what's the span you can have for a window opening with ICF (I knwo it must vary, but generally)? Can you do 15 feet wide x 8 feet tall openings?

Beachboy, Your typical flat wall ICF system (e.g. uniform concrete thickness) can easily handle a 15 foot span as long as there's enough concrete over the opening. As far as span is concerned and lintel steel etc, the height generally does not matter much. E.g. as long as you have enough wall on each side of the opening -- a 15x8' is the same as 15x30'. I have seen 35' spans with some serious engineering. A 20' span (as long as you have 2 feet or more of concrete above it) is routine. Consult an engineer. Regards.

I am an engineer, but not in the right field I could calculate an I-Beam to go over that span, but not concrete.
I was curious as I am a fan of modern/contemporary style and love very, very large windows.

Thanks for the answer.

Posted By BeachBoy on 03 Mar 2011 08:02 PM
I am an engineer, but not in the right field I could calculate an I-Beam to go over that span, but not concrete.
I was curious as I am a fan of modern/contemporary style and love very, very large windows.

Thanks for the answer.

What Tex said. And if you like the modern look, you can probably design some pilasters to limit the amount of wall needed between the windows. This of course brings us back to the energy efficient thing! Bob

I was skeptical about the energy efficiency of ICF like you, I built an ICF home for myself because i wanted a strong house,stick built homes just seem flimsy to me... and said, hey if i get some energy savings great......

Also, sometimes the bloc guys go crazy talking about energy efficiency, they imply that if you use ICF your wont even need a heater or ac unit : )

So, here is what I've found

My previous home, 1200 square feet, new construction,fairly normal little American ranch....in a normal suburban area, lots of trees, etc.etc...

2 years ago, I had my new home built using ICF that is about twice the size, 2200 sq feet to be almost exact, plus a full basement i use as my office.. and I'm on 20 acres of wide open farm land... I mention this because if you live in the country you know what wide open flat land can do to your utility bills : )

My utility bills are exactly the same, and, now this is huge.... my little ranch house was on nat gas, and my new ICF home if on LP ( Propane ) ... for me to be even close to my old bills is amazing to me....

Now Im not a big fan of huge walls of glass in a home to begin with, might as well live in a tent if you love the outdoors that much : ) With that said, I do have some pretty big windows.... on the main floor in the "great room" I have 6 2' x 6' windows, 2 of the same in the living room, and glass french doors in the kitchen....

For me the ICF hype about energy efficiency worked out well, I have twice the house and the same utility bills