I would be willing to agree that the title of this thread is off base. The reason I say that is that SIP's offer similar characteristics to ICF. I'd also agree that different construction techniques are used in the different climate zones. Even an ICF has wood internally no?

I am a consumer not a builder. I have open the exterior of my house (originally built in 1869) to replace boards that have rotted over time.


ICF's interest me for the following reasons:

- Lower temperature fluctuations.
- Air infiltration non existant.
- Strenght of the structure during a hurricane.
- Cheaper to heat/cool

ICF questions
- Electrical runs in the walls?
- Floor construction (Using wood)?
- Roofing materials? (Do you use SIP for roof, or even a traditional roof?
- Leak potential?
- Increased risk of backdrafts in fire?
- Are there any design limitations?


SIP's interest me for some of the same reasons as ICF
- Lower temperature flucations
- Air infiltration non existant.
- Cheaper to heat and cool


SIP questions:
- Structural integrity during a fire?
- Possible toxic gases during a fire from insulation in the sandwich?
- Possibility of backdraft due to airtight structure.
- Electrical wire runs in a SIP?
- How much wood is saved by building with SIPs against a traditional stick frame?


One thing about ICF, I have often thought that he insulation is backwards. For some reason, I always thought that putting the insulation in the middle like a SIP does would result in a much better insulation factor. However, I am not an engineer and cannot speak to the thermal benefits of reversing the concept.


Thank you

Jason

Forgot to mention, my main thought on building is it's survivability. How long does a structure last? We all know that there are houses from the 1700's on the east coast. Houses that have survived the test of time, but have they? How much rebuilding has taken place on those houses over the past 3 centuries?

For ICF, while they have a much shorter history compared to wood, my question is how will they look in a century or 3? Will they stand the test of time with only minor repairs? What kinds of maintenance would be required over time with an ICF?