ICF in Trinidad: The Right Technology at the Right Time

What is ICF?

ICF is a fast, easy way to construct the foundation of a home. ICF blocks are easy to install, strong, and durable. The blocks create a tight seal, thus preventing air leakage through the walls. ICF also includes two continuous layers of insulation, one inside and one outside, without any thermal bridges. Its insulating properties reduce heat loss and conversely—in places like Trinidad—also keep interiors cool.

ICF is a system of expanded polystyrene (EPS) rigid insulation blocks separated by plastic webbing. The blocks function as an integrated concrete form for pouring a concrete wall (rather than using traditional wood plank or plywood forms). ICF blocks come in interlocking sections, so the foundation or wall system neatly fits together. Once the blocks are in place, contractors pour the concrete. Embedded in the insulation are fastener strips, so finishes like drywall and siding can be easily attached. All of these attributes make ICF blocks easy to assemble, and foundations and walls simple to build.

ICF: an Alternative to Concrete Block Homes

The Edwards family looked long and hard for a perfect site on which to build their new 3,200-square-foot home in the Cascade neighborhood, which is northeast of Port of Spain. “It’s a nice neighborhood that’s nearly all developed. It’s close to the capital, and very close to my in-laws and my parents,” Edwards says. When they found a lot through a friend, “We jumped on it right away,” he adds.

Sustainability wasn’t a priority at the beginning, Edwards admits, when the family was first considering a new home. “But I’m in construction. Specifically, I work in roofing. A project I’m working on is a development that features sustainable homes. I saw these houses being built using ICF blocks and thought that’s a great construction technique. The light bulb went on over my head.” Edwards hired the same company, Macon Construction, to build his family’s new home.

Edwards explains that Macon Construction “has been pioneering ICF in Trinidad. The technology is quite prevalent in Venezuela. Some engineers from that country came here and brought the ICF technology with them. Macon jumped at the opportunity to have these engineers join them and brought the technology to the fore, working with local suppliers to create templates for the insulated forms. The forms are now made locally with a propriety agreement between the two companies.”

The first three months of construction were dedicated to earthwork and retaining walls, Edwards says. The next month was spent building the ground floor. “Now, we’re about ready to cast or pour the concrete for the first floor.”

“Trinidad is one of the hottest places in the world,” Edwards says with a laugh, “so a super-insulated house is a no brainer.” What he had to stop and consider, however, was insulating the roof for the planned two-story home. “If the roof isn’t insulated properly, the ICF will keep the heat in, so that’s a major concern." For economic reasons, Edwards decided on traditional metal roof sheeting, which is how 90% of houses in Trinidad are roofed. “I’ll compensate for that with proper insulation,” he says, “probably by using rigid board insulation with a radiant barrier beneath the roof.”