Comparison of popular above-grade wall systems
| |
ICF |
SIP |
2x4 spray foam |
2x4 batts |
| Natural air changes/hr |
.05 |
.05 |
.1 |
.5-1.0 |
| Thermal bridging |
No |
Minimal |
25% of wall |
25% of wall |
| Whole wall R-Value |
22 or 24 guaranteed |
15 or 22.5 guaranteed |
10.5 guaranteed |
10.75 maybe |
| Thermal mass of 9' wall |
675 lbs/ft. |
30lbs/ft. |
32 lbs/ft. |
32 lbs/ft. |
| Heat reservior |
143 BTU/hr/degree |
8.6 BTU/hr/degree |
9.2 BTU/hr/degree |
9.2 BTU/hr/degree |
| Noise insulation |
STC 55 |
STC 29 |
unknown |
STC 34 |
| Burn rate |
2-3 hours |
1 hour |
20-30 minutes |
20-30 minutes |
| Offgassing |
None |
Slight |
Slight |
Slight |
| Strength |
7.5-38 times stronger |
2-7 times stronger |
Slightly stronger |
Baseline |
| Basements |
R-22 or 24, ready for drywall |
R-22.5, ready for drywall |
R-6.2, needs furring |
R-0, needs furring |
| Wind driven debris resistance (250 mph) |
Impenetrable |
Easily penetrated |
Even with brick facing, was still easily penetrated |
Easily penetrated |
| Life expectancy |
Many hundreds of years |
Over 100 years
|
100 years |
100 years |
| Versatility |
Radiuses: Simple Cantilevers: Some
|
Radiuses: No Cantilevers:Yes |
Radiuses and Cantilevers: Yes |
Radiuses and Cantilevers: Yes |
| Cost |
7%+/- |
7%+/- |
4%+/- |
baseline |
 
Infrared thermal imaging comparing a super-insulated ICF home with an average stick built home.
Any questions? |
