Building a Resilient ICF Industry

The Insulating Concrete Forms Manufacturers Association is the North American non-profit trade organization for the ICF industry. Founded in 2014 by a dedicated group of manufacturers, the ICFMA works to improve the quality and acceptance of Insulated Concrete Form construction in the marketplace. This volunteer-led group of the major ICF manufacturers works together to better the entire industry through engineering, testing, promotion, education and training.

ICFMA Growing
Our organization continues to grow and we are excited to welcome IntegraSpec as our newest member. Each of the primary member companies collaborate together to overcome challenges and work together on new opportunities.

Mike Kennaw is Chair of the ICFMA Board of Directors. “The ICFMA is excited for IntegraSpec to join our organization and we look forward to adding their perspective and resources to improve the quality and acceptance of Insulated Concrete Form construction,” Kennaw said. “Each ICFMA member is committed to manufacturing products that help build long-lasting, cost-effective, energy efficient, and disaster resilient structures. IntegraSpec is an excellent addition to this ongoing effort.”

Build With Strength
Over the past several years, the ICFMA has partnered with the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s Build With Strength program to grow the use and acceptance of energy-efficient and disaster resilient concrete in construction. Beginning in 2021, Build With Strength 2.0 launched with a partnership with Habitat for Humanity International. The primary goal of the partnership is to build at least one ICF home in each of the 50 U.S. states. As you read this, 25 homes have been built around the country in the first 18 months of the program. It is likely that the program will surpass the 50-home goal. In addition to building homes for deserving families, each of these job sites will also be home to training and promotion for architects, engineers, habitat volunteers, elected officials, building inspectors, and others to help grow the understanding and acceptance of ICFs. 

ICFMA Prescriptive Canadian Engineering
The ICFMA has worked together to produce the First Edition of the ICFMA Prescriptive ICF Design Tables for Part 9 Buildings in Canada. A first for our industry, the guidelines and specifications were developed on behalf of the member companies of the ICFMA by Tacoma Engineers Inc. This engineering document covers all ICF forms manufactured by ICFMA member companies and is stamped and approved for use in all Canadian provinces and territories. Collaboration on projects like this elevates the acceptance and ease of use of ICFs. Download your copy from our website at https://icf-ma.org 

Looking Forward
The past couple of years have seen dramatic growth in the ICF industry and everyone involved has been a critical part of that growth and success. As we move into a different business cycle over the next few years, the ICFMA plans to collaboratively continue the work of promoting, building, teaching, training, and educating others about the benefits ICF construction offers. The ICFMA is proud to work with each of you to help accomplish this mission.