ICF is NOT New: The True History of a 50+ Year Old Proven Construction System
- ICF México
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
When people hear about ICF for the first time, they often fear:
“Is this a new system? Am I going to be a guinea pig?”
Totally understandable — especially in countries where ICF is just becoming popular.
But the truth is the complete opposite:
ICF is over 50 years old.
A mature, tested, globally proven construction technology.**
Here’s the real story — simple, clear and accurate.
1. The 1960s: The birth of ICF in Europe
ICF originated in Germany and Nordic countries in the 1960s.
The first versions were EPS blocks acting as stay-in-place forms for reinforced concrete.
It was created because Europe needed:
✔ Better insulation
✔ Faster construction
✔ Lower energy consumption
Not an experiment — a real solution.
In 1967 Werner Gregory patented ICF for the first time in North America back in 1967.
Warner Gregory Feb. 9, 2011
2. 1968–1975: The first “modern” ICF blocks
Design evolves quickly:
tongue-and-groove connections
EPS panels with plastic ties
improved stability
better thermal performance
The concept becomes solid:
A reinforced concrete structural wall wrapped in insulation.
3. 1975–1985: System evolution
Improvements in:
panel geometry
interlocking
EPS density
structural ties
ICF expands to:
homes
hotels
schools
small buildings
4. 1985–1995: Canada becomes the global leader
ICF explodes in popularity due to climate:
-20°C to -40°C winters
extreme energy needs
desire for airtight construction
Thousands of ICF homes are built.
Major brands emerge.
5. 1995–2005: The USA certifies and adopts ICF
This decade changes everything:
ICF enters the International Building Code (IBC)
seismic testing
fire testing
structural engineering standards
multi-storey buildings appear
ICF becomes mainstream.
6. 2005–2024: Global expansion
Now used in:
Europe
USA & Canada
Japan
Australia
Middle East
Caribbean
Latin America
Why?
✔ Energy savings
✔ Hurricane resistance
✔ Fire resistance
✔ Comfort
✔ Speed of construction
ICF is one of the most tested building systems in the world.
7. Mexico: 10+ years of local ICF manufacturing
Today, Mexico produces:
ICF-15 (3"core Post & Beam ICF)
ICF-20 (4"core Post & Beam ICF)
Solid Wall ICF (4", 5.5" & 7.5" Core | Assemble on site ICF)
Same quality as USA/Canada, but with better logistics and lower cost.
8. So, is ICF new?
No. Not experimental. Not untested. Definitely not “new technology.”
ICF has 50+ years of history, global adoption, and millions of square meters built.
If it wasn’t proven, not one developed nation would use it!
9. Want to know if your project is compatible with ICF?
Send us your plans — PDF, DWG or images.
Comments