What's the cost to build with ICF
in Mexico?
The real guide to comparing ICF prices
“The truth on ICF cost”
"The most common mistake when comparing the cost of ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) with traditional block is comparing only the price per block.
That method is incorrect because CMU's unit price will always be lower...
but it doesn't represent the real cost of building a house with it."
Incorrect comparison method:
❌ Price per CMU
❌ Price per ICF block
Correct comparison method:
✔️ Cost per sqm of wall construction
✔️ Labour
✔️ Construction time
✔️ Steel
✔️ Concrete
✔️ Bracing
✔️ Scaffolding
✔️ Insulation
✔️ Energy efficiency
✔️ Long term maintenance
Block
Insulated CMU
Block+Panel
ICF-15
ICF-20
ICF-PS
No
Insulation
Improved with EPS
Improved with EPS
Insulation + Structure All in 1
Insulation + Structure All in 1
Insulation + Structure All in 1
$780/m2
R Value: 1.5
$1,167/m2
R Value: 8 y 12
$1,200/m2
R Value: 20 a 22
$854/m2
R Value: 24+
$1,100/m2
R Value: 27+
$1,680/m2
R Value: 22+
-
No thermal insulation
-
Thermal bridges at every joint
-
Long construction time
-
Higher labor cost
-
Very low airtightness
-
Poor acoustic Insulation
-
Not available everywhere
-
Thermal bridges at every joint
-
Long construction time
-
Higher labor cost
-
Very low airtightness
-
Skilled labor
-
Inconsistance in execution
-
Longer time due to installation install
-
Can still have thermal bridges
-
Insulation+Structure integrated
-
30–50% faster construction
-
Zero thermal bridges
-
Good acoustic insulation
-
30–50% energy savings
-
Airtight
-
Ideal for 1–2 levels
-
Insulation+Structure integrated
-
40–60% faster construction
-
Zero thermal bridges
-
Good acoustic insulation
-
40–60% energy savings
-
Airtight
-
Ideal for 1–4 levels
-
Insulation+Structure integrated
-
30–50% faster construction
-
Zero thermal bridges
-
Superior acoustic insulation
-
30–50% energy savings
-
Airtight
-
Ideal for 1–6 levels
Comparison based on 1 sqm
of wall construction before finishes
