Which material is primarily used to create ICF concrete forms?

ICF, or Insulated Concrete Forms, are primarily made from insulating foam, which is the correct focus for this question. The use of insulating foam is significant because it serves as both an insulator and a formwork for concrete during the construction process.

The foam serves to hold the concrete in place while it cures, and once the concrete is set, the foam remains in place, providing excellent thermal insulation for the structure. This dual-purpose functionality contributes to energy efficiency in buildings, making ICF a popular choice in modern construction.

Additionally, the specific properties of insulating foam, such as its lightweight nature, ease of handling, and resistance to moisture, enhance its suitability for creating these forms. Other materials like wood or steel might be used in different construction contexts, but they do not fulfill the same dual role of insulation and formwork that insulating foam provides in ICF systems.