What is the purpose of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)?

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) serve the dual purpose of providing formwork for pouring concrete while simultaneously offering insulation properties. This combination is essential in constructing walls that are both strong and energy-efficient. The formwork aspect allows for the concrete to be poured into the forms, creating a solid structure once the concrete sets. Meanwhile, the insulation component helps in improving the energy efficiency of buildings by reducing heat transfer, which can contribute to lower heating and cooling costs over time.

The unique design of ICFs not only supports the structure during construction but also provides long-term thermal performance, making them advantageous in both residential and commercial building applications. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes this integral dual functionality that ICFs offer in modern construction practices.