By Bennett's Concrete and Excavation, Norwich, NY. Updated October 2026.
Why it matters in our climate
Chenango County is in climate zone 6A, among the colder zones in the energy code. Foundations and basements lose a lot of heat through the walls. With ICF, the insulation is part of the wall from day one, inside and out.
Pros
- Insulation built into the wall on both faces
- A solid reinforced concrete core
- Quieter, more even-temperature basements
- Forms stay in place, nothing to strip
Cons
- Usually costs more to build than a plain poured or block wall
- Foam above grade needs protection from sun and damage
- Bracing and pour sequence take care
How the build goes
- Excavation and footings, to the depth your plans require
- Stack and brace the ICF blocks, with rebar
- Fill with concrete in lifts
- Waterproof, backfill and grade away from the house
