Yes. Altherm ICF will enable a building to meet this requirement.

Many Part L compliant houses have been completed with Altherm ICF.

Yes. Part L and A Rating compliance refer to the completed house as a whole unit.
It's important to note that while achieving one often involves addressing the requirements of the other, Part L and A Rating compliance are distinct and different measurements that should be understood.

No. Part L and A Rating compliance refers to the completed house. It is necessary to carefully select all elements of the house, e.g. windows, roofs, heating system, etc., so that, in combination, the build meets Part L & A Rating requirements.

Altherm’s ICF provides a fully sealed system. Due to the continuous concrete core, leakages do not occur. Any gaps in the structure that might compromise air tightness are eliminated.
Altherm ICF structures deliver air tightness levels of less than 2m3/m2.h @50kpa and current building regulations require <5m3/m2.h @50kpa.

Yes. Altherm ICF falls within Part L and A Rating requirements, including TGD Part F requirements for ventilation.

The Altherm ICF wall construction easily provides openings for adequate ventilation, and mechanical ventilation systems can also be installed.

A thermal bridge is an area or detail of the building that has a higher thermal conductivity than surrounding areas, which means that heat leaking can occur in these areas. Thermal bridges or cold bridges, if not adequately addressed in the design, can contribute to the house's overall heat loss and the formation of condensation and mould on the internal surfaces.

Detailed thermal modelling and testing demonstrate that in utilising Altherm ICF’s unique, proprietary cavity closers, thermal bridging around openings is kept to a minimum.
Thermal modelling demonstrates Altherm ICF thermal bridging Y-value is 0.04W/m2/K.

Airborne sound insulation levels of 57dB are regularly achieved by Altherm ICF, which meet the TGD Part E requirements for airborne sound insulation in the walls (53dB)

The Altherm ICF system can be designed to meet all fire safety requirements concerning means of escape, the internal spread of flame (linings and structure), and the external spread of flame.

ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) is an excellent option for constructing houses. It provides superior insulation compared to traditional construction methods, and its flexibility and durability make it an ideal material for building projects. ICF blocks can be easily cut and shaped, allowing for various design possibilities.

ICF’s characteristics ensure that homes built from this material are very energy efficient while also providing excellent soundproofing and fire protection over a very long lifespan.
Altherm ICF has supplied products for projects to local authorities—Homebond Certified, including Cluid, Tuatha, Respond, HSE, IRES, and Urbeo.

Altherm ICF can be erected in all but the most severe weather conditions.
However, the placement of concrete depends on your concrete provider, i.e. in temperatures below +4 degrees.

Light scaffolding is recommended for safety reasons. Only one side of an Altherm ICF wall needs to be scaffolded.

Since Altherm ICF is lightweight (block weight), the severity of risks of manual handling, material lifting, scaffold loading etc. are significantly reduced.

Concrete-built homes are known for their durability and longevity.

Altherm ICF homes have a certified lifetime of 60 years. With proper installation and maintenance, ICF homes can last far longer. This is due to the inherent strength and resilience of the reinforced concrete core of ICF walls, which provides exceptional protection against weather, fire, moisture, and other hazards. Additionally, the built-in insulation of ICF walls contributes to a longer building lifespan.

We strongly recommend using properly trained Altherm ICF approved installers per our Agrément certification and building control.
Altherm ICF approved installers understand how to construct with ICF in accordance with the building regulations that must be followed when constructing a new property.

Studies have shown that the direct cost of labour and materials when building with ICF is on par with timber frame and traditional methods. However, the long-term benefits of ICF construction must be considered. Firstly, ICF houses can be built faster, which means lower on-site costs, such as reduced cranage, less labour, etc.
Secondly, an ICF house has more than double the certified lifespan of homes built using some traditional methods and much less maintenance is required. This means that the investment in ICF construction pays off in the long run, and homeowners can avoid the expensive and time-consuming rebuilding process.
Lastly, ICF constructed walls incorporate insulation, structure, and waterproofing into the same elements, reducing construction steps and costs.

Mould growth can be a common issue in many buildings; however, ICF houses are specially designed to resist mould formation through thermal models and proper ventilation design.
The effectiveness of detailed thermal modelling in designing ICF structures cannot be overstated. This method is highly efficient in minimising condensation, a key precursor of mould growth. Ensuring the even distribution of heated air eliminates cold spots where condensation is more likely to occur, providing a high level of reassurance about the quality of ICF structures.

ICF's extremely low thermal bridging factor also contributes to this.
Furthermore, proper ventilation design in houses helps to reduce moisture levels. Modern homes are designed with a continuous flow of air from outside to inside and vice versa, which helps keep the air at the correct humidity levels and improves internal air quality.