ICF System | Licatatherm ICF

Our Licatatherm ICF EWI system is only suitable for insulated concrete forms. It benefits from being breathable, weather resistant and fully fire compliant. Suitable for new builds or refurbishment. Choose from brick slips, coloured render or resin multi-colour for the decorative finish. With over 700 colours available, you can pick the perfect coloured render for your project. Our EWI systems help improve the appearance and thermal efficiency of properties, reducing overall energy consumption.

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Features

Suitable For Various Substrates
Over 700 Colour Options
Weather Resistant
Protects Against Algae & Mould
Energy Carbon Saving
Breathable
Fully Fire Compliant
Suitable For New Builds & Refurbishment

Suitable Substrates

Products Required

Aggrapante LG Primer

Mesh

ISOLANTE LG PRIMER

SILOXAN PRIMER

AGGRAPPATNE LG PRIMER

RASO TOP BIO

SILICONE RENDER

ACRYLIC RENDER

SILICATE RENDER

Acrylic Brick Slips

Once laid Acrylic brick slips are indistinguishable from traditional brickwork both a look at and feel. Below is just a small sample of the colours and textures available. We also offer a brick matching service.

Clay Brick Slips

A modern method of construction with a traditional aesthetic. A vast range of slips is available from our network network of suppliers.

Leading italian
manufacturer &
supplier

BBA certified
insulated render
systems

Licata 10 years
products warranty

National insulation
association

Benefits of Licata’s ICF External Wall Insulation System

Licata’s ICF external wall insulation system combines high-performance building materials with advanced construction methods. Designed for UK projects, these systems use insulated concrete formwork (ICF) to improve thermal performance and energy efficiency. With features like breathable finishes and expanded polystyrene insulation, Licata provides reliable solutions for modern and traditional builds.

This formwork system also reduces thermal bridging, helping to lower energy costs while ensuring a durable, high-strength structure. Suitable for both new builds and refurbishments, Licata’s ICF systems promote sustainability and long-term value for property owners.

Superior Thermal Performance with Licata’s ICF Solutions

Licata’s ICF walls offer exceptional thermal insulation, delivering exceptional energy efficiency. The concrete core provides excellent thermal mass, ensuring consistent temperatures and reduced heat loss. This makes the system ideal for low-energy homes or projects prioritising energy efficiency.

Our ICF blocks use intermediate bedding materials to create a seamless build process that eliminates gaps and air leaks. This airtight design not only enhances energy efficiency but also reduces energy bills, making it a smart choice for UK builders and homeowners.

Custom Finishes for ICF Construction

With Licata, you can personalise your ICF walls with a variety of finishes, including render systems, masonry, and brick slips. Choose from over 700 colour options to match your project’s design. Whether you’re building a modern ICF home or restoring a property, Licata’s extensive range ensures every detail meets your vision.

Our acrylic and clay brick slips offer a traditional aesthetic with modern durability. These finishes are applied directly to the insulated concrete formwork, creating a sleek, weather-resistant exterior that’s easy to maintain.

Design Possibilities with Licata’s ICF Systems

Licata’s ICF construction enables unique architectural features, such as curved walls and large corner windows. The system’s lightweight foam blocks and durable concrete core allow builders to create expansive designs while maintaining structural integrity.

This modern method of construction also supports retaining walls and cantilever designs, making it versatile for residential and commercial projects. Licata’s expertise ensures every ICF system is installed to meet the highest standards of performance and durability.

Weatherproofing and Durability in Licata’s ICF Walls

Licata’s ICF systems are designed to withstand UK weather conditions, offering superior protection against damp and water ingress. The formwork system ensures concrete is poured seamlessly, resulting in a durable, watertight structure.

From below-ground applications like basements to above-ground features, our ICF external wall insulation system ensures long-lasting performance. Combined with Licata’s 10-year product warranty, these solutions offer peace of mind for builders and property owners alike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is an ICF EWI system?

An ICF EWI system combines insulated concrete forms with external wall insulation to improve energy efficiency and durability in both new build and retrofit projects. At Licata, we use high-performance building materials, including insulating foam core and thin coat renders, to enhance overall thermal efficiency.

This construction method reduces thermal bridging and supports excellent protection against water ingress and weather exposure. With the use of glass fibre mesh and breathable render systems, our ICF walls offer long term energy savings while maintaining strength and crack resistance.

2. Is Licata’s ICF EWI suitable for retrofit projects?

Yes, our ICF EWI systems are fully suitable for refurbishment projects where boosting insulation and external wall performance is a priority. These systems can be applied to a range of buildings and substrates, offering a highly breathable and weather-resistant solution.

They are particularly effective for reducing energy costs and upgrading the thermal efficiency of older walls without needing to alter the existing structure. The system’s moisture resistance and long term performance make it a reliable choice for improving energy efficiency in existing buildings.

3. How does ICF EWI reduce heat loss?

Licata’s ICF construction uses a solid insulating foam core and airtight formwork, which eliminates gaps in external walls and reduces heat loss. This structure is supported by insulation boards and silicone render options that protect against external conditions while maintaining internal warmth.

The system helps stabilise internal temperatures, lowering energy consumption and boosting energy efficiency. When combined with thin coat render systems and correct installation, this approach improves durability and supports long term energy savings for residential and commercial buildings.

4. Can brick slips be applied directly to ICF?

Yes, Licata offers both acrylic and clay brick slips that can be installed directly onto ICF structures as part of our external wall insulation systems. This allows for a traditional brick appearance while keeping all the thermal benefits of modern ICF EWI solutions.

Our brick slips come in a wide range of colours and textures, allowing full design flexibility without compromising the energy efficient performance of the system. The combination of brick slips with a reliable render system ensures both a decorative finish and long-lasting durability.

5. Is planning permission needed for ICF external insulation?

Planning permission is not always required for installing ICF EWI systems, but it can depend on your local authority and the type of building. For most new build homes and retrofit upgrades, the work falls under permitted development, especially when keeping within certain wall thickness limits.

That said, if your property is listed or located in a conservation area, it’s best to consult your local planning office. At Licata, we can advise on planning aspects and help ensure your external wall insulation installation meets all regulatory standards.

6. How long does ICF EWI installation take?

Installation time for ICF EWI systems depends on the size of the building, the type of decorative finish selected, and the chosen render system. Generally, ICF walls allow for quicker builds due to their interlocking design and fast-setting concrete core.

Using structural insulated panels and streamlined EWI systems, our installers can complete most projects efficiently while ensuring durability and reliability. Thin coat renders and silicone finishes further speed up the process, making it a cost effective solution for projects with tight deadlines.