Asked & Answered: Recycling Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Foam
Recycling Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) FoamInsulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) are made up to two different types of materials EPS foam and polypropylene plastic webs. One of the questions we frequently get is whether Styrofoam™ or EPS foam can be recycled. All ICFs use some recycled material. Recycled material is mixed with new virgin material…
BuildBlock FieldNotes – 006 ICF Safe Rooms
We’ve all seen what happens on the news when disaster strikes: shattered homes and lives after the tornado or hurricane, smoking ash after the wildfire, and collapsed rubble after the earthquake. Disasters happen when we least expect them,but are something we need to be prepared for. We wear seat belts and have…
Asked & Answered: What is the Prescriptive Method and why do we talk about it?
What is the Prescriptive Method? The Prescriptive Method for Insulating Concrete Forms in Residential Construction is the accepted method for installation, general engineering, and standard for ICF home design. The Prescriptive Method for Insulating Concrete Forms in Residential Construction is a document, originally drafted by the Department of Housing and…
Asked & Answered: Do ICFs Need a Weather Barrier?
One of the questions we are frequently asked is the need for an additional weather barrier or house wrap in ICF construction. The short answer to the question is no. ICFs are a more effective and higher class vapor and water barrier than any house wrap product. ICFs must only be protected…
Asked & Answered: Unfinished Basement Fire Barrier
What's required for my unfinished ICF basement?The BuildBlock Intertek IRR1003, requires a 15 minute fire barrier for all EPS that is exposed to the interior of the building. This can be drywall, which is typically the most cost effective method, stucco, plaster, EIFS, wood paneling, or any other finish product with…
BuildBlock Field Notes – 005 Transporting ICF Blocks
Manufacturing BuildBlock ICFs is the first part of the process. Today we will talk about how to make sure they arrive safely and ready for your project. When manufactured, the ICF blocks are closely inspected to ensure they meet strict quality standards. They are then interlocked together, stacked in bundles,…
BuildBlock’s Alfonso Nieves named to Governor’s International Team
BuildBlock is proud to announce Alfonso Nieves, our Latin American Sales Executive, has been named to the Oklahoma Governor's International Team. The Governor's International Team, or GIT, is a select group of citizens with representation from private industry, government, education and non-profit organizations. Their mission is to create a stronger…
Creating Bare ICF Concrete Walls for Stairwells, Elevator Shafts, Warehouses
BuildBlock's Hardwall is used for creating Bare ICF Concrete Walls for Stairwells, Elevator Shafts, Warehouses. In commercial applications such as elevator shafts, warehouses, and stairwells a bare concrete wall may be required to meet fire codes. This can easily be accomplished using an ICF wall system and maintain insulation value. Even more…
Video: How BuildBlock ICFs are Made
How BuildBlock ICFs are Made Insulating Concrete Forms, or ICFs are they are known, have become one of the most efficient building materials available today for both homes and commercial buildings. ICFs come in many different shapes and sizes depending on the project. Today we will take a look at…
Getting to Know: Nicole Zoellner
In this edition of get-to-know we meet Nicole Zoellner. Nicole joined the BuildBlock team in October of 2006 originally as our Customer Service and Logistics Coordinator before being promoted to Director of Operations in 2008. As her title implies Nicole has her hands in all parts of BuildBlock's operations. As per usual, we asked…