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, and packaged for storage and transport. These ICF blocks are now ready for use in your project. All BuildBlock ICFs are sold in bundles. This makes it convenient to package and safely transport. Most all BuildBlock ICF bundles are packaged in 4-foot cubes.

BuildBlock prefers to ship all products in an enclosed 53-foot dry van semi trailer with swing doors. This ensures the blocks and accessories are protected from the elements and wind during shipping. At the manufacturing plant, the staff will load the approved form of transportation such as flatbed trailers and dry vans. Other equipment is not recommended and is subject to plant approval. Stock trailers and step deck equipment are not allowed.

Bundles are loaded and stacked two tall, by two wide. This leaves additional space for some smaller accessories such as waterproofing, window bucking, form-a-drain, and foam2foam adhesive. Each of these accessories are recommended and can make your ICF installation seamless and worry free. After the trailer is completely loaded and the shipment verified, it’s off to your project site.

BuildBlock highly recommends transporting bundles of forms in an enclosed trailer. If using an open trailer, position forms so that wind will not cause damage to the blocks and carefully position strapping to avoid damaging forms. Cover the load with a tarp, if possible.

BuildBlock Insulating Concrete Forms are expertly designed with many unique benefits to save you time and money on your project. One of most visible, the one inch repeating interlock pattern provides a 100% surface area connection on each block, preventing lifting and challenges found in other ICFs. BuildBlock has the tightest interlock in the industry. This tight interlock also eliminates the need for additional block ties, clips and other hidden accessory costs when using other blocks. It is very important to prevent damage to the EPS material (especially the connection grid) and the plastic webs.

Each bundle weighs slightly less than 100-pounds and the bundles can easily be carried by two people. When unloading from the trailer, the blocks can be placed flat on the ground and easily dragged to their final destination. Do not roll the bundles, this can damage the edges and interlocks creating hassle and needless labor during your project. When the trailer arrives it’s important that you have a plan for where the materials will be stored. Quickly unload the blocks and accessories from the trailer to a staging area near the truck to get the driver on their way as soon as possible.

Many drivers will be willing to assist you in unloading, but be aware they will charge an additional fee for this. Once the truck is completely unloaded, move your block to a safe location on your project site. If possible place your block inside your project, at least 6-feet back from your wall leaving room for BuildBrace or other bracing & alignment systems.

If you are building a multiple story building you may only want to stage as much block as you will use on each level inside your project at any one time.

• Quickly unload blocks from the trailer, then stage blocks on your project site.
• The driver may be able to assist you, but will charge you a fee.
• Do not roll the bundles out of the truck.  Place them flat on the ground, bundles are easily dragged or carried by two people.
• Stage blocks in a safe place on your project site.
• Place blocks on the inside of your structure six feet away from the walls leaving room to work and place BuildBrace or other alignment systems.
• If multi-story building stage enough block for each level inside your project.

 Taking a few minutes to plan your project, stage your materials  correctly, and protect your block from unnecessary damage means saving time, labor, and hassle on your project.

Learn more about building with BuildBlock ICFs at buildblock.com