Common Misconceptions Regarding ICFs and Current Energy Codes
There are common misconceptions regarding ICFs and the current energy codes. While many people involved in the home design, construction and inspection process are familiar with the R-value requireme ...
White Paper- STC and Sound Performance of BuildBlock and BuildLock Knockdown Insulating Concrete Forms
BuildBlock ICFs can provide an STC Rating of 54 keeping noise pollution outside where it belongs. The STC rating of a wall assembly refers to its resistance to sound transmission. Sound is measured i ...
White Paper: Cement Fiber Board Installation
"Lap siding is a popular exterior finish for both residential and commercial ICF jobs. Cement-board siding is particularly popular, due to its durability, ease of installation and fire-resistant ...
Footing to Wall Connections
Footing to Wall ConnectionsThe connection between the footing and an ICF wall is very important. Too often, this connection is omitted from the discussion about reinforcing an ICF wall. There are a nu ...
ICF Points to LEED
ICF Points to LEEDSeveral green building standards have been created over the past several years to focus on reducing the environmental footprint that buildings have on local communities. Fortunately, ...
BuildBlock IRC-IBC Code Compliance Research Report Updated
BuildBlock IRC-IBC code compliance research report updated from Intertek Research Report (IRR-1003) to the new Code Compliance Research Report CCRR-1003. After Intertek and ATI completed their corpora ...
White Paper- ICFs Offer Shelter From the Storm
ICFs Offer Shelter From the Storm News of natural disasters appear almost daily in the media. While some events, such as floods and earthquakes, are restricted within certain geographic regions, wi ...
White Paper- ICF Energy Tax Provisions
Energy Tax Provisions While energy savings of 10 – 15% can be achieved by improving appliances, lighting, and HVAC equipment, there is no doubt that more significant savings must start with improvemen ...
Asked & Answered: How Do I Design Door & Window Openings in an ICF Home?
Door & Window Openings in an ICF HomeGenerally, there is little difference in door and window placement in an ICF home when compared to standard wood-framed construction. The biggest thing to keep ...
Asked & Answered: EPS Foam and Fire Retardants
There are some misconceptions about EPS foam in the building industry. In this Asked & Answered we discuss how fire retardants used in EPS foam as used in building products. EPS foam, when us ...