Asked & Answered: How Does Rebar Interact With BuildBlock Webs?
Reinforcing ICF Walls The plastic ties (or webs) in BuildBlock ICFs hold the two foam panels together and are embedded in the foam. This provides furring strips as well as options to place rebar in the proper position in the wall. Steel rebar reinforcement is required and the plastic webs help…
BuildBlock ICF Installer Training Series: Basic Estimating
Basic Estimating Welcome to the BuildBlock ICF Installer Training Series. This 20 part video series is intended to be an educational walk through of the ICF building process. From the early planning phases to pouring concrete and finishing walls, this series will provide the basic knowledge you need to have a successful…
The BuildBlock Comprehensive Guide Waterproofing
The BuildBlock Comprehensive Guide to ICF Waterproofing demonstrates the most effective strategies for waterproofing ICF structures. Waterproofing ICF homes is substantially different from standard concrete construction and is commonly overlooked or installed incorrectly. The BuildBlock Comprehensive Guide to Waterproofing is a 15 page educational manual that is free to download and is intended to…
Basic ICF Construction in 22 Steps
While BuildBlock ICFs are extremely installer friendly, there are always questions when working with new material. Whether you're a do-it-yourself home builder or a contractor looking branch into ICFs, BuildBlock is here to help. This Basic ICF Construction gallery starts with excavation and ends with the pouring of concrete. Complete with helpful…
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 requirements of a cavity wall, most do not understand that different standards apply to ICFs. Wall Types Cavity walls are usually wood…
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 in decibels, (db) and is on a logarithmic scale, meaning that the values are not linear in nature, and a…
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 qualities. " Clark Ricks, ICF Builder Magazine (http://www.icfmag.com/how-to/ht_exterior_finishes.html) Installing Cement Fiber Board siding over an ICF is becoming more prevalent. There is…
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 number of factors that have to be taken into account. These include the wind loads, exposure categories and seismic zones.The…
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, Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) are a clear choice for building designers to maximize points in many of these ratings. A quick…
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 corporate merger, the IRR and CCRR reports were also merged. BuildBlock IRC-IBC Code Compliance Research Report updated to reflect compliance with new codes and standards. BuildBlock's new code compliance research…