Door and Window Openings

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 BuildBlock ICF build.

In the 7th video of the series we will help you understand how to measure and prepare bucking for door and window rough openings.

The videos in this series are produced as a companion to the BuildBlock Installation and Technical Manuals available for free download on the Publications Page or for purchase via the BuildBlock Online Store. You can view more videos in this series via the BuildBlock Blog or by subscribing to the BuildBlock YouTube Page. For a more in depth training experience you can take the free Online ICF Installer Training Series.

Video Transcript

Door and Window Openings

In this video we’ll help you understand how to measure and prepare bucking for door and window rough openings.

First, determine the rough opening sizes. Rough openings may be specified by the manufacturer. Always verify dimensions, materials, and additional space for squaring. To calculate the rough opening size, simply add the size of the door or window to the thickness of your bucking material as well as the squaring spacing. Additionally doors will have 1 times the thickness of the bucking material added to the opening height because the bottom of a door typically isn’t bucked. Add 2 times the bucking thickness to the width.

Windows will have 2 times the bucking thickness added to the both the opening width and height.

Note: windows and framed door rough opening sizes should always be no less than half an inch wider and half an inch taller than the window or framed doors actual dimensions to allow the window or door to be plumbed square even if the opening moves slightly during construction of the walls. Doors that are not pre-hung must account for jamb sizes and shimming, plus the door height and width. 

Bucking Options

You have several options when choosing how to buck your openings. BuildBuck is an all foam ICF buck with embedded webs that provides the insulation properties of EPS foam and integrates seamlessly with other BuildBlock products.

Other bucking materials include pressure treated or engineered wood, engineered and dimensional lumber, metal bucking or sheet jambs, and vinyl bucking.

If you’re using wood bucking, make sure to verify local code information. It’s also important to be familiar with waterproofing options to protect wood bucking from moisture intrusion from the concrete.

Bucking Installation

Before making cuts into the ICF wall for rough openings, verify the thickness of your bucking material. After cutting, ensure that all rough openings are square and use corner braces or strapping to maintain square during the pour. Place vertical rebar below window openings before installing bucking. Ensure holes are placed in bottom of window bucking to inspect and consolidate concrete during the pour. Make sure that all bucking is braced adequately both horizontally and vertically before the pour. For BuildBuck use foam adhesive to secure in place before pouring.