Mannan Home achieves a HERS Rating of 39
The Mannan Home was built to be energy efficient with the use of BuildBlock ICFs.The Mannan Home was built using three rating systems: The local utility's REMC Touchstone Energy standard, The Energy Star Five Star + standard and the NAHB Gold Standard. The home achieved a HERS rating of 39 and was…
Energy Efficient BuildBlock Vineyard House Project
The Energy Efficient BuildBlock Vineyard House in Paw Paw, Michigan has caught the attention of many around the country and has improved the opinion of ICFs in the state. This attention came from the low cost, the design, and the sheer beauty of this sustainable home. All of these features are…
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…
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…
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, wind storms respect no such bounds. Some areas of the country are more prone to tornadoes or hurricanes, but high…
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 improvements to the building envelope. Increasing the insulation values and tightening up the thermal envelope is the most effective and durable…
Energy-Efficient Bonobo Winery Built with BuildBlock ICFs
The Oosterhouse brothers, Todd and Carter are Traverse City natives who decided to satisfy a life-long dream building a winery of their own. The energy-efficient Bonobo Winery built with BuildBlock ICFs combines many systems and technologies to deliver a commercial success.This project is located in Traverse City Michigan, a tourist destination and…
BuildBlock ICFs Showcases Old French Country Style Design
BuildBlock ICFs Showcases French Country Style Design in this lovely home. It is a classic example of the old french country style design from the multiple platform walkway to the arched front entrance. You appreciate the stone and brick work, the turret, the copper finials, as well as the 30+ windows on the…
Press Release: BuildBlock ICFs Releases BuildShield Termite Protection
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BuildBlock ICFs Releases BuildShield Termite Protection Oklahoma City, OK – BuildBlock Building Systems is introducing BuildShield, a revolutionary solution for termite protection in an ICF wall. BuildShield combines an extruded vinyl membrane with an adhesive stainless steel material to form an impenetrable barrier to termites. When integrated…