Asked & Answered: Unfinished Basement Fire Barrier
What's required for my unfinished ICF basement?The BuildBlock Intertek IRR1003, requires a 15 minute fire barrier for all EPS that is exposed to the interior of the building. This can be drywall, which is typically the most cost effective method, stucco, plaster, EIFS, wood paneling, or any other finish product with…
BuildBlock Field Notes – 005 Transporting ICF Blocks
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,…
EPS Foam Significantly More Energy Efficient Than XPS
There are many reasons BuildBlock ICFs are the premiere ICFs on the market, our use of EPS foam is one of those reasons. As reported by Concrete Construction, "what makes EPS and XPS different is their manufacturing processes. EPS uses steam and the blowing agent pentane to expand polystyrene…
Video: ICF Carrier Footings and Concrete Pour Preparation
BuildBlock Field Notes are technical updates for professionals and homeowners about building with Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs). These short videos address a variety of topics. If there is something specific you'd like to know more about please contact us 866-222-2575 or [email protected]
New ICF Ethylene Control Building Calvert City, KY
Construction for a new Ethylene Control Building using 12" BuildLock ( BuildBlock’s knockdown block system) is underway at Westlake Chemical Corporation in Calvert Kentucky. The building measures 55’-6” x 177’-6” and is 16’-10” high from top of footing to top of wall. This structure was designed to be explosion proof…
Building Safer Homes & Schools with BuildBlock ICFs
There are many ways to design homes, schools, and buildings to safely survive many different types of disasters. One of the most innovating technologies developed is Insulating Concrete Forms. Insulating Concrete Forms are EPS foam blocks that stack together in the shape of the walls of your structure, are reinforced…
BuildBlock ICFs featured on PBS Hometime this season
BuildBlock is proud to partner with the long-running Hometime program on PBS. BuildBlock ICFs were chosen to build the frost wall below the basement and the basement walls as well. It was an exciting time in Minnesota braving the cold and heavy snow, but the project worked out well. Check…
Fastfoot & Rising Damp
BuildBlock uses and recommends FastFoot products on any home construction job to protect the foundation, walls, and structures from unwanted moisture. A link to their article is here: http://www.fab-form.com/fastfoot/fastfootRisingDamp.php http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6iiwvi1tx4&feature=share&list=UUH4ezCqRXHQhsETfl0dainA
Project Highlight: The Commons at Sea Shell Drive
The Commons at Sea Shell Drive Port Aransas, Texas ICF Builder: Todd Humphreys, CircleT Construction Builder: Nick Lorette Developer: Seashell Village Associates The Commons at Sea Shell Drive is the first all ICF development in the Texas Gulf Coast Region. The developers approached ICF technology for this project because of…
BuildBlock South Texas Spring Branch Project
Spring Branch Project, Spring Branch, Texas 5418 sq.ft. Under Roof, 2872 sq.ft. Conditioned January 9th-July 3rd 2012 Designed by Greg Setzer Contractor Custom Homes, Ltd. IFC Installer: BuildBlock of South Central Texas BuildBlock ICF Products The home posed several challenges. Many corners were close together and windows were close to…