Upping the R-value in ICF Construction
BuildBlock ICFs have an R value over R-22 and a performance value between R-45 and R-55, but sometimes customers demand something greater. BuildBlock created ThermalSert and ThermalSert KD to service that need. The ThermalSert product is added to each course of block to the inside of the outside wall. This…
BuildBlock FieldNotes – 006 ICF Safe Rooms
We’ve all seen what happens on the news when disaster strikes: shattered homes and lives after the tornado or hurricane, smoking ash after the wildfire, and collapsed rubble after the earthquake. Disasters happen when we least expect them,but are something we need to be prepared for. We wear seat belts and have…
Asked & Answered: Do ICFs Need a Weather Barrier?
One of the questions we are frequently asked is the need for an additional weather barrier or house wrap in ICF construction. The short answer to the question is no. ICFs are a more effective and higher class vapor and water barrier than any house wrap product. ICFs must only be protected…
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…
Video: How BuildBlock ICFs are Made
How BuildBlock ICFs are Made Insulating Concrete Forms, or ICFs are they are known, have become one of the most efficient building materials available today for both homes and commercial buildings. ICFs come in many different shapes and sizes depending on the project. Today we will take a look at…
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…
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…
Sandown, New Hampshire Home
ICF Builder: McGregor Chadwick, Northstar Contractors New Hampton, New Hampshire, northstarnh.com The Home Located on a small lake in southern New Hampshire and offering peaceful views from its privately positioned outdoor living room, this gorgeous open concept home was designed with preservation of the native landscape in mind. Offering main level living, beautiful…
Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF) vs Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU)
What are insulated concrete forms? Whether you're building a concrete home or a multi-level commercial structure, you can't beat the rewards of building with BuildBlock® Insulated Concrete Forms. Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) are hollow foam blocks which are stacked into the shape of the exterior and load bearing walls of a building,…