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…
Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF) Swimming Pools: Getting the Most Splash for Your Cash
Insulating Concrete Forms are frequently used for many structures around homes and commercial buildings. BuildBlock customers have constructed retaining walls, fences and gates, fire pits and more. We've had an increase in request for information around ICF swimming pools. ICFs in swimming pools not only speed up construction, but the insulating…
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]
BuildBlock ICF Pocket Installation Guide
The BuildBlock ICF Pocket Installation Guide is your quick installation reference in the field. This guide gives puts all the basic installation information at your fingertips: Footings, Course Placement, Door & Windows Openings, Rebar, Bracing & Alignment, and Concrete Pouring. This handy guide is no replacement BuildBlock Installation & Technical Manual, but it is…
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…
BuildBlock Safe Room Plans & Construction
Growing up in Oklahoma, BuildBlock is familiar with tornadoes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. That’s one of the reasons BuildBlock designed our products the way we did. Tight interlocks, integrated rebar hangers, and other features that take the hassle out of building with ICFs. BuildBlock has added FEMA Compliant Safe Room…
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…
How to Build Safe ICF Schools
As many Oklahoma students prepare to hear the bells ring this school year, construction is beginning on a landmark early childhood development center in Ada, Okla. The center, constructed of BuildBlock Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs), serves a dual purpose. Completed in 2011 it serves as an educational facility for the…
Video: 2012 ICF Builder Award Winners
BuildBlock was honored to receive four finalists in the 2012 ICF Builder Award Competition by ICF Builder Magazine. The Builder Awards competition is an annual event designed to showcase the innovation, quality, and energy-efficiency of ICF construction, and promote them as a sustainable, durable and attractive building material. Winners were chosen…
BuildBlock Field Notes
BuildBlock Distributor Jim Deering takes a few minutes to discuss his method and strategies for installing ICF walls. This 15-minute video lays out a few ways that BuildBlock makes your job on site easier, faster, and nearly eliminates all waste.