Project Spotlight: Building an ICF Castle Part 3
BuildBlock ICFs were critical to hold up 150,000 pound slate & copper roof. http://youtu.be/ELgVZYYm4wA The Drew Castle in southeastern Michigan tour continues. In parts one and two Mike and Sue Drew showed us the inspiration for their dream castle and many of its features. Now we learn why BuildBlock ICFs and other materials we…
ICF BUILDER AWARD WINNER FOR BEST LARGE RESIDENTIAL 2014 – KER THOMSON HOME
Ker Thomson Home Awarded Best Large Residential, Built Using BuildBlock ICFs. This Houston, TX home is the only TRIPLE CERTIFIED (IBHS, USGBC, DOE) house in the country. BuildBlock ICFs play an important role in achieving this incredible certification. First, ICFs are perfect for the US Gulf Coast. The coast…
BuildBlock ICF Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build House in Nevada County 2012
This project was part of the annual Habitat for Humanity National Blitz-Build Program. Throughout the US during the week of June 3rd thru June 10th, 2012, approximately 200 homes were to be built and hopefully completed that week. This home in Nevada County however, was built using BuildBlock ICFs …
ICF Half-Truths, Myths, Misconceptions and Lies
Fear, uncertainty and doubt rule the marketing campaigns of traditional builders. Fear of change, uncertainty about new products and doubt about the future.When your customers start seeing new ICF homes in the area and are interested in considering the technology as an option for their home they will often end…
ICFs are the future of foundations and homes.
There is an unmistakable trend: Buyers are demanding homes that use less energy. Builders and developers are starting to take notice. Green energy efficient construction is one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy not only in North America, but worldwide. The adoption of the 2012 Energy Codes and…
Asked & Answered: Is there an advantage to using wood bucks for window/door openings versus BuildBuck?
The majority of heat loss in an ICF home comes through wall openings such as windows and doors. You want to ensure that you have maintained as much insulation as possible around your openings. We have recommended V-buck for a number of years, but sadly they are no longer in business.…
Asked & Answered: Recycling Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Foam
Recycling Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) FoamInsulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) are made up to two different types of materials EPS foam and polypropylene plastic webs. One of the questions we frequently get is whether Styrofoam™ or EPS foam can be recycled. All ICFs use some recycled material. Recycled material is mixed with new virgin material…
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…