HOW-TO
Efficient Heating and Cooling
ICFs are known to save on heating and cooling costs. But in order to fully realize this benefit, the mechanical systems—heating, cooling and ventilation—must be properly sized. Additionally, non-traditional systems such as in-floor hydronic heat, geothermal HVAC, and...
Acrylic Finishes: Exciting Choice For Green Building
It’s no secret that green building is one of the fastest growing sectors of the construction industry. It’s also a target market for ICFs, which are chosen for many eco-friendly projects due to their durability, efficiency and flexibility to work with any...
Solutions for Tough Bracing Issues
Big, complex ICF projects are becoming increasingly common. These jobs frequently feature tall walls with multiple penetrations, wall heights, and corners that can challenge the skills of the most experienced ICF installer. Additionally, safety standards and...
Moisture Infiltration and Windows Bucks
Wall samples, measuring eight feet square with a variety of window buck assemblies, await testing. What's the best way to install a window buck in an ICF wall? Ask a dozen contractors, and you'll likely get a dozen answers, depending on their preferred buck system,...
Best Practices for Cold Weather Concrete Pours
As winter arrives in the Canada and the Northern United States, most concrete work comes to a halt. But because of the insulating properties of EPS foam, ICF work often goes on well into winter. Peter Polley, developer of a seven-story 113,000 sq. ft. condominium in...
ICF Swimming Pools
ICFs have been used from swimming pools since the very beginning of the industry. This pool was poured with panelized ICF sections in June 1970. These before-and-after shots of a pool built with NUDURA ICFs demonstrate how easily ICFs can create curved and radiused...
Geocomposite Drainage for ICF Foundations
by Dwight Walker I wrote an article in the ICF Builder Magazine back in 2006 which outlined the history, benefits, and protection systems that were employed at that time which delivered dampproofing and wall waterproofing protection for ICF foundations. (See Dimpled...
Pump Safety for ICF Laborers and Placing Crew
by Christi Collins Following few basic safety guidelines will ensure you and your crew stay out of harm’s way on pour day. Truck-mounted boom pumps are by far the most common way to fill ICF walls and footings. They’re efficient, effective, and affordable. The average...
Turnbuckle Bracing: A Market Comparison
In the mid-to-late 1990s, a product was introduced that revolutionized the ICF industry. Turnbuckle bracing gave installers the ability to make slight adjustments to the wall after it was filled with concrete. No longer did installers have to struggle with assembling...
Like what you read?
Yearly Subscriptions Starting @ $30
