ICF's

[Allen Lacy]

Does anyone have experience with ICF (insulated concrete forms), either designing or constructing? We are designing our first house using them. Any insights on what to do or not to do would be appreciated.

[aggockel50321]

Don't know anything about the actual assembly of these, but I did run across this site a few weeks ago that might help.

http://www.icfweb.com/

[Steve_Stafford]

Have done projects with both Eco and Arxx (was Blue Max)...excellent systems. Eco is a kit of parts while Arxx is "lego" pieces. Eco works on masonry coursing while Arxx is slightly larger than coursing which makes detailing tricky sometimes.

Both offer integral anchor/nailing surfaces to apply substrate and finishes to.

Strongly recommend you find a contractor with experience with them otherwise you'll have them balking at using them and you don't necessarily want to have a contractor learn on your job?

One client did his own, Arxx actually has a training program for owners to do this, but his foundation flooded after a prolonged storm. He found his fnd system floating :shock: (before the pour obviously). Then after pumping out the excavation, he wasn't careful enough to make everything plumb and square. The framer had a tough time working out the floor framing as a result.

Recommend you check out both products and have their reps pay you a visit. Can be a great approach depending on your project needs.

[christo4robin]

I have a contractor friend who just did another architect's house using ICF's. They went up easily, but keeping the walls plumb was his challenge. I think he ended up installing wailers and bracing them to keep things square and plumb - so, perhaps they aren't quite as "formwork-free" as they make themselves out to be. I don't know which product he used.

[Steve_Stafford]

They definitely require bracing and Arxx will rent you a bracing system if you wish to go down that road...

[cgrover]

I've used them on a church basement, foundation for a clinic, motel/residence and the basement for my own house. I have worked with the Blue Maxx, Fold-Form and Nudura products and prefer the Nudura brand as they have a slightly wider nailing flange which comes in handy when butting two sheets of gyp. bd. together. I've also come across another brand that I would like to try called Poly Steel. Price wise they are probably the Cadillac of the systems. I really like them for the time one can save with labor. I went from erection of the forms to pouring in 3 days on my house. It was about 1200 sf basement. Also they work great for winter construction.

grover