How-To - ICF Builder Magazine

ICF Basics for Commercial Contractors

Nov 4, 2018 | How-To Articles, Why ICFs?

An ICF form combines insulation, furring strips, and rebar saddles in a single product.The number of commercial buildings being built with ICFs has increased dramatically in the past decade. Between 2010 and 2015, the ICF industry has transitioned from being 60%...

Bracing for ICFs

Feb 27, 2018 | Bracing, Featured Stories

A wall alignment and bracing system is an essential piece of equipment for any ICF installer, and mastering the basics of this tool is essential. ICF projects are bigger and more complex than ever before. In the U.S., OSHA has tightened safety requirements....

Fort Worth Waterfall

Nov 3, 2017 | Speciality Application, Swimming Pools

2017 SPECIALTY PROJECT BEST IN CLASS Winner of the "Best Specialty Application" at last year's ICF Builder Awards, this backyard water feature in Fort Worth, Texas showcases the design flexibility of insulated concrete forms. Cameron Ware, the Texas ICF distributor...

ICFs for Subcontractors

Jul 18, 2017 | Featured Stories, How-To Articles, Utilities

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are becoming more common in both residential and commercial applications. However, as the construction market continues to recover, finding subcontractors familiar with ICF construction can be challenging, especially for electrical and...

Weatherproofing ICF Walls

Sep 2, 2016 | Window Bucks

Lab and field testing conducted over three years shows one installation method that will withstand even the worst wind-driven rain. Many different methods (and even more opinions) exist on the issue of weatherproofing ICF walls. Only recently has the...

ICF 101

Jul 21, 2016 | Bracing, Consolidation, Featured Stories, Window Bucks

An Introduction to ICF Construction As Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) become more common, a growing number of builders and concrete contractors are considering adding this skill set to their business. Additionally, do-it-yourself owner/builders are frequently...

Tools for ICF Professionals

Nov 7, 2015 | Bracing, Consolidation, Finishes, Footings, Utilities, Window Bucks

The right tool makes any job easier. From hand tools to estimating programs, the professional ICF installer recognizes that good tools will save money, time, and hassles on the jobsite. In the June 2009 issue of this magazine, Ian Geisler wrote, "Tools can provide the...

Efficient Heating and Cooling

Nov 7, 2015 | Energy Efficiency, Utilities

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

May 13, 2015 | Featured Stories, Finishes

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...