HOW-TO
Weatherproofing ICF Walls
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
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
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
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...
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