We will be starting to build a home soon in Myrtle Beach, SC. We have recently heard about, and are trying to educate ourselves about, ICF’s for the exterior of our home. However, we would like to know from some builders, not people who sell the forms, how they like it. Obviously, down here hurricanes can be a problem, and mold and mildew are frequent problems. I would love some feedback.
Thanks,
Ann
Engineered materials and vacuum-press laminations prevent warping and keep a tall, flush-panel door from being excessively heavy.
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Replies
Also look into precast concrete. http://www.international-precast.com/products/architecturalProducts.asp It has some really nice benefits, and I was surprised at the moderate cost. For an ocean house, having an exterior of concrete gives some great protection from wind-blown debris in a hurricane. And precast gives a quality to the finish that would be at least as good as could be achieved in the field.
I built my house in michigan using icfs they polysteel brand they have since improved there product. You have to worry about termites so get the borax treated foam. as far as mold goes nothing for it to eat on the foam. The house is much much quieter the things you have to worry about our how you are going to attach finishes on the inside and outside of the foam. polysteel uses steel so you can screw everything. some others use plastic and other nothing. I have no idea how you attach stuff to those other than putting 2bys and cement anchors.
Regards Jim III
I'm a big fan of ICF, but I think that in bug country I wouldn't be too thrilled about putting all that expensive foam out for termites and ants and God only knows what else to live in.
Do the borate treated products actually work long term?
Who can you ask? The manufacturers?
Ron
yes it is all through the foam bugs dont eat it for food anyway but termites can tunnel through it to get to wood. I used the borate treated from footer to the roof and the top plate i used preasure treated lumber so they really wood have to work at it (pun intendend). you could of course do the normal termite treatment also if you wanted to.
Jim III