Ok All, This is a new ventur for me, but I am pretty sure it is a big part of current and a bigger part of future building. I’ve gone to training seminars thru Arxx ICF Corporation. Looks very promising ( I know, “what doesn’t?”) I’m looking for your factual opinions. Any one else doing this yet? Any “blind spots” going in? Whatever you can bring to the table. I may not eat it ( staying w/ the analogy) but I promise to at least look at it. Thanks!
Miami ( yes there is supposed to be only one second “M” Misspelled it at first and didn’t catch it!)
Replies
Miami,
I've put in seven basements to date with "Blue Max" insulated form systems, included my own for the initial test. I love ours, as we utilize most of the walkout basement space as living space. I insulated under the floor slab, put in radiant heat, and it's very energy efficient. It doesn't even call for heat most of the winter {upstate NY}. It is a tough sell in our area though, because there is considerably more cost. I tell people that if they have any intentions of using the space for living area, it's worth the expense. Otherwise we usually go with std. poured walls. If you're way down south, you may be talking using it for the main house construction. I would think it would work great for your area. Reinforce your corners and at any penetrations with plywood or osb. We made up 2x8' sheets with a 2x4 screwed to one 8' edge to screw on to outside corners. I usually screw a 2x screed board around perimeter at top of wall, shot with a laser for level because the tops of blocks may be up and down a little. This system also has combination angle braces/scaffolding brackets. Makes the pour go much smoother. Once footers are in we can do an average size basement with not too many corners in 2-2 1/2 days including pour. Openings for doors and windows will slow you up a little bit. Best part is working with such a light material. Sure beats handling masonry block.
Bish
Bishop, Thanks for the reply. My first venture is a whole house. Not sure if you know this or not; Blue Max is now Arxx. How much more do you think that it cost? ( For the benefit of those reading)..The R value can not be achieved in stick building unless your walls were 2 feet thick. The decibel ( spelling?) reduction is 59. Tornadoes have landed on top of these homes and done only minor damage. From pour to closed in can be as little as 1 week. No insulating,no framing,no sheeting, no drilling studs and corners for wiring, no heavy lifting, can be poured no matter how cold...where is the true cost greater? I know if you compare framing to arxx; framing wins hands down. That comparison is flawed though. You would have to add the cost of insulating,wiring,2 months of labor,etc. to the cost analysis. All of this doesn't begin to touch the energy savings of an arxx style home. I have done a lot of research on ICF building and have yet to find a real downside. My cynical side must seek it out. I want to know any cons for myself first and then for my customers next. I do think as a basement only, the benefit is much more costly,as you said. Again thanks for your help!
Miami