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I’m considering using insulated concrete forms for a new home construction. I would like to hear what other builders experiences are with ICF’s. Are they as good as the sales people make them out to be? Are they durable? What about blow-out during pooring? If you have experience with ICF’s, please let me know what you think.
thanks,
Kevin
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I've only done a couple of foundations (4') with them and thought they were pretty easy to do . This is coming from a carpenter who doesn't do alot of block or concrete work.
I do know that for what they (the customer) paid for in materials would have paid for mat. and labor with a regular cinder block foundation.
Just a thought, Dave
*Kevin, Never used them personally but know of a few guys who did and the cost is not too cheap. A house not too far from me went up using them but the chimney was done in standard block as obviously you can't use them for a masonry fireplace. Just something to consider.Mike
*Kevin: I have a two story house w/ the first floor done in ICF. Not yet finished, but so far, they are the greratest thing since night Braves baseball. The building is enclosed, bottom floor stays markedly cooler in heat than upper floor this summer. Last winter, outside got down to 19 degrees F. Inside ground floor never cracked 40. That's w/ no heat input.In some ways a pain - expensive, complicated, thick. But - they should last a very long time. Mine have been exposed to weather for two yrs, now, and foam is still sound. I will get bricked in sometime in next few weeks, then they will be shielded from environment forever and I will cease to worry. New versions have borax in them to keep out termites. Don't know what mine will be like, so am doing all I can to protect against the little devils. Don Reinhard north of Atlanta, GA
*Kevin: Whoops! forgot about blowout. Had only one problem - that was where pouring crew took off a brace along top course before pour. Otherwise they were tough. Treat them like foam, and you are OK. I was scared, at first, but lost all fear after about 15 minutes of watching mix plop into columns. Remamber, you are pouring concrete, a somewhat viscous liquid, not molten lead that flows like water. Use the proper slump mix, and it works out fine. Just don't pour in the heat of the day. The mix off just slightly, and the pump will freeze up. I know, I saw it happen.Don Reinhard
*There have been some extensive and very good discussions on ICF in the past - definitely recommend a search if the search function is functional. There was also an article in the print edition of Fine Homebuilding a while back, don't remember the issue but I think it is referred to in one discussion. There is also an article in the JLC archives, but is a little lacking in breadth at:http://www.jlconline.com/jlc/archive/foundations/icf_foundation/index.html
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I'm considering using insulated concrete forms for a new home construction. I would like to hear what other builders experiences are with ICF's. Are they as good as the sales people make them out to be? Are they durable? What about blow-out during pooring? If you have experience with ICF's, please let me know what you think.
thanks,
Kevin