How do I apply an acrylic stucco finish to an ICF?
Acrylic stucco is a thin coat finish which can be directly applied to the EPS insulation on the exterior face of the ICF. Fox Blocks provides a continuous EPS surface conducive for the application of acrylic stucco. All acrylic stucco manufactures are familiar with ICFs as a substrate and each have their recommendations for application over ICFs. Note there is a difference in the installation procedures between acrylic stucco and traditional stucco.
How do I apply traditional stucco to an ICF?
Traditional stucco has a thick cementitious base, typically installed over a metal lath. The metal lath is fastened directly to the Fox Blocks webs with screw or staples.
What is the typical Interior finish on an ICF?
All building codes in the USA and Canada specify that plastic insulation (EPS) must be covered by a thermal barrier equivalent to 15 minutes of fire protection in habitable spaces. This is achieved with ½” gypsum board or an equivalent material. Fox Blocks has specific fire testing that proves regular ½” gypsum board with regular drywall screws fastened into the plastic webs remains on the wall for the required 15-minute time period.
Do I have to finish my basement walls with drywall?
All building codes in the USA and Canada specify that plastic insulation (EPS) must be covered by a thermal barrier equivalent to 15 minutes of fire protection in habitable spaces. If the basement is classified as habitable space, then gypsum board must be applied but does have to taped and filled. Check with your local building official.
Why is the concrete limited to a placement height or lifts of 4 feet (1.2 m)?
To alleviate the pressure from the liquid concrete, the concrete is placed in layers or ‘lifts’. The first lift is limited to 4′ (1.2 m) of concrete around the perimeter of the building. This allows approximately one hour for the concrete to set-up before continuing with the next 4′ (1.2 m) lift. The lower lift provides support for the next lift as the concrete is placed continuously around the building in consecutive lifts to the top of the wall.
Can you vibrate or consolidate the concrete in ICFs?
Yes, consolidation of the concrete is one of the key elements in the placement of concrete in an ICF wall. Fox Blocks recommends internal vibration with a pencil vibrator, quickly in and slowly out.
Where can I purchase the product?
Fox Blocks has a wide-ranging network of knowledgeable product distributors and trained installers across North America; contact Fox Blocks Customer Service to find the closest Fox Blocks product distributor or trained installer in your area.
Do you need special code approvals to build with Fox Blocks ICFs?
No, ICFs in general are covered in the building code and Fox Blocks ICF has a product evaluation report that confirms the product and applications meet the requirements of the respective building codes in the USA and Canada. These reports are available on our website.
Is there a top and bottom on the blocks when installing the Fox Blocks forms?
Fox Blocks forms have a reversible interlock system on all blocks. The robust interlock allows the blocks to fit together very tightly, eliminating any requirement for adhesives. A reversible interlock speeds up the installation.
Are there different types of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)?
EPS is listed basically under four property classifications – Type I, II, III and IV. The characteristics are based on the density of the molded foam which defines the product type. Fox Blocks ICFs are manufactured as a Type II EPS with a density of approximately 1.5 pounds per cubic foot.