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.
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.
How do frame in openings?
Fox Blocks has developed the Fox Buck specifically to frame openings such as windows and doors. The Fox Buck provides insulation around the opening plus support for the attachment of the window or door.
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.
When is a Taper Top form required?
Taper Top forms are specifically designed to provide a larger bearing surface along the top of the wall. Typically, the increased bearing surface may be used to support masonry, floor or roof loads. Taper top forms are used in the transition from ICF to wood frame construction and the taper top form would be the top form on the wall.
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.
Is EPS the same as XPS?
No, these insulation products are quite different. EPS is closed cell expanded polystyrene, while XPS is a closed cell extruded polystyrene. The properties, applications and costs of each are quite different. The majority of ICFs are manufactured with EPS.
What is EPS made from?
Polystyrene is virgin material, manufactured from petroleum. Polystyrene beads are expanded with steam heat to be up to 40 times their original volume and then the expanded beads are molded again by steam heat into 25⁄8″ rigid insulation panels to create a Fox Blocks ICF.
Can the plastic webs be detected by using stud finders?
A stud finder typically uses the density of materials to locate studs. The polypropylene (plastic) web material will show up on high quality density stud finders. Note, the webs in Fox Blocks are spaced at 8″ (200 mm) on center and will be continuous vertically on each side of the wall.