Is a high performance ICF home less expensive to build than a wood framed high performance home?
Yes, marginally higher on the initial capital costs, but, it is a recorded fact that Fox Blocks high performance homes out perform in comfort and operating costs over a wood framed home. These creates monthly cost savings for the life cycle of the Fox Blocks home.
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.
Do ICFs promote mold or mildew growth?
EPS is an inert, organic material. It provides no nutritive value to plants, animals or micro-organisms. It will not rot and is highly resistant to mold and mildew.
What if my contractor doesn’t know how to build with it?
Fox Blocks offers the most comprehensive installer training in the industry. We can train your contractor or help you locate a trained installer in your area.
How are Fox Blocks green/environmentally friendly?
Fox Blocks contain a minimum of 40% recycled content by weight.
- Fox Blocks do not off-gas and are not manufactured using any gases that deplete the ozone or are harmful to the environment.
- Fox Blocks require low embodied energy to manufacture.
- Fox Blocks do not contain any materials, that promote mold or mildew growth.
- Fox Blocks are an efficient construction method thereby reducing the amount of construction waste, dust and air pollution in the building process.
- Building with Fox Blocks will save on heating and cooling costs because less air is exchanged between the outside and inside of your home. This also means a smaller more efficient HVAC unit is required for the home.
- Fox Blocks are sustainable. They will not rot or deteriorate for the life of your home.
- Fox Blocks provide a secure, durable, comfortable, long lasting building
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.
Does the Fox Blocks contain recycled materials?
The plastic webs in Fox Blocks forms are 100% recycled postindustrial polypropylene. The EPS insulation is virgin material. Recycled content for an ICF block is measured by weight. The recycled content by weight of a standard 6″ Fox Blocks form — 48%.
What is the difference between Fox Blocks ICFs and the competitors, and why are Fox Blocks ICFs better? Why should I use Fox Blocks ICFs?
Most ICF blocks share common features and benefits. Fox Blocks, as a company, provides 30 years’ experience in product development, documentation, testing and training, as well as versatility in the line of products to meet all applications. The key difference comes in the expertise and support you get from Fox Blocks. Fox Blocks is the leader in insulating concrete form construction – proven in over 100,000 commercial and residential projects across North America. Extensive resources and support systems are available to ensure your project’s success from start to finish. Please visit our website www.Fox Blocks.com to review our project gallery and find more detailed documentation on the products and the applications. Fox Blocks also provides a toll free number for Customer and Technical Support 877−369−2562.
How do I protect the ICFs below grade?
All ICF walls below grade, that have habitable space on one side (basement), must have a waterproofing / dampproofing membrane installed. For walls that do not have habitable space on one side (crawl space, frost walls, etc.) the EPS can be left exposed to the earth. The EPS will not deteriorate when exposed to the earth.
Can I install a 16' garage door and / or large openings in a concrete wall?
Yes, if the following criteria is available for the design of a concrete lintel (beam) over the opening – concrete lintel depth minimum 16″ (400 mm) or more with no point loads. Larger openings would require an engineered design.