Can you build and pour concrete in cold weather?
Yes. The forms insulate the concrete and enhance the curing process. The top of the forms, or exposed concrete areas will need to be covered, temporarily, with insulation to prevent the exposed concrete from freezing. Fox Blocks projects can be constructed any time of the year, no delays for cold weather.
Does the EPS provide support for a wood sill plate?
No, the EPS has no structural capacity to support any loads. Wood sill plates must achieve the required bearing from the concrete within the ICF. A wood plate that cantilevers 1⁄3 over the EPS and bears 2⁄3 on the concrete is allowable. This can be done with a minimum 2 x 6 plate. If a 2 x 4 plate is required, a taper top form should be used to extend the concrete under the plate.
Is the Fox Blocks product rated by ‘Energy Star’?
Energy Star does not evaluate or rate insulation products. Every Fox Blocks home when tested by an Energy Rater, can meet and exceed the Energy Star home standards and achieve a 5 Star rating and a ‘HERS’ score well below the minimum Energy Star requirement of 85, or in Canada, higher than an EnerGuide rating of 80.
Does EPS ‘off gas’?
EPS does not off-gas. Fox Blocks forms do not and never have contained any CFC or HCFC products. The forms are made by a steam process that utilizes ‘pentene gas’ as a blowing agent. The blowing agent dissipates from the product within 48 hours of manufacturing. Fox Blocks forms are odorless, do not deteriorate, and do not off gas.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Is an ICF house faster to build?
The assembly and placement of concrete may take the same time as to build with conventional methods. The advantage with Fox Blocks is that the walls are now insulated, have a vapor and air barrier installed and are ready for finishes once the windows and roof are installed. These benefits will save weeks and/or months depending on the size of the projects.