What fasteners are recommended for ICFs?
Fox Blocks has conducted numerous fastener tests for pull-out strength and shear capacity for various fasteners – screws, ring shank nails and staples into the plastic webs. The recommendation for interior and exterior applications of finish materials is for the use of screws which provide the best holding capacity into the plastic webs or fastening strips in the forms which are identified on each block.
The EPS insulation does not provide any holding capacity for fasteners.
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 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.
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.
Is the Fox Blocks ICF product ‘LEED’ rated or certified?
Products are not rated or certified under the LEED program. The overall building is evaluated and assigned a LEED rating. In the selection of building materials for a LEED design, Fox Blocks have many benefits that can enable, enhance or directly contribute toward LEED points for the project.
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 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
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.
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.
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.