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.
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 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.
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.
Do ICFs require a special concrete mix design?
The concrete is normal strength, minimum 2500 psi (20 MPa) per building codes. The mix design specifies a smaller aggregate and higher slump than concrete typically used for floors. Most Ready-Mix suppliers are familiar with an ICF concrete mix design.
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.
Fox Blocks Wall Configurator User Guide
Building Stronger Hotels with ICF Blocks
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.
Sustainability is at Our Core
Our parent company, Airlite Plastics, creates plastic products for a variety of applications – so we have a constant supply of first-generation recycled material. And since it’s right here in our facilities, we work toward the smallest carbon footprint possible.