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.
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.
Is a vapor barrier required on the inside face of an ICF wall?
No. The characteristics of an ICF wall with the mass concrete and the EPS insulation provide the required vapor permeance to meet building code requirements as a vapor barrier.
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.
Does expanded polystyrene (EPS) present a serious fire hazard?
The EPS in an Fox Blocks has a flame retardant that allows the forms to be flame resistant. The EPS will melt when exposed to sustained temperatures over 300°F (149°C). The ignition point of the melted styrene is 600°F (315°C) (wood is approximately 500°F (260°C). Fox Blocks have been tested to meet the building code requirements for flame spread and smoke development, plus Fox Blocks may be used as fire resistant rated wall assemblies in schools and hospitals.
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.