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.
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.
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.
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 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%.
How do you control voids in the wall?
The concrete mix is a high slump 5″- 6.5″ (125 mm – 165 mm) with a smaller aggregate size so the concrete flows easily. The person in charge of placing the concrete should watch the concrete flow throughout the whole wall to ensure there are no void pockets. Internal vibrating provides good consolidation, eliminating voids.