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.
What exterior finishes can be used on an ICF?
Fox Blocks are compatible with all exterior finish materials and systems – siding, stucco, masonry veneer, simulated stone, etc. The attachment of certain exterior finishing systems is recommended with exterior grade screws fastened into the exposed or concealed webs.
How do I apply an acrylic stucco finish to an ICF?
Acrylic stucco is a thin coat finish which can be directly applied to the EPS insulation on the exterior face of the ICF. Fox Blocks provides a continuous EPS surface conducive for the application of acrylic stucco. All acrylic stucco manufactures are familiar with ICFs as a substrate and each have their recommendations for application over ICFs. Note there is a difference in the installation procedures between acrylic stucco and traditional stucco.
How do I apply traditional stucco to an ICF?
Traditional stucco has a thick cementitious base, typically installed over a metal lath. The metal lath is fastened directly to the Fox Blocks webs with screw or staples.
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.
Do I have to finish my basement walls with drywall?
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. If the basement is classified as habitable space, then gypsum board must be applied but does have to taped and filled. Check with your local building official.
Can masonry be installed on the exterior walls?
Yes, Fox Blocks has a brick ledge form and the xLerator ledge reinforcement that is designed to support masonry. Fox blocks also has a tieKey accessory which is a specifically made as a masonry tie, to be inserted through the form into the concrete.
Growing ICF Awareness
Anybody that knows ICF has said or heard the same thing. “What a great way to build-why don’t we see it going up everywhere?”
How to Cut the EPS Fox Buck
This video covers several different ways to cut the Fox Buck for your next insulated concrete form project.