Is an ICF home quieter than a stick framed home?
Absolutely. The exterior walls are two layers of continuous insulation, the density of solid concrete and a layer of ½” gypsum board on the inside all contribute to superior sound suppression of STC 50 for the whole building envelope. Note: A wood frame system of equivalent STC rating would be 2 x 4 studs spaced 16˝ o/c, with 3½˝ absorptive material, 1 layer of 5 /8˝ Type X gypsum board on resilient channels spaced 16˝ o/c, and 2 layers of 5 /8˝ Type X gypsum board on the other side. (Courtesy of 1995 NBCC Section A9.10.3.1 Wall #W5a)
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 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.
Contact
Do ICFs promote mold or mildew growth?
EPS is an inert, organic material. It provides no nutritive value to plants, animals or micro-organisms. It will not rot and is highly resistant to mold and mildew.
Order Samples
Detail Library
Is EPS the same as XPS?
No, these insulation products are quite different. EPS is closed cell expanded polystyrene, while XPS is a closed cell extruded polystyrene. The properties, applications and costs of each are quite different. The majority of ICFs are manufactured with EPS.
Are there different types of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)?
EPS is listed basically under four property classifications – Type I, II, III and IV. The characteristics are based on the density of the molded foam which defines the product type. Fox Blocks ICFs are manufactured as a Type II EPS with a density of approximately 1.5 pounds per cubic foot.