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.
What do termites do to the foam?
EPS provides no nutrient value and is not a food source for termites. If left exposed, termites may tunnel into the foam in search of fibrous food. When building, in a heavy termite infestation area, care is required in the detailing and construction of the walls that will be in contact with ground, to prevent access to the foam for termites.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.