Insulated Concrete Forms ICF Assembly Time Lapse

[hWFrances925]

nice vid

[wetweasel56]

There is something very wrong here! These are supposed to be Mexicans that are doing the jobs Americans won't do! WTF!

Great work!

[bacso76]

I've built homes using regular dimensional lumber (for foundation) forming and ICF from footings to soffit. The reg forming is much more forgiving and stonger when pouring. But with a properly trained crew, ICF leaves it in the dust. Its faster to install, and very little teardown after the pour. It's studded every eight inches and has "backing' everywhere. So you dont need to land drywall edges on the "studs". Best part is, you have a CONCRETE HOUSE! Did anybody read the three little pigs?

[farstarfilm]

ICFbuildings, this ia alternative to stick homes? how do you handle electrical, outlets and piping, HVAC, etc. and how can you hang drywall w/o studs and what type of exterior bearriers do you use on this product can the whole house be done in ICF?

[ICFbuildings]

Yes, it can be used as an alternative to framed walls. It makes the most sense for exterior walls (where the insulation helps most), but also as firewalls e.g. between duplex units.

Most electrical and plumbing is set into chases cut into the foam after the concrete has set. Electrical boxes, supply lines, and drain lines are affixed directly to the concrete after cutting the foam away. Electrical conduit and some plumbing can also be placed within the wall cavity prior to concrete placement.

[ICFbuildings]

Drywall is fastened to the Plastic Ties within the foam with drywall / gypsum screws. An EPS compatible adhesive may be used in addition.

For basements, water-proofing or damp-proofing with peel & stick membranes and/or drainage boards is recommended. Follow all other accepted methods for water management.

Above-grade, ICF walls don't need vapor barriers because they're 'High Mass' walls (unlike framed walls). The solid concrete is a barrier against air-borne moisture and air infiltration.

[ICFbuildings]

How are exterior finishes attached?

Stucco (acrylic or cementitious) is adhered directly to the foam after rasping it. Wood, vinyl or metal cladding is mechanically fastened to plastic ties or, if needed, to optional continuous fastening strips within the insulation. Stone and brick are attached according to design specifications (e.g. with brick ledges and brick ties).

[smokemansmoker]

Is there a height limit? 16ft+ do-able?

[ICFbuildings]

There really is no height limit for the final structure - it's all in the engineering of the reinforced concrete. Usually you build one storey at a time, which is filled with concrete in multiple "lifts" in a continuous pour; after a certain time (for concrete curing) you can proceed with the next storey.

Though the manufacturer cannot recommend it, very experienced crews have poured 16 and 20+ foot tall walls in one continuous pour without problems.

[kakasanti]

@ICFbuildings " Though the manufacturer cannot recommend it, very experienced crews have poured 16 and 20+ foot tall walls in one continuous pour without problems. "

With no chance of air pockets? Does that happen sometimes and what do you do to prevent it ?

Another question, Upper Floors and Rooftops are constructed using traditional methods or ICF ?

How flexible is Quad-Lock when it comes to wall thickness and would it depend on the height of the wall being built?

Thanks in advance.

[ICFbuildings]

Each successive lift is roughly 2-4' in height and consolidation of each lift with a small-diameter mechanical vibrator is recommended to take out "voids". Best is to hire an experienced contractor...

ICFs are a no-brainer for finished basements (compared it to equivalent conventional methods, ie with insulation and framing included).

ICFs also make a lot of sense for exterior walls above-grade, although at higher upfront costs (energy savings usually pay for it in 5-10 years).

[ICFbuildings]

Roofs can be conventional or also ICF (Quad-Deck).

In severe storms, the roof often is the weakest link so a concrete roof makes sense to complete the entire building envelope with concrete. In such a "bunker", the windows and doors become the weakest links - hopefully with much less damage from a blown out window than a missing roof.

Quad-Lock can be built in many wall and insulation thicknesses - local building codes prescribe the concrete thicknesses (e.g. basements are often 8").

[dannycarl]

roughly what is the size foundation and cost of the icfs? and the finished price of the foundation?

[ICFbuildings]

Installed costs vary widely depending on local costs for concrete, rebar, labor etc. and building codes (e.g. soil conditions, seismic zone, waterproofing). For basements that are to be finished, ICFs often cost less than the COMBINED costs of comparable conventional (poured walls + wood studding + insulation). Installed costs of simple ICF basements can range from $11-$20+ per sqft ICF wall area (does not include excavation, footings, slab, finishes etc); wall area=total linear feet * height

[WilliamEGD]

awesome, I'm thinking of using Styrofoam concrete forms to create a flotation tank. I think it will work quite well because of the great insulation although I'd love to hear your opinion on the stability it would have once I fill the tank with water.

[ICFbuildings]

Yes, Quad-Lock ICFs are often used for Pools and Water Tanks - the stability all comes from the reinforced concrete with your choice of thickness to meet your needs. Any structural engineer can quickly determine what's needed depending on the circumstances (neglect the Expanded Polystyrene in any structural considerations).

[qwertywxyz]

Building of the future. Finally a solution to the over priced toxic treated sawdust and vinyl garabage put together with glue.

[quirizinho]

nice

[funkster22657]

icfs are cool -who cares how to do radius in construction just use something else in that one spot if it works for ya

[alofano]

What is the thickness of the concrete, excluding the foam ?

[ICFbuildings]

There are two nominal concrete thicknesses used on this job: 10" (green ties) and 8" (yellow ties) - you can also do 4", 6", 12", 14" and even more with an 'Extender' tie...

[elpts13]

Vientos!!!! Es muy interesante ver que los metodos de construccion tradicionales se estan quedando en el pasado.

This video is fantastic.!!!

[Lotum4n]

If you have a blowout during a pour is this easily fixed and how ?

[ICFbuildings]

Quad-Lock's quality system (ISO 9001 certified) is meant to minimize the likelihood of blowouts, but when it happens (usually due to mistakes in installation or excessive slump of the concrete) a pair of plywood boards can be attached to the affected area - the plywood forms are held together with bolts & threaded metal rods through the concrete cavity (like conventional ties). Keep those materials handy for any pour!

[klitovillegas]

jajajajajajajajaja demasiado increíble¡¡¡

[contractorpete]

Wheres the rebar??

[ICFbuildings]

Though barely visible in this time-lapse, corner brackets and rebar were installed (this concrete basement was in Michigan, so very little rebar was needed per building code).

[myndenway]

What about round shapes? How do you make a cement ceiling in a two story construction?

[ICFbuildings]

You can score Quad-Lock ICF panels to allow bending them into the desired radius. Most ICFs can be relatively easily shaped into radius walls, angles, T-walls, etc.

A number of products apply the same Insulated Concrete Form concept to concrete 'ceilings' ("suspended concrete slabs" in construction jargon): e.g. see Quad-Deck

[russellsanderson]

icf's are amazing. we have been building with them for a little over three years now, and i never cease to be amazed with their efficiency, ease of use, and outstanding durability. they are like legos for big kids!