Although it looks new and different, anyone with construction or a good base knowledge of DIY experience can quickly get up to grips with ICF systems. Idealy you need amongst yourselves a mix of concrete placement and carpentry experience. Once the crew has some practice, each ICF-built home requires less skilled labor and less total labor than a wood-framed home. ICFs are very lightweight, so crews stay fresh throughout the day. Likewise, ICFs present no problem for the sub-contractors arriving after the walls are poured. Since holes, chases and rectangles are easily cut into ICFs with a knife or saw, installation of mechanical systems is easy. The fastening of drywall and lap siding is just as fast and easy. And mid-course corrections, such as moving an opening, are no big deal - just saw it out and re-form. It's not more difficult to make changes to an ICF wall - it's just different. |
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ICF homes can be designed in any style, and will accept any traditional exterior finish including vinyl or wood siding, stucco and brick. Because custom angles and curves are easily created, it's simple to build in bows, bays and radiuses. And ICF systems accommodate any of today's most popular design features, such as tall walls, large openings, long floor spans, and cathedral ceilings. |
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Originally developed in Canada (where concrete home building is standard) ICF systems have been used successfully around the world for more than 40 years. Tens of thousands of ICF homes have been built in recent years throughout the United States and Canada. They have proven successful in every region and climate, from Orlando to Calgary. ICF systems are accepted by all the major model codes in the U.S. and by the National Building Codes in Canada. Several major european countries are now building with this system on a massive scale. It is recognised in Spain and most of europe and passes all necessary regulations. |
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Here's a quick overview of the various processes involved in building a structure using the ICF Building Methods.
Slab Detail
The slab detail is site specific. Strip Foundations can be used or you can use ICF to bring your structure out of the ground The one shown below is rebated.
Check Dimensions
When designing with ICF it makes sense work in a 50mm module
Set out first four homes and fit supports.
First Four Levelled
Build three high, level and set out for ops
Up To First Floor
Support all Lintols at window openings by propping with 4x2. This is very important and time must be taken to do it right.
Three of the first four ready to line out/ view of DPC
Ready To Pour
Before pouring make sure all stopends at door and window openings are in place and shutter is well sealed and supported.
Lined and lintils supported ready to pour concrete.
Concrete Onsite
Start pouring concrete at one corner and continue working round the shutter. Fill about 1 metre in depth, then start the process again and continue until you have reached floor height.
Three units poured to first floor in one day
Concrete Spec
Always work in teams of two when pouring concrete, with one controlling the pour while the other comes behind making sure the shutter is well filled to ensure no voids form. Leave adequate time for placement of concrete.
C25 _ 10mm chip _ with 75 to 100 slump
Poured and Ready for Floor Slab
Always level and smooth concrete at top of shutter to ease placement of floor units and continuation of build.
Poured and lined through ready for floor slab
Radon Applied
Radon barrier is fitted and concrete floor units arrive on site. The units used onsite give a 9.2 meter free span. Allowing for maximum usage of floor area.
Flooring Units Onsite
Concrete flooring units are placed. At this stage you will notice that the under floor heating is in place as sub trades move in and take advantage of ICF's speed of construction.
Flooring Units Installed
With flooring units installed the structure is built to wall plate level ready for the POD installation and roofing.
