10 Reasons to Design with ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms)

Рет қаралды 106,324

Күн бұрын

When thinking and planning your next home or construction project, keep in mind that if you design with ICF, any design element is possible WITHOUT the loss of insulation value. That is huge! All the architecture you want, the structure you need and no compromise in regards to energy efficiency. Check out this amazing home we built and most of the reasons for this video are elements of its construction.
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I'm Kody Horvey, owner of Up To Kode; a full service carpentry, contracting and consulting company that proudly serves Red Deer and all of Central Alberta.
We are committed to being Central Alberta’s most sustainable and energy efficient builder with a strong focus on quality and innovation.
Our vision is to continually implement and increase the use of high efficient building practices and products to create sustainable, multi generation structures.
Here on KZfaq, we hope to share our work, get you inspired, and give you the knowledge to plan and execute your own projects.
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Пікірлер: 287

@ericsyre9418 4 жыл бұрын

Best video on ICF I've watched so far. Straight and to the point. Thanks!

@noproblem2big337 5 жыл бұрын

Another great video showing how ICF is just a superior product when it comes to building your home, and well explained for the not so technically minded.

@uptokode 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you !

@heyerstandards 5 жыл бұрын

I'm looking forward to designing a smaller, simple, cozy house with ICF.

@uptokode 5 жыл бұрын

That’s what I love about it. You can go modest and functional or big and elaborate.

@nextpatch1.18 4 жыл бұрын

Me too!! Cob/ICF

@RealityUntold 3 жыл бұрын

Same! I’m looking to build a 600 sq ft home.

@aaronsalvesen4553 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant! Love the corner windows! Love the Parallel ceiling to window lines! Love the space under the garage! Love the efficiency!

@saulflores8050 3 жыл бұрын

Would I need to find an architect that specializes in ICF to properly design an ICF home? I know it would be important for the builder to be proficient with actual building an ICF home.

@KelisnotaLibthankGod 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for not putting music on this video!👍🏼 Excellent Information Kody!👌🏻

@ToIsleOfView 6 ай бұрын

Thank you. You hit all the pros&cons for comparison to wood frame.I love the idea of creating better insulated corner windows and large beams.

@uptokode 5 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@mikemillken2874 4 жыл бұрын

Love how you bucked the corner windows. I was about to ask about suspended beams over NanoWall or massive sliding/ accordion glass doors, then you answered. Thanks for informative video! You know your stuff. This old carpenter will soon be building a mountain fortress near Pueblo, Colorado, if you can recommend any good guys in that area, would be helpful. Thanks Mike

@stephentaylor9366 3 жыл бұрын

Kody, I have stacked walls from the basement, installed the floor joist hangers in the blocks, then braced underneath each hanger with 2x4 of 2x6’s, set the floor joists in-place, then laid plywood down an the floor above, and walked around on the first floor as I poured the basement walls. No Scaffolding needed to pour any exterior walls! Inside the top of the basement wall, we inserted a 4x4 down into the wet concrete creating a “keyway” that will accept concrete from the next pour. Inside the cavity, we insert #5 rebars extended above the top of the pour to aid in the keyways bonding strength. This process can be repeated to the next floors. I built many very large houses this way, and saved a ton of labor and $$ for the customer and me. I really like the way you explain the entire process.

@uptokode 3 жыл бұрын

Very interesting ! I could see that being an advantage for time. Wonder if I would be brave enough to try it.

@pinalazara5689 5 жыл бұрын

Another great video! Up to Kode. Never disappointing! That's all I hear about him!

@uptokode 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Pina! Leave it...Up To Kode.

@davidkuhnert7511 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Kody for this video on ICF, Here in Australia I have not seen a blower door yet . We only build i ICF & our ICF floor & roof is called ESKYDECK by ECO ICF BUILDERS & SUPPLIES Design by David Wester from Canada .

@user-yv9om5nq1d 5 жыл бұрын

Amazing!

@drbbhiggins 4 жыл бұрын

Great video. Such a better system and far stronger too.

@nirpy 5 жыл бұрын

"You can add exterior insulation to a wood frame... But I call it polishing a turd" Yup That was a solid 10 list. I really liked the triangle windows matching the roof pitch with the ICF rake wall with parallel cord trusses. Clean efficient lines. Cantilevered corner windows always a show. But those exterior/interior ICF beams in the first floor ceiling is the real kicker! Your insulated slab connection on past video was cool too. The problem with doing sweet work is that most cannot afford themselves, at least not at their potential. I've been enjoying your videos for a long time, from ICF to Ikea cabinets to drywall finishing. Keep em coming, thanks for putting these videos out. They've definitely gotten better over the years. Video request for roof details that y'all like. ICF window detailing. And also, general (not ICF specific) architectural features that y'all like. Thanks, and tell your dudes good work.

@uptokode 5 жыл бұрын

I really appreciate everything you said! The video ideas are great and I have lots of ideas so they will keep getting rolled out.

@travisburch4342 3 жыл бұрын

@@uptokode I'll second ICF window detailing (if you haven't done that yet)!

@onjofilms 3 жыл бұрын

I'm sure ICF's are on par with wood prices today, so an even easier sell. Another major point for ICF's is no off-gasing, no VOC's.

@EssentialMountainHomesteading 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome video, please keep them coming!

@uptokode 5 жыл бұрын

I’ll make so many ICF videos that people will be sick of hearing me talk about it. Haha.

@jaybloggs8699 5 жыл бұрын

Another great informative video Kody! And great to break down all those benefits so even a layperson can follow. Thats one of the biggest and most complex ICF houses i've seen in a long time, with your skill and knowledge you make it look easy... and the walls all look so square/plum! Have saved this, not for myself but some friends I have recommended ICF too here Down Under... Hopefully you will bring as back for a tour of the finished product. Those ACH figures you are getting are amazing...

@uptokode 5 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that Jay!! The ICF was quite difficult to keep accurate and it took a long time but man it’s an impressive building! Definitely didn’t beat any speed records on this one. My philosophy, when building something permanent maybe it’s a good idea to do it really well the first time. There’s isn’t a 2nd chance.

@uptokode 5 жыл бұрын

And credit goes to my foreman Mike and my crew. Fantastic guys! Great forethought and attention to the details. It’s all then. I’m just the face.

@Himothy_da1st 4 жыл бұрын

No better way to build!! The level of quality is unmatched you can't find better than this.

@stipcrane 3 жыл бұрын

You do great work! The two people I know with ICF houses have walls out of plumb, and that is permanent. But no one would know unless they were told. The ACH figures you get are incredible! I've never got below 2.4 ACH with wood framing. Our new state energy code gives points for low air charge figures, so ICFs are looking good. But you've still got to be prudent with penetrations in the floor and ceiling-that's about 75% of the surface area of the walls.

@uptokode 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I have found it’s not that hard to get ICF air tight. We went back to a house 3 years after we built it and it came in at 0.42ACH. Didn’t have to do much more than a very solid vapour barrier in the basement slab and the ceiling.

@Real_Tech_Skills 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent presentation with solid information!

@uptokode 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@pwashcroft 4 жыл бұрын

This is really great. I hear in northern Canada ICF is the new norm. The U.S. is slow to adopt. I'm hoping you have a video showing how your joists are attached to the wall.

@stephenlacher587 4 жыл бұрын

Great point on the corner window. Lots of applications with same idea.

@TrophyT08 4 жыл бұрын

Point 10 is why I'm interested in ICF. Thank you for giving your builder perspective and showing ACH values from your past builds!

@uptokode 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and for saying that. Glad people are paying attention to the ACH values.

@arcitore 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent video, really well explained.

@stevep3796 5 жыл бұрын

Come to California man....just can't get anyone to do this without it being considered "ultra premium" along with the ultra premium price tag.

@uptokode 5 жыл бұрын

That’s a shame. Same goes here in Canada.

@jaybloggs8699 5 жыл бұрын

lack of knowledge from the tradies/not willing to try something different other than stick build or masonry... Crazy, when every few years they are updating the codes to be more efficient etc, but still relying on same methods of construction, just added costs with more materials (infills/insulation etc) to make code. And I visit the State home shows every couple of years here in Australia... lucky to see one ICF vendor there, same goes for double glazing.... !

@uptokode 5 жыл бұрын

I couldn’t agree more! It is quite frustrating. Everything you said is something I want to make a video about.

@ck6196 4 жыл бұрын

@@uptokode Could you recommend a builder / designer for a Care Home and Garden project in Nova Scotia Canada?

@ericsyre9418 4 жыл бұрын

@@uptokode I am in Quebec and very few contractor like the idea of working with ICF. I guess I'll have to learn and do it myself.

@mcortes2733 4 жыл бұрын

You have sold me. When I build it'll be ICF. I knew about the R-value but it never dawned on me ICF construction was also airtight.

@devonhavenaar7378 4 жыл бұрын

Hi kody, thanks for these videos they are great. I noticed on the stand outs of the first floor on the house you were showing... what are you using as a sill plate for trusses to go on? Looks like you had tape over each fastener? Any info or a video on that would be awesome!

@uptokode 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Devon, we use LVL for top plate. Doesn’t cup like dimensional lumber. 1 3/4” thick and we like to inset our anchor bolts so it’s easier to land trusses. Not sure what the tape was. Hope that helps.

@davidthayer6969 4 жыл бұрын

In april of 2019, we sold a 2000 sft NORMAL home and bought a 4000 sft ICF home, sorry for my ignorance but I knew NOTHING about this type of construction...…..I must say it is simply amazing......our utility bills this summer were LESS for a house twice the size of our old one...…..I cannot say enough good about ICF construction.

@the808rambla5 4 жыл бұрын

Building here in Hawaii no one worries much about r value as the temps pretty much stay the same all year, which unfortunately doesn’t give us builders much opportunity to try technology’s such as this. Very interesting and informative. Much thanks

@786otto 4 жыл бұрын

Think you getting some serious storms there, so ICF house would be great build there.

@uptokode 4 жыл бұрын

I agree with you.

@uptokode 4 жыл бұрын

I agree with the other comment about being storm proof. You wouldn’t need ICF for temperature control but it’s the only true monolithic system that can withstand high winds.

@alejandrovanags4948 3 жыл бұрын

Great video on ICF.

@devore1776 4 жыл бұрын

Nice job!

@786otto 4 жыл бұрын

Only thing is missing with that window opening is bend triple glazed window glass. Nice job with ICF,s, great advice.

@uptokode 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

@lukewarm2075 5 жыл бұрын

Mate I love your Icf videos I'm a icf fanboy

@uptokode 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Luke. I appreciate the support

@mainlawcafewv7681 4 жыл бұрын

That's a cool way to build a house.

@martinsinclair55 2 жыл бұрын

Good video. For a ICF garage/shop, have you come up with a better garage door for insulating and air exchange properties?

@icfhomesofvirginiallc1248 4 жыл бұрын

Great video guys, well done! Do you ever use EPS bucks?

@salimsopari 4 жыл бұрын

Very informative video thanks Kode

@UncleFjester 4 жыл бұрын

I'm looking next week at buying a home that is ICF, this help answer a lot of questions. But how do you run wiring in the walls?

@tomtillman 4 жыл бұрын

you use an electric chain saw and cut trenches.

@davidgoodwin2500 3 жыл бұрын

You make a great video. I planning of having a ICF house built I bought one in Northern BC but had to sell due to relocation after only 10 months it had 3 levels and after 10 homes it was the best. I am planning of having a ICF house built, I have been looking for a contractor for a few weeks now and that seems to be a challenge. The plans I have one exterior vaulted wall/ ceiling; I was willing to go wood frame on the gabriel end but after your analysis I want ICF, also the designer wanted a engineer beam in the basement garage 17' 6 inches but can that be incorporated in the wall above?

@stephengreenmusic 3 жыл бұрын

We're in the midst of an ICF build with a GC. We do have a vaulted/cathedral ceiling in the plan for the living room. What are you doing in these sections to maximize energy efficiency. Didn't know much about this when we had our plans designed, and concerned about best way to get best value insulation in this section seeing as the rest of the home will be so efficient. Writing from Eastern Canada. Great channel!

@Albert-fe8jx 5 жыл бұрын

Please do a heated flooring video design considerations. at 11:00 frame of heated flooring. Great content. Thank you.

@uptokode 5 жыл бұрын

I’ve added this to the list of videos to make. Thanks for the idea.

@MrSignSolutions 4 жыл бұрын

Kode, just studying this ICF system. I may not build our additions as elaborate as you have shown, but there are a lot of cool details I will try to use. The corner windows, the angled gable ends double to support the roof trusses. If I get the nerve to put in a suspended ICF floor that would be awesome. Any thoughts on termites using the insulation for nesting ? I have a house on well and septic, as well as close to a pond and creek so, we try not to use insect chemicals and probably cannot treat the actual ground because of the water,water tables.

@uptokode 4 жыл бұрын

I’m not sure about the termites unfortunately. As for what features to utilize, whatever makes the most sense to you. Video shows most just to give ideas

@dormer8693 5 жыл бұрын

Great videos Kody. Do you always brace most (?) of the joints with timber? Also can you show us how you detail the waterproofing of the openings.

@uptokode 5 жыл бұрын

I have a video coming out any day with how to install and detail a window into an ICF wall. Stay tuned for that.

@uptokode 5 жыл бұрын

As for bracing. Depends on the situation. This house, the customer thought he wanted metal siding so we installed 1x4 strapping as we went along. Since then he changed his mind so off comes the 1x4. There are many situations where we need scabs to brace a joint in the block. That will have to be a different video for a different day.

@geneduclos4003 Жыл бұрын

Kody, no matter how many time I watch this video I always get more beneficial information. This is such a great video. Question? At 6:50, it looks like you point to the bottom of the top chord to point out that that is where the wall stops. Is that the case, or does the wall stop at the top of the top chord. I cannot find any detail on the Nudura site that depicts this configuration. Thanks.

@JT_70 Жыл бұрын

Excellent video and info. Do you have a video showing how you attach the floor trusses and joists to the ICF on a multistory?

@uptokode Жыл бұрын

I plan on making new videos to cover new products and I do have videos on how to hang a floor to an ICF wall so you can check those out. 3 systems come to mine, Simpson ICF, Watkins hangers or Burmon. As for the roof or trusses. They typically get nailed down to an LVL top plate that is bolted to the concrete.

@dipeshbaid7217 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Kody, great video again. What are your thoughts on ICF vs composite ICFs? Which works better under which circumstances, do you think? Thanks!

@uptokode 3 жыл бұрын

Great question but unfortunately I am not familiar with the composite ICF at this time.

@sustainability8200 5 жыл бұрын

What are your thoughts on the many different types of ICF's out there? I like the "perfect block" brand, but still researching to figure out who and what type to go with.

@uptokode 5 жыл бұрын

Great question. It takes a long time to research them all, work with each one a few times and figure out the ultimate block. They are all great and of course ICF as a system is the best. I have a video on 5 reasons I like Nudura. Pretty good block and I’m happy with it. I’ve used Logix, it’s great too. I haven’t used them all so it’s hard for me to say. I don’t think one is an obvious better block than any other. All have small pros and cons. Hope that helps.

@woodyahh2110 3 жыл бұрын

What are your thoughts in using ICF in a tropical climate My concerns are getting rid of the moisture that is in the grout and all so removing the moisture in the air tight envelope

@drchamp1902 4 жыл бұрын

I've asked on your channel before. What lintel/header do you recommend for an 18 foot door opening in an ICF house. Would ICF poured header with rebar work?

@uptokode 4 жыл бұрын

Yes an ICF header would work best. Engineering depends on many factors. Try looking up the specs that almost every ICF company has available. Logix, Nudura, Fox, Amvic, Superform all have charts available to help with this question.

@jaysson1151 4 жыл бұрын

This is your best and most informative video yet and I’ve been following your channel for a couple years now. This is the best ICF construction KZfaq channel by far! Was that a gas fireplace or a wood burning fireplace? I’ve have an ever-evolving sketch of my own future ICF house on my laptop and one thing I’d like to have is real wood-burning fireplace since I never had one growing up in Arizona and technically still don’t need one here in southern Louisiana. I know there’s all kinds off flack about it on GBT about it defeating the purpose of a super tight home but I don’t care. How would you go about fitting a traditional Rumford fireplace and chimney in a thick ICF wall without sacrificing too much insulation, disrupting the design of the wall and taking up too much room? Google doesn’t give much because as I mentioned earlier, it only shows reasons NOT to build a fireplace on GBT.

@uptokode 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot Rick! Put a fireplace in if you want. With ICF you will get really hot in there because they are so efficient. You’re at least aware of it. If you can find a way to pull that hot air into the air return of a furnace then you can distribute that heat throughout the house. That would be great use of the fireplace. Email me if you have more questions. Find it on my website. www.uptokode.ca.

@jaysson1151 4 жыл бұрын

Kody Horvey oh yeah, no doubt about that. Especially with the efficiency of the ICF and the Rumford fireplace, they give off a lot of heat. I may end up not putting one in altogether because it’s just not needed down here in the Deep South. Just a heat pump is plenty for even a conventional production house since it rarely gets below freezing here. Efficiency and hurricanes is my reasoning for going ICF. Thanks for replying Kody. 👍👍

@mikegrant8031 4 жыл бұрын

How long do you let the first pour set before pouring the next level?

@jaybarnett1164 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video thx

@uptokode 2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome!

@haleybjelobrk2470 4 жыл бұрын

How much would a project like that cost (minus the land/lot cost). Looking for this in the midwest US.

@DHClapp 5 жыл бұрын

Important to note that the ACH50 score is indeed "air exchanges per hour", but at a 50Pa (50 pascal) pressure differential. Under normal conditions (i.e., there isn't a huge fan in the doorway pressurizing the house), the average pressure differential between the inside and outside of a house is a small fraction of 50Pa. This varies by location due to wind, climate, etc., but for example in Minnesota the "ACH natural" - the air exchanges per hour under normal circumstances - has been estimated to be about 1/17th of the ACH50, and in Florida it's more like 1/30th. So the graphic at 18:28 is a bit misleading. The ICF home used in the example probably actually loses between 6,894 and 12,112 cubic feet of air per day, not 205,920. If the HVAC system is measured and balanced after the house is complete, the pressure differential can be even lower, so the air lost per day can be even less. For further reading, see www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/blower-door-basics and en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blower_door -

@uptokode 5 жыл бұрын

I agree with you and of course am still learning more of the technical data. But I appreciate your words and appreciate the link. Cheers!

@dormer8693 5 жыл бұрын

Does this mean that you do not agree with Kody that this is a superior construction compared to timber frame?

@uptokode 5 жыл бұрын

I like this question!! Because after what was said above, an ICF home would lose literally zero air naturally!

@TheWillingCoyote 6 ай бұрын

Thanks again, as I recall watching this video years ago. I bought my land twenty years ago always with the hope of building an ICF home with internal post and beam structure, but would consider alternatives, including stick and ICF or precast flooring and roofing. One question on a detail... you just slip your floor joists @16:15 on the hangers. How are those hangers set into the wall? Pocket? Bolt? Who makes them?

@uptokode 5 ай бұрын

You can check out Watkins hangers. We used a Burmon hanger on the most recent house. Simpson has a system (not my favourite) or use old school anchor bolts and a ledger.

@Kson7491 4 жыл бұрын

Would love to see a build with an ICF roof as well. Installing a frame roof seems to go against the point of ICF to me. Great video!!

@uptokode 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Absolutely an ICF roof is the ultimate. In my area I have to stay competitive with the bare minimum builders so this is a good compromise. A wood truss can be anchored down to a 12” LVL which is substantially stronger that conventional connections, add some hurricane clips and away you go. Plus wood trusses allow for a ton of insulation with no major increase in cost. I love your idea but unfortunately budget is usually a factor, it it wasn’t I would be building some incredible things.

@Kson7491 4 жыл бұрын

@@uptokode Thanks so much Kody! I figured as much that it came down to cost. Being a FL resident I was curious. Hurricanes and Florida's extreme heat is my concern. Curious how involved adding an ICF roof would be and is it a huge difference in cost. Thanks for taking the time. I'm a huge fan of your channel. We are planning to build our next home with ICF. Keep rocking the videos out here! All the best!

@uptokode 4 жыл бұрын

Anytime! More videos to come when opportunity strikes.

@joshualruby 3 жыл бұрын

@@Kson7491 If you are in Florida and still looking to build, I would opt for a flat roof. Since you don’t have a snow load to consider a slope is unnecessary. I have done many many ICF floor decks in houses and it’s fairly simple. You pour the floor (or roof in your case) at the same time as the walls to form a monolithic shell. The walls are really straight in this application because the floor/roof diaphragm maintains the shape. While it is possible to shore pitched and vaulted roof systems, I wouldn’t see it as economically viable for most. If you’re one in position to say ‘best performance is what matters and money is available’ then it’s definitely doable, not crazy eccentric levels of cash or such needed to achieve a sloped system, but I have never done one due to most budget limitations. (Windows and ICF are where to spend the money, so definitely load the budget to that end.) Good luck!

@tysolomano5754 4 жыл бұрын

I’m building next year outside San Antonio, TX. Is ICF more expensive than traditional framing?

@robertdeuchar6199 4 жыл бұрын

for floors you can use hollow core concrete beams

@taniamoreno8972 2 жыл бұрын

Questions please: 1) Take longer to build 2) I would like radiant flooring can I still have with a 2 story house? 3) Can my inside walls be made out of wood? 4) Do I need extra insulation? 5) Any type of roof is ok? TIA! Great videos

@uptokode 2 жыл бұрын

Feel free to email me but I’ll still answer now. kody@uptokode.com -Time frame is about the same. We are picky with ICF so we might add 2 weeks to an entire build -Radiant heat can be used anywhere in an ICF home. Radiant to a wood floor has slow reaction and I wouldn’t recommend it. -Yes you can attach wood directly to the ICF with no poly or additional materials. Unless you want them installed vertically, then you need horizontal strapping.

@uptokode 2 жыл бұрын

4. You do NOT need extra insulation for the exterior walls. Only if you want to meet a higher spec in which I have videos on how to add R-value to ICF. Eg. Nudura XR35 block. Extra insulation and no extra labour. 5. Any type of roof system can be used. Best value is a truss roof. Inexpensive, easy to install and you can load them with blow in insulation and still have lots of ventilation.

@Dev_Everything 4 жыл бұрын

Great video but everything is another day. Today is the day!

@gmr4lfe Жыл бұрын

Im curious if you have any information on how ICF fair with finding the studs after drywall to maybe hang a cabinet or a tv

@NSResponder 2 жыл бұрын

The radiant heat tubing behind you is spread out way more than I'm used to seeing.

@R.L.Thomas 4 жыл бұрын

Where are you wood framing where the window headers are 2x longer than the actual window opening, and how does 3 ft of header on each side of the window help the opening?

@uptokode 4 жыл бұрын

That would be for a corner window unit where you need a cantilevered header.

@davidwooten3430 3 жыл бұрын

Does the foam product degrade over time?

@davez2989 4 жыл бұрын

How do you normally run electrical? What about plumbing? Also have you ever expanded or moved walls after the fact? I live in a ICF home sort of found it by mistake, but a lot of other things lead us to buy the home, but I have considered moving an exterior wall ... but all that I can think about is the epic amount of cutting that would be involved, also radiant heated floor also sounds like it would add to the complexity, I can see where a traditional wood home would make this change simpler.

@chrisE815 4 жыл бұрын

No clue how to move a wall. As for electrical, hot knives are used to cut out a channel for the wiring and recessing the electrical boxes. Similar things can be done with small diameter plumbing. You should be able to find KZfaq videos on it.

@justcraziii Жыл бұрын

You don't have to cut the interior insulation if your already running strapping for hanging drywall on. You'll want to run plumbing in channels cut out, it helps with sound deadening. Plumbing and electrical can also be run in the floor.

@ricknelson3607 4 жыл бұрын

I am looking at a Nudura ICF home build, that I do by myself. This is a retirement home for my wife and I. I am still trying to design the most efficient roof system. How it attaches to the walls is one of my big concerns. Do you have any recommendations? thanks

@DoLifeFamilyStyle 4 жыл бұрын

buildblock.com/products/builddeck-floor-roofing/

@NSResponder 2 жыл бұрын

Curious whether anyon'e's done ICF walls with a SIP roof. Should make for very rapid construction and extremely high insulation.

@jaypark7207 4 жыл бұрын

I'm thinking about ICF vs CMU. great channel!

@uptokode 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@uptokode 4 жыл бұрын

Please please don’t go CMU. Expensive in labour, no insulation value and not truly monolithic wall line ICF is.

@jaypark7207 4 жыл бұрын

@@uptokode Our dilemma is this. We are restricted to certain builders within a master planned community. Only one of them has done a handful of ICF homes in the past. Is it possible to subcontract to an experienced ICF builder to only do the exterior walls and have the rest of the build done by another builder not experienced with ICF?

@crosisofborg5524 4 жыл бұрын

Jay Park move. Never live under such restrictions. It’s slavery.

@otisd1985 3 жыл бұрын

I'm building an ICF home and I'm very curious how you built the 24' window in this house? I'm having a lot of trouble finding info or videos about building a widow like this. The commercial widow installers around me advise against it claiming that I won't be satisfied with IGUs and commercial mullions, but don't have any alternatives to suggest. Any help pointing me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

@uptokode 3 жыл бұрын

This window is 13’ wide and 24’ tall. It’s commercial grade with 2 inch wide mullions. Re-enforced to meet wind loads and engineered. Other than that do whatever YOU want. The ICF opening will never move or be affected by humidity or weather. Fully structural. If you need more info DM me on Instagram or email me. Check the description of ANY video for those links.

@wallpello_1534 5 жыл бұрын

When you pour those windows do you have a cold join halfway up the side. Or could you make a video on where to put your cold joints.

@wallpello_1534 5 жыл бұрын

Nevermind you just answered my question

@uptokode 5 жыл бұрын

If you want further details let me know. This house had some special cold joints in specific heights. Mostly if you can’t get a full lintel height in, then make the joint in the centre of a lintel where the load should be neutral. Loose rule of course and always consult an engineer. That 54” beam I mentioned. It has a cold joint down the centre.

@drchamp1902 4 жыл бұрын

Great channel, very informative. Great job

@R0yL33 4 жыл бұрын

So you're saying the span you had in the garage @11:15 could be supported with just concrete and rebar ?

@uptokode 4 жыл бұрын

Yes. I believe you can have a 28’ span with little issues meeting the strength. More span just means deeper beams.

@bennybodash855 4 жыл бұрын

How about ICF with steel framing?

@jameschupp2230 4 жыл бұрын

Another big Plus is: A lot More protection from Hurricanes or Tornadoes blowing your house down, because of the Mass Weight of the concrete walls. Siding or roofing may sometimes blow off some, but the house as a whole, is a lot safer with ICF.

@livedeliciously 4 жыл бұрын

What are the reasons to not go with a concrete roof besides price?

@ehhhhhhh682 5 жыл бұрын

I want to build my house (in texas, 36 x 36, no attic, no basement, concrete slab foundation) with ICF but I'm curious about vaulted/cathedral style ceilings, is it possible to have it ?... and is there other options to use besides drywall for the interior finish???

@uptokode 5 жыл бұрын

Yes of course you can have vaulted ceilings. If you do then similar to the ones in this video. Unless you’re referring to an ICF roof itself. That is way more technical.

@uptokode 5 жыл бұрын

You can do almost anything you want for an interior finish. Cedar tongue and groove. Pine. Metal cladding. Pretty much anything you can think of.

@frankmmiii 9 ай бұрын

Hey Kody, Do you know anyone who does ICF construction in Florida? I have land in St. Augustine and my wife and I want to build our retirement home there. I've been doing a lot of research from Steel Construction to SIP's to Prefab and Modular. After looking at ICF construction it makes sense in Florida, where there is heat and humidity and in St. Augustine it gets chilly in the winter, but maybe not as cold as it does here in NJ, and then there's the fear of hurricanes and structural damage from wind. So ICF makes sense. Thanks for the video and I subscribed to get more knowledge.

@uptokode 5 ай бұрын

I’m glad you noticed the benefits of ICF and thanks for the question. I’m way up here in Canada so don’t know any contractors for you. Check out Nudura.com to locate local representative OR find a local ICF distributor. That’s where to start. To ensure the right contractor call the local concrete pump companies…they see who’s good and who isn’t.

@davez2989 4 жыл бұрын

Have you ever built a larger shop - garage with ICF? I'm looking to build a 40 X 60 shop with 15 foot ceilings. I plan on heating in the winter to maybe to 50 - 60. tempted to do radiant floor, part of my debate is if the insulation and strength is worth the difference compared to building with wood, granted to get to 15 ish tall, I would need some stem walls. My other concern is pouring 15 foot in one go. Also what is the biggest lintel you have poured? initially I was thinking I would need a LVL above the garage doors, but seeing this video I'm thinking a properly enginered lintel would work well. Also do you know of any engineers in the US?

@uptokode 4 жыл бұрын

I priced an ICF shop vs a 2x8 stud wall shop on a concrete foundation. The ICF was 20% more. Now this was AFTER the 2x8 shop got blown down. Is it worth the price difference? I’m not totally sure. What I have learned recently is make sure you have a frost wall that goes 4’ below grade (ICF is ideal) and insulated under the slab. If you do slab on grade with no insulation to stop the frost from going underneath then you will be constantly heating the earth...all winter.

@uptokode 4 жыл бұрын

I think below grade insulation is just as important or more than the above grade walls. As for lintel. I’ve easily done 18’ long lintels. For engineer....any structural engineer can do the calculations. They just need to understand that it’s a concrete beam. Who cares if it has foam on either side. The calculations are easy for those who know it, just don’t get confused by the ICF aspect.

@noahbenmoshe5148 4 жыл бұрын

Or you can recommend company that work in the USA

@stevehinton5300 4 жыл бұрын

How much is a 4x8'x2.5" sheet ? And enough to cover a 40x60 floor? Thanks

@uptokode 4 жыл бұрын

Price of EPS foam? 2 1/2” thick will be at least $1.00 per square foot but depends on many factors.

@yuantronz45 5 жыл бұрын

I have yet to see you build an upper floor and roof with ICF...

@uptokode 5 жыл бұрын

Do you mean a suspended slab (aka Fortruss floor) ? No we haven’t had the opportunity to do one of those yet. Few people interested in the near future. And roofs with ICF are complex. I don’t know much about that yet.

@ToddBizCoach 2 жыл бұрын

What is the calculated man hours required to install a 9 foot high basement using ICF? I m assuming blocks are placed inside perimeter of foundation for assembly.. Also assuming two window openings and a door opening in a 30’ by 40’ foundation for. Home with walk out basement.

@uptokode 2 жыл бұрын

That’s tough to gauge. I always set and pour my frost walls for a walkout basement. Then a back fill that trench and then do the rest of my basement at one time. I would say about 200 man hours

@ToddBizCoach 2 жыл бұрын

@@uptokode I was referring to just erecting walls and installing rebar with inside supports of walls. Everything else is similar to what would be done with a poured basement right?

@lovejcdc 4 жыл бұрын

Why didn't you just use the quad lock system to pour the floor and be tied to the outside structure?

@djdiscoworm 4 жыл бұрын

particle board ?

@davidgoodwin5778 2 жыл бұрын

1 What is the span of the 54-inch beam? 2 Any comment......... Complete capsulation to use spray foam close cell for roof insulation; to the roof sheeting for an unvented roof in Canadian weather?

@uptokode 2 жыл бұрын

I would need to confirm off the prints but the one section is around 20 ft. For the attic insulation I much prefer batts with an air space above vs. spray foam to the u/s of sheeting. We had to do a vented ridge cap in order to vent properly. And there was a ton of room for insulation. 2 layers of R28 with joints staggered. Does this answer enough?

@davidgoodwin2500 2 жыл бұрын

@@uptokode Yes I appreciate your answer

@taniamoreno8972 2 жыл бұрын

Sorry one more question. 6) what type of outside face can I do? Stucco, shiplap, vinyl?

@uptokode 2 жыл бұрын

6. You can install any exterior cladding. Might take a phone call to work out the pro’s and con’s. Vinyl siding if you need to meet a budget otherwise any other cladding is possible.

@cornerstonecontractingserv5161 4 жыл бұрын

Great job , thanks for the education,

@uptokode 4 жыл бұрын

You bet! Thanks for watching

@doesntmatter3068 2 жыл бұрын

My wife and I will be retiring this year and moving to the Philippines. I have researched the hell out of this technique and I would like to use this when building our new house there. But I'm have trouble finding a supplier there. That sucks!!

@uptokode 2 жыл бұрын

Shoot! I hope you can find a source.

@richardheinen1126 4 жыл бұрын

Why are tall walls poured in segments? Why can’t you set up a 20’ wall and pour it? What is the maximum height you can pour?

@uptokode 4 жыл бұрын

Some guys will pour 20 ft heights. For me it’s too hard to vibrate and the concrete actually separates when it falls that far. Engineers really don’t like it. But it can be done, just not for me.

@stephentaylor9366 3 жыл бұрын

Richard and Kody. I developed a method to do this while building bridge abutments. I have poured concrete up to 30’ without voids. It’s really not expensive, and easy. Anyone can do it.

@dewholdingsllc1050 2 жыл бұрын

Which icf block brand do you prefer?

@uptokode 2 жыл бұрын

Nudura. It’s comes folded down so it saves tons of space. Interchangeable so less waste (install upside down or right side up and there only 1 type of corner). Each row snaps together via the ties. Less labour tying up and down.

@plow8200 5 жыл бұрын

I really love the information you offer through your videos. Do you have a Facebook Group or Page that I could ask further questions? I am mainly interested in what it takes to create a long open span for larger windows using ICFs. Thanks again!

@uptokode 5 жыл бұрын

You can email me but I am no engineer. Kody@uptokode.com. What I can say is don’t let people tell you it’s too hard to try to say there’s no information on it. Any half decent engineer will know they aren’t designing an ICF wall. They will simply design a lintel for a 6” or 8” concrete wall. Concrete should be simple for them to calculate is what I’m getting at. Make sure when they design the lintel that there’s enough room and concrete coverage over the stirrups. I’ve used a company called Alberta Wire Forming who can make any stirrup you need and it’s made from 1/4” wire which is very similar to 10mm rebar. It’s easier to work with and saves space in the wall.

@uptokode 5 жыл бұрын

And thanks for the compliment. Glad the videos are helpful

@mnoble247 2 жыл бұрын

Do the tall walls all get poured at once?

@uptokode 2 жыл бұрын

No. We pour about 9 to 11 feet at one time. The gables we 16’ tall and we did those in 1 shot but there’s not much concrete at the top 5 feet. Some guys will pour 15-20 foot height at once. I wouldn’t but that’s just me.

@johnathansmith3819 4 жыл бұрын

Although it looks clean and sturdy, is its structure 'flexible' enough to 'flex' with soil disturbances (read earth quakes)? How about swaying with forces? Thanks for info.

@uptokode 4 жыл бұрын

Most high rise building are constructed with cast-in-place concrete so I would say yes. Only difference with ICF is the foam is the form work and doesn’t get stripped afterward. As for the specifics on your question...I’m not an engineer so I can give you any solid answers.

@NikosSTD 4 жыл бұрын

Kody Horvey regarding earthquakes and icf: it responds really well due to its monolithic construction. I am Greek (Greece has high earthquake potential so all buildings are being built based on safety laws) and engineer: the only differences between this and a Greek icf house are: the foundation we use and the way we pour the floor slabs. We also use PVC (I think you call them Vinyl in the Americas) window frames. For further reading you can check on the sites of two construction companies that build with ICF (pls pm me if you want it)

@cesarbanta4333 3 жыл бұрын

Do you have a ceiling design for ICF Flat Roof?

@uptokode 3 жыл бұрын

I don’t but you can use the Fortruss suspended system by Logix and I know Quadlock has a system. I’m sure other manufacturers do too.

@ehabaiad 4 жыл бұрын

Love to build my house with ICF. But I was quoted $25 per sq ft of wall area. That includes the form, concrete and labor. the choice of ICF contractors is very limited here in Massachusetts. Is that a reasonable price for ICF walls?

@uptokode 4 жыл бұрын

It should be closer to $18. I’m not sure what concrete prices are in the United States either. Up here block is around 4.25/ sq ft and concrete is $220/ cubic meter.

@uptokode 4 жыл бұрын

In Canada is where we are. Alberta

@crosisofborg5524 4 жыл бұрын

Kody Horvey Jesus. So for my 20x40 2 storey house, without calculating the foundation / basement, it’s 48k to pour ICF walls. I can frame it with 2x6 walls, 5/8 ply wall sheathing, floor I-joists, 3/4 ply floor sheathing, roof trusses and roof sheathing for under 20k. The heating cost difference would take around 50 years to make ICF cost effective. Since I don’t even spend winters in Canada, well... I like concrete buildings but this is a hard pass.

@DoLifeFamilyStyle 4 жыл бұрын

3. Rich Demetrius - Mass Building Products 413-218-5471

@massimo187 3 жыл бұрын

i wonder , with the elavated cost of lumber these days , is if cheaper then building with lumber ?

@uptokode 3 жыл бұрын

I haven’t ran the math yet but I think you are right. Weigh in all the benefits and it’s no question that ICF should be the choice...even before lumber went up.

@gtiggsmusicstudent 4 жыл бұрын

is it possible to have this designed with concrete floors

@DoLifeFamilyStyle 4 жыл бұрын

buildblock.com/products/builddeck-floor-roofing/

@elizabethcoleman5729 3 жыл бұрын

Kody Horvey, I will use ICF on my new home ICF , Concrete Floor's, Concrete Roof 6 foot overhang , Basement 14' high x 40' Wide X 50' Long second ( 1st floor ) same steel/concrete beams with Concrete Roof sides will be 12' X 14' Glass triple glazed panels incased in aluminum frames, I do not want any post in the basement it must be clear space and the circle stars from basement to 1st floor. wish me luck.

@ScottyDMcom 3 жыл бұрын

Some thoughts: #1) The cost comparison is often made between code-compliant wood framing and ICF, and ICF comes out as more expensive. I think the cost comparison _should_ instead be made between Net Zero wood framing, with all the diddling around to get air-tightness and extra insulation, and ICF. ICF is probably quicker and may even be cheaper to build than double-wall framing or slabs of foil-faced poly-iso over framing. #2) You made the comment about the steel I-beam being an unfamiliar material and the hassle of attaching joist hangers to steel. Familiar vs unfamiliar is something we all struggle with, and we seldom even realize it. I had a concrete guy in my basement and he pointed out the screw adjust on my lally columns were extended too far, and that I wouldn't be able to get a permit to finish the basement until I fixed them. My temporary solution had been to put wood blocks at the tops of the columns. His suggestion was to cut holes in the floor around the base of the columns, build up a concrete layer on top of the footings, put the columns back, and then pour new floor around the columns. I later realized a third solution would be to saw the tops off the columns and weld in 4-inch pieces to lengthen the columns. As they say, "If the only tool you know how to use is a hammer, everything looks like a nail." #3) I'd like to see how you do gable-end overhangs with your ICF walls going up to the underside of the roof deck. Or do you stop the ICF gable-end wall 6 inches short of the roof deck?

@uptokode 3 жыл бұрын

Great comments! As for the gables, yes we drop them about 3 3/4” so we have a 2x4 lookout (on edge) to create the overhang but always keep the ICF on the lower side as it’s easier to shim them level than dado out the LVL top plate if the gable is too high.

@ScottyDMcom 3 жыл бұрын

@@uptokode, perfect. Thanks.

@ocean8434 3 жыл бұрын

Is there a way to find out if a builder of ICF homes is in an area? We are moving to the Hilton Head , SC . area from the west coast and would like to build an ICF home there.

@joemurphy4517 3 жыл бұрын

I'm about to build mine at the end of the year in Hardeeville. I'm doing an owner build. I don't know of any builders in the area that are doing icf. I'm sure they exist. Before I moved to LA I worked with some builder on the island and palmetto bluff. That was a decade ago. I'm excited to get back to the east coast. I use a great cabinet company on the island if you guys need a resource.