Element ICF is quickly becoming known as the new innovative hybrid ICF system with “all the features builders will love”.
Here’s seven of the key features that most builders are loving when they give Element their first test drive:
Reversible Interlock with Drainage Channels
Element’s interlock is 4-way reversible. This means that the 90-degree corner blocks can be used in both left and right orientations and far less waste is created when blocks and panels are cut on their horizontal cut lines and when they are cut to create gable walls.
The drainage channels allow any water in the interlock to drain to the outside, minimizing ice build up in colder conditions.
Zip Tabs
At both ends of every web is a zip tab, therefore each Element block has 24 zip tabs. These zip tabs clip into the opposing zip tabs in the blocks that are above and below – so that’s 24 points of contact that add significant form strength to that provided by the foam interlocks on the blocks.
Thus, the significant quantities of steel hooks and vinyl 24” zip ties that are typically used to reinforce older and weaker ICF systems are usually minimized or, in some cases, not needed at all with Element ICF!
Long, Strong, Over-Engineered 90-Degree Corner Blocks
Element’s 90-degree corners have 4 webs in the 38.5” long arm, 2 webs in the 22.5” short arm and a diagonal web in the corner itself. And if desired, a bridging flextie can be placed in the end locking slots of the diagonal webs, permanently locking the two 90-degree corner blocks together.
The strength of these 7 webs, amplified by the zip tab connections and the bridging flextie capability, means that installers will be supremely confident in the forming strength of these long, strong corner blocks.
As an example, an ICF system that offers a smaller and less reinforced 90-degree corner block strongly recommends that every corner form in the building be reinforced by 4 additional metal hooks. Over the course of a project, that’s a LOT of hooks for installers to have to deal with in order to compensate for this design weakness.
Thick And Sturdy Taper Tops
Some ICF brands offer taper top forms that are known to be thin, fragile and crumbly. This can lead to a lot of product damage in the dealer yards or on the job site.
Element’s thick and sturdy taper tops store well and perform exceedingly well on the job site.
Thicker 2.75” Foam Panels
Most ICFs offer foam panels with 2 ½” or 2 5/8” of foam. Element’s foam panels are a full 2 ¾”.
This extra foam thickness provides important additional forming strength for the builder at the time of install and then added R-value to the building owner over the lifetime of the building.
Embossed Horizontal Cut Lines Every 4”
No need to measure and draw cut lines for the very common 4” height increments. Element’s embossed horizontal cutlines save time and eliminate any room for error!
Continuous, Touching Webs
Element’s webs touch top to bottom. This means the Element ICF wall will not significantly settle or compress when the concrete is poured. This makes things a lot simpler when other wall systems are used in other parts of the building – it’s much easier to synchronize the wall heights.
