Keep It Simple with Element ICF
Whether you’re an experienced ICF crew, a contractor new to ICF, or a hands-on DIY builder, Element ICF® gives you the products, training, and support to install with confidence.
Here’s How Element ICF® Helps Installers
-
Build It Yourself
Build your own foundations, get control over your schedule, and eliminate sub-trades.
-
Grow Your Market
Add high-performance homes and buildings to your offerings and meet the needs of a growing market.
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A Leaner Crew
You’ll have the opportunity to have a smaller, more efficient crew and be better insulated from the chronic labor shortage.
Element ICF® vs Wood Frame
How a concrete-core home compares to conventional wood-framed construction across the things contractors notice most.
Element ICF figures from Logix Brands material data and third-party testing (MPDS, Technical Bulletin No. 3, Texas Tech / FAMU debris-impact studies). Wood-frame figures reflect typical North American residential construction. Download the full technical data sheet for assembly details and test reports.
How to Build with Element ICF
Building with Element ICF follows a simple step-by-step process from foundation to finish.
Prepare the Footings
Start with a solid foundation designed for accurate layout and faster wall installation.
Stack the ICF Forms
Lightweight forms stack quickly and lock together for efficient wall assembly.
Install Rebar & Reinforcement
Reinforce the structure with engineered steel placement for lasting strength and stability.
Brace and Align the Walls
Secure and straighten walls before the pour for a smoother build and better finish quality.
Pour the Concrete
Create a durable reinforced concrete core with confidence in every pour.
Waterproof the Foundation
Protect below-grade walls from moisture while supporting long-term building durability.
Backfill the Site
Move the project forward with a strong, protected foundation ready for the next phase.
Install Floors & Roof
Tie the structure together with secure connections for a complete building envelope.
Finish Interior & Exterior
Integrated fastening strips simplify cladding and interior finish installation.
Element ICF is a true 6-in-1 wall system — six wall components in a single pour:
- Structure
- Insulation
- Fastening
- Air Barrier
- Vapor Barrier
- Sound Control
Let’s Get Started
Tell us who you are and who’s installing the ICF. We’ll show you exactly what you need to know and the right next steps.
Pro Contractor · New to ICF
You’re installing the Element ICF yourself. Here’s your need-to-know roadmap.
Need To Know Facts
Crew Configuration
A typical residential ICF crew is 3–5 people. There should be at least one lead hand, preferably a trained carpenter — usually two crew members placing block and one placing rebar, with others moving block, assembling site-assembled block, installing bracing, and placing window bucks.
Have at least a crew of 5 on pour day: the lead hand watches the wall and pour, one experienced hand runs the pump hose, a third vibrates the wall, and the rest clean up, maintain the site, and stand by for anything unusual.
Required Equipment
Mostly typical, non-specialized equipment is needed (see section 2.3 of the Element ICF Installation Guide for a full list).
The key specialized item is an adjustable ICF alignment & bracing system. Place bracing about every 6 ft on the inside of the wall. Bracing can usually be rented from your local dealer; regular ICF installers invest in their own sets.
Available Training
Training and Education for Element ICF is available at several levels:
- Online Basic Installer Training is generally offered on a monthly basis. Register here.
- Product knowledge webcasts are generally offered on a monthly basis as well. Here is where they are listed.
- Our plants often offer in-person and in-class installation training sessions. They are listed here. If none are listed close to you, contact your Territory Manager.
- On-site installation training can be arranged. To inquire, contact your local dealer or Territory Manager.
Available Technical Support
Here are the main ways to access technical support for Element ICF:
- Visit the Element ICF Technical Library — Installation Manuals, Engineering Manuals, Product Drawings, CAD Files, Specifications, Data Sheets, and Technical Bulletins.
- Browse the Element ICF Blog — where we deep dive into particular applications, highlight specific issues, and showcase builders and projects.
- Submit a General Inquiry form — we’ll be back in touch.
- Work with your local dealer or reach out to your Territory Manager.
- Meet a member of the Logix Brands Technical Team via the Toolbox Help Center.
Where Do I Buy?
Element ICF products are generally purchased through Element ICF dealers. Many dealers offer ICF bracing rentals and some provide installation services. Dealers provide take-offs, advice, and technical support, and may refer you to local ICF-experienced construction professionals for competitive quotes and installation or design services.
Rough Timelines
These are just approximations but here are some general observations from the field:
- A basic foundation will take a typical crew about a week to build and pour the Element ICF walls. A bigger or more complicated foundation will take longer to build.
- After the foundation is poured the floor system generally has to be installed. This can take a week or two.
- Once the floor system is in place, the crew can work off the floor to build the next story. Above-grade walls generally take longer because they are often taller walls and have more openings. A basic above-grade wall level may take 2 or more weeks to build and pour.
Ready to Start
Still Learning
How-To Articles
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Pro Contractor · New to ICF
A sub-trade is installing the Element ICF. Here’s how to hire and manage them.
Need To Know Facts
Hiring an Experienced ICF Sub — Key Tips
- Ask for references from projects similar in scope (foundation vs. full height) and actually call them. Ask to tour an ongoing project to gauge job-site organization.
- Verify their experience isn’t just ‘watching’ a build — that they led or managed critical steps like bracing and concrete pours.
- Get a clear scope of work upfront — product acquisition, bracing rental, cleanup, etc.
- Ensure they receive accurate plans drawn for ICF, including detailed section drawings for every transition.
- Assess other capabilities (excavating, framing, siding, mechanical contacts) — a broad skill set or network saves time and money.
Available Training
Training and Education for Element ICF is available at several levels:
- Online Basic Installer Training is generally offered on a monthly basis. Register here.
- Product knowledge webcasts are generally offered on a monthly basis as well. Here is where they are listed.
- Our plants often offer in-person and in-class installation training sessions. They are listed here. If none are listed close to you, contact your Territory Manager.
- On-site installation training can be arranged. To inquire, contact your local dealer or Territory Manager.
Available Technical Support
Here are the main ways to access technical support for Element ICF:
- Visit the Element ICF Technical Library — Installation Manuals, Engineering Manuals, Product Drawings, CAD Files, Specifications, Data Sheets, and Technical Bulletins.
- Browse the Element ICF Blog — where we deep dive into particular applications, highlight specific issues, and showcase builders and projects.
- Submit a General Inquiry form — we’ll be back in touch.
- Work with your local dealer or reach out to your Territory Manager.
- Meet a member of the Logix Brands Technical Team via the Toolbox Help Center.
Where Do I Buy?
Element ICF products are generally purchased through Element ICF dealers. Many dealers offer ICF bracing rentals and some provide installation services. Dealers provide take-offs, advice, and technical support, and may refer you to local ICF-experienced construction professionals for competitive quotes and installation or design services.
Rough Timelines
These are just approximations but here are some general observations from the field:
- A basic foundation will take a typical crew about a week to build and pour the Element ICF walls. A bigger or more complicated foundation will take longer to build.
- After the foundation is poured the floor system generally has to be installed. This can take a week or two.
- Once the floor system is in place, the crew can work off the floor to build the next story. Above-grade walls generally take longer because they are often taller walls and have more openings. A basic above-grade wall level may take 2 or more weeks to build and pour.
Ready to Start
Still Learning
How-To Articles
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Do-It-Yourselfer
You’re installing the Element ICF yourself. Here’s what it takes to succeed.
Need To Know Facts
Do You Fit the DIY’er Profile?
Only consider installing Element ICF yourself if you have substantial basic construction experience and a relatively simple design, like a rectangle.
The most critical parts of a basic ICF build are: the footing must be square and laid out to plan (ideally level within ¼”); the pre-pour inspection to confirm the walls are properly supported and braced; and the concrete pour itself.
Crew Configuration
A typical residential ICF crew is 3–5 people — usually two placing block and one placing rebar, with others moving block, assembling site-assembled block, installing bracing, and placing window bucks.
Have at least 5 on pour day: one watching the wall and pour, one on the pump hose, one vibrating, and the rest cleaning up and on standby.
Required Equipment
Mostly typical, non-specialized equipment (see section 2.3 of the Element ICF Installation Guide). The key specialized item is an adjustable ICF alignment & bracing system, placed about every 6 ft on the inside of the wall — usually rentable from your local dealer.
Recommended Jobsite Support
Hire an ICF-experienced installer for a 3-stage consultation:
- Getting started — footings and the first two courses.
- Midway — during at least one window-opening detail.
- One day before pour day, and on pour day.
Available Training
Training and Education for Element ICF is available at several levels:
- Online Basic Installer Training is generally offered on a monthly basis. Register here.
- Product knowledge webcasts are generally offered on a monthly basis as well. Here is where they are listed.
- Our plants often offer in-person and in-class installation training sessions. They are listed here. If none are listed close to you, contact your Territory Manager.
- On-site installation training can be arranged. To inquire, contact your local dealer or Territory Manager.
Available Technical Support
Here are the main ways to access technical support for Element ICF:
- Visit the Element ICF Technical Library — Installation Manuals, Engineering Manuals, Product Drawings, CAD Files, Specifications, Data Sheets, and Technical Bulletins.
- Browse the Element ICF Blog — where we deep dive into particular applications, highlight specific issues, and showcase builders and projects.
- Submit a General Inquiry form — we’ll be back in touch.
- Work with your local dealer or reach out to your Territory Manager.
- Meet a member of the Logix Brands Technical Team via the Toolbox Help Center.
Where Do I Buy?
Element ICF products are generally purchased through Element ICF dealers. Many dealers offer ICF bracing rentals and some provide installation services. Dealers provide take-offs, advice, and technical support, and may refer you to local ICF-experienced construction professionals for competitive quotes and installation or design services.
Rough Timelines
These are just approximations but here are some general observations from the field:
- A basic foundation will take a typical crew about a week to build and pour the Element ICF walls. A bigger or more complicated foundation will take longer to build.
- After the foundation is poured the floor system generally has to be installed. This can take a week or two.
- Once the floor system is in place, the crew can work off the floor to build the next story. Above-grade walls generally take longer because they are often taller walls and have more openings. A basic above-grade wall level may take 2 or more weeks to build and pour.
Ready to Start
Still Learning
How-To Articles
SEE ALL
Do-It-Yourselfer
A sub-trade is installing the Element ICF. Here’s how to plan and hire as your own GC.
Need To Know Facts
DIY’er Acting as Your Own GC
If you’re planning an ICF foundation, it’s best to have your ICF sub do your footings too — they must be square, laid out to plan, and ideally level within ¼”.
If you’re building the entire home with Element ICF, you have two basic options for the sub’s scope: they build only the ICF walls, or they build the entire shell — ICF walls, floor and roof systems, and window/door install.
Hiring an Experienced ICF Sub — Key Tips
- Ask for references from similar-scope projects and call them; tour an ongoing build if you can.
- Verify they led or managed critical steps like bracing and concrete pours — not just watched.
- Define a clear scope of work upfront (product, bracing rental, cleanup).
- Give them accurate plans drawn for ICF, including section drawings for transitions.
- Assess other capabilities (excavating, framing, siding, mechanical) — a broad skill set saves time and money.
Recommended Jobsite Support
Even with a sub, an experienced installer can consult at three stages: getting started (footings + first two courses), midway (a window-opening detail), and before/on pour day.
Available Training
Training and Education for Element ICF is available at several levels:
- Online Basic Installer Training is generally offered on a monthly basis. Register here.
- Product knowledge webcasts are generally offered on a monthly basis as well. Here is where they are listed.
- Our plants often offer in-person and in-class installation training sessions. They are listed here. If none are listed close to you, contact your Territory Manager.
- On-site installation training can be arranged. To inquire, contact your local dealer or Territory Manager.
Available Technical Support
Here are the main ways to access technical support for Element ICF:
- Visit the Element ICF Technical Library — Installation Manuals, Engineering Manuals, Product Drawings, CAD Files, Specifications, Data Sheets, and Technical Bulletins.
- Browse the Element ICF Blog — where we deep dive into particular applications, highlight specific issues, and showcase builders and projects.
- Submit a General Inquiry form — we’ll be back in touch.
- Work with your local dealer or reach out to your Territory Manager.
- Meet a member of the Logix Brands Technical Team via the Toolbox Help Center.
Where Do I Buy?
Element ICF products are generally purchased through Element ICF dealers. Many dealers offer ICF bracing rentals and some provide installation services. Dealers provide take-offs, advice, and technical support, and may refer you to local ICF-experienced construction professionals for competitive quotes and installation or design services.
Rough Timelines
These are just approximations but here are some general observations from the field:
- A basic foundation will take a typical crew about a week to build and pour the Element ICF walls. A bigger or more complicated foundation will take longer to build.
- After the foundation is poured the floor system generally has to be installed. This can take a week or two.
- Once the floor system is in place, the crew can work off the floor to build the next story. Above-grade walls generally take longer because they are often taller walls and have more openings. A basic above-grade wall level may take 2 or more weeks to build and pour.
Ready to Start
Still Learning
How-To Articles
SEE ALL
Pro Contractor · ICF Experienced
You’re installing the Element ICF. Here’s what’s new and the tools that speed you up.
Need To Know Facts
Some Highlighted Value-Added Features of Element ICF
- Element ICF is the innovative Hybrid ICF system, offering an ingenious line-up of interchangeable preformed and site-assembled blocks.
- All Element blocks have 24 ziptabs that clip the blocks together top to bottom — significantly reducing the need for zip ties and hooks.
- Element 90° corners are extra-large, very strong, and can perma-lock together on demand.
- Even though webs touch top to bottom to reduce compression, Element blocks offer convenient horizontal all-foam wire chases.
Preformed Blocks
Standard and 90° blocks for 6” and 8” concrete cores are available as Preformed.
Site-Assembled Blocks
Site-Assembled blocks are made on site with panels and flexties. All core widths (4”–12”) are available in Site-Assembled. Brick Ledge and Taper Top blocks are also available in Site-Assembled.
Site-Assembled Advantages
- They assemble FAST — flexties have no top, bottom, front, or back.
- They ship flat and reduce shipping costs.
- Site-Assembled blocks can perma-lock together with bridging flexties.
- Site-Assembled blocks can make 4” and 8” high blocks with full web support, stagger horizontal rebar positioning, and create curb blocks quickly.
Leverage Cutting-Edge Digital Product Support in Your Toolbox.
Open your Toolbox to access two powerful tools:
Project Engineer — specify your rebar and lintel designs without ever opening a prescriptive engineering manual.
Project Estimator — quickly generate accurate take-offs, cut sheets, and professional quotes for Element ICF.
Available Training
Training and Education for Element ICF is available at several levels:
- Online Basic Installer Training is generally offered on a monthly basis. Register here.
- Product knowledge webcasts are generally offered on a monthly basis as well. Here is where they are listed.
- Our plants often offer in-person and in-class installation training sessions. They are listed here. If none are listed close to you, contact your Territory Manager.
- On-site installation training can be arranged. To inquire, contact your local dealer or Territory Manager.
Available Technical Support
Here are the main ways to access technical support for Element ICF:
- Visit the Element ICF Technical Library — Installation Manuals, Engineering Manuals, Product Drawings, CAD Files, Specifications, Data Sheets, and Technical Bulletins.
- Browse the Element ICF Blog — where we deep dive into particular applications, highlight specific issues, and showcase builders and projects.
- Submit a General Inquiry form — we’ll be back in touch.
- Work with your local dealer or reach out to your Territory Manager.
- Meet a member of the Logix Brands Technical Team via the Toolbox Help Center.
Where Do I Buy?
Element ICF products are generally purchased through Element ICF dealers. Many dealers offer ICF bracing rentals and some provide installation services. Dealers provide take-offs, advice, and technical support, and may refer you to local ICF-experienced construction professionals for competitive quotes and installation or design services.
Ready to Start
Still Investigating
How-To Articles
SEE ALL
Pro Contractor · ICF Experienced
A sub-trade is installing the Element ICF. Product highlights and hiring tips.
Need To Know Facts
Some Highlighted Value-Added Features of Element ICF
- Element ICF is the innovative Hybrid ICF system, offering an ingenious line-up of interchangeable preformed and site-assembled blocks.
- All Element blocks have 24 ziptabs that clip the blocks together top to bottom — significantly reducing the need for zip ties and hooks.
- Element 90° corners are extra-large, very strong, and can perma-lock together on demand.
- Even though webs touch top to bottom to reduce compression, Element blocks offer convenient horizontal all-foam wire chases.
Preformed Blocks
Standard and 90° blocks for 6” and 8” concrete cores are available as Preformed.
Site-Assembled Blocks
Site-Assembled blocks are made on site with panels and flexties. All core widths (4”–12”) are available in Site-Assembled. Brick Ledge and Taper Top blocks are also available in Site-Assembled.
Site-Assembled Advantages
- They assemble FAST — flexties have no top, bottom, front, or back.
- They ship flat and reduce shipping costs.
- Site-Assembled blocks can perma-lock together with bridging flexties.
- Site-Assembled blocks can make 4” and 8” high blocks with full web support, stagger horizontal rebar positioning, and create curb blocks quickly.
Key Tips for Hiring an Experienced ICF Installer to Sub-Contract
- Ask for references from projects similar in scope (foundation vs. full height) and actually call them. See if the installer has any ongoing projects you can tour or visit to gauge job-site organization and management.
- Verify their experience isn’t just ‘watching’ a build, but that they led or managed critical steps like bracing and concrete pours.
- Get a clear scope of work defined upfront — what exactly are they responsible for (product acquisition, bracing rental, cleanup)?
- Ensure the installer receives a clear and accurate set of building plans drawn for ICF. The plans must also include detailed section drawings so each subcontractor knows how and where to detail any transitions.
- Assess what other capabilities the installer offers, such as excavating, framing, siding, or access to mechanical contractors. Hiring an ICF installer who has more than one skill set or a strong network can save significant time and money throughout the whole building process.
Leverage Cutting-Edge Digital Product Support in Your Toolbox.
Open your Toolbox to access two powerful tools:
Project Engineer — specify your rebar and lintel designs without ever opening a prescriptive engineering manual.
Project Estimator — quickly generate accurate take-offs, cut sheets, and professional quotes for Element ICF.
Available Training
Training and Education for Element ICF is available at several levels:
- Online Basic Installer Training is generally offered on a monthly basis. Register here.
- Product knowledge webcasts are generally offered on a monthly basis as well. Here is where they are listed.
- Our plants often offer in-person and in-class installation training sessions. They are listed here. If none are listed close to you, contact your Territory Manager.
- On-site installation training can be arranged. To inquire, contact your local dealer or Territory Manager.
Available Technical Support
Here are the main ways to access technical support for Element ICF:
- Visit the Element ICF Technical Library — Installation Manuals, Engineering Manuals, Product Drawings, CAD Files, Specifications, Data Sheets, and Technical Bulletins.
- Browse the Element ICF Blog — where we deep dive into particular applications, highlight specific issues, and showcase builders and projects.
- Submit a General Inquiry form — we’ll be back in touch.
- Work with your local dealer or reach out to your Territory Manager.
- Meet a member of the Logix Brands Technical Team via the Toolbox Help Center.
Where Do I Buy?
Element ICF products are generally purchased through Element ICF dealers. Many dealers offer ICF bracing rentals and some provide installation services. Dealers provide take-offs, advice, and technical support, and may refer you to local ICF-experienced construction professionals for competitive quotes and installation or design services.
Ready to Start
Still Investigating
How-To Articles
SEE ALL
Ready to build with Element ICF®?
Open your Toolbox to estimate and engineer your project, or talk to your Territory Manager.
Talk to an
Element ICF Expert
Send a few details and we’ll help you understand the right next step for your build, from a ballpark quote to local dealer support.
- Get pointed toward the right product path and project estimate.
- Find dealer or territory support for your area.
- Bring us early questions before plans are finalized.
Tell us about your project
Common Questions
The questions installers ask us most. Don’t see yours? Send it our way.
I can’t find a detail I need for my project — can I get a custom detail created?
We have amassed a LOT of details for Element ICF, and most are available to view and download from our Technical Library. Every once in a while there’s a need for a unique detail we don’t have — and yes, our Technical Department can often assist in the design and creation of that detail. To inquire about this level of support, contact your Element ICF Territory Manager.
What are the recommended flashing details for window and door openings?
Proper flashing detailing is critical to the performance of any wall, including walls built with Element ICF. See our blog post detailing a step-flashing method for flanged windows, and a second post outlining an optional Kerf Detail.
What can I do to minimize the cost of my Element ICF installation?
- Keep the footprint down; if planning a foundation, use as much of it as living space instead of adding to the footprint.
- Optimize coursing — design wall heights to avoid horizontal cuts to the block.
- Position openings to sit on a block course to avoid horizontal cuts.
- Minimize corners and common splices — square builds with four corners go much faster.
- Choose the correct core thickness based on an actual soil test (below grade) and actual wind loading (above grade).
- Order the correct concrete mix for the placement method (pump vs. belt vs. chute) and the season.
- Plan well ahead — nesting loads of materials can save on transportation costs.
What can I do to maximize the quality of my Element ICF installation?
- Ditch the reciprocating saw — use an old-school hand saw or cordless hot knife for cleaner cuts. (“When you’re efficient, one can of expanding foam is all that’s needed for the entire project,” says one experienced installer.)
- Do a great job and pay attention to detail on the waterproofing.
- Think about finishing touches like a parge coat for the exposed curb.
- Brace T-walls aggressively.
- Use lasers, stringlines, U-caps — whatever it takes to make perfectly straight walls.
- Invest in renting or buying proper, adjustable ICF bracing.
- Always give every mechanical contractor the chance to run sleeves before the pour.
- Vibrate your concrete — every lift, every time.
What levels of installation training are available?
Four levels of installation training are available:
- Online Basic Installer Training — generally offered monthly. Register here.
- Product knowledge webcasts — generally offered monthly. Listed here.
- In-person and in-class sessions, often offered at our plants. Listed here.
- On-site installation training can be arranged — contact your local dealer or Element ICF Territory Manager.
