If your home or building has been designed using Logix ICF and you’ve already obtained permits, but now you wish—or need—to construct the project using Element ICF, the transition is typically smooth and straightforward. Here’s how to proceed and what to keep in mind.
Notify Your Building Department
First and foremost, contact your building department to inform them that you will be using Element ICF instead of Logix ICF. Since both ICF systems are manufactured by the same company and are dimensionally very similar, this update should be hassle-free.
Core Thickness Compatibility
For 4″, 8″, 10″, and 12″ core thicknesses, the thickness of the concrete core and foam panels are exactly the same between Logix and Element ICF. This means:
- Overall Wall Thickness: Remains unchanged.
- Engineering Specifications: Stay the same.
As a result, no significant plan changes are necessary. However, we still recommend submitting the Element ICF Code Compliance Booklet and Element ICF Data Sheet to your building department.
Special Consideration for 6" Cores
With 6″ cores, there’s a slight difference:
- Logix ICF: Has a 6.25″ concrete core.
- Element ICF: Has a 6″ concrete core.
This results in a slightly different overall wall thickness. In this case, we recommend:
- Maintain Existing Outside Dimensions: Keep the exterior dimensions of your design unchanged.
- Verify Engineering Specifications: Ensure that the engineering requirements remain consistent. Consult your engineer or compare the prescriptive engineering tables of Logix ICF and Element ICF to confirm.
We strongly recommend informing your building department about this minor core size change. Addressing this adjustment before construction begins will likely be much smoother than surprising a building official with it during an site inspection when the ICF blocks and rebar are already in place.
Advantages of Element ICF and Key Differences
Element ICF is a more advanced product, offering less waste and greater on-site efficiency. However, there are four key differences to consider as you prepare for construction:
Corner Blocks
Element 90-degree corner blocks have longer legs than those of Logix, resulting in the need for fewer Element standard blocks in the wall.
Wall Height Adjustments
Both systems allow for building wall heights in 4″ increments without waste, but they achieve this differently.
- Logix ICF: Uses V12 blocks.
- Element ICF: Uses half-height blocks and 4″ tall height adjusters.
- Tip: Element panels are convenient for on-site cutting of half-height and 4″ tall panels.
Reversibility
- Element ICF: Blocks are reversible, featuring male nodules on both the top and bottom.
- Logix ICF: Blocks are not reversible and have a flat base plate interlock on the bottom.
- Note: To maintain the exact wall height and step footing height with Element ICF, you’ll need to cut off the interlocks on the underside of the first course, preferably using a table saw. If you choose not to remove the interlocks, the wall height will increase by approximately ½”.
Zip Tabs
- Element ICF: Includes zip tabs.
- Logix ICF: Does not have zip tabs.
- Important: Ensure that the zip tabs remain aligned from one course to the next, as they are integral to the interlock system.
While the zip tabs produce a satisfying clicking sound when they connect, be aware that this sound doesn’t necessarily indicate the blocks are fully seated.
Conclusion
Switching to Element ICF not only provides you with a superior building material but also streamlines your construction process. Its advanced design leads to less waste and greater efficiency on-site, making it a smart choice for modern construction. By proactively communicating with your building department and understanding the key differences, you can make the transition smoothly and take full advantage of what Element ICF has to offer. Embrace the future of insulated concrete forms and build with confidence!
