How to Build Below-Grade and Above-Grade Walls with Insulated Concrete Forms

Print
Email

Building with ICFs is the Preferred Method

Have you ever wondered why many builders prefer insulated concrete form (ICF) construction over traditional construction? 

Happy buyers are one reason – they love the efficiency and comfort that ICF foundations and homes provide. Typically more insulated and more comfortable than their conventionally formed or stick-built counterparts, they don’t leave your buyers worrying about the winter chill or summer heat. 

And for the builders, Element ICF forms are easy to install and less affected by cold or wet site conditions. With an experienced crew the installation process is so quick and streamlined that you’ll find that the overall construction costs of this high-quality concrete construction method are closer than you would think to that of traditional construction. 

In this post, we will walk you through the steps to successfully install Element ICF walls. 

7 Steps for Building Below-Grade and Above-Grade Walls with ICFs

1. Form, place, and finish strip footings

Footings, slabs, and piles serve as the base for the ICF wall assembly, so there’s little room for error when it comes to their levelness. As you pour the footings, ensure that they are level; your target tolerance here is about +/- 1/4-inch. Apart from this, the footings may be of any code-compliant size or configuration. 

Before you proceed to the next step, place dowels in your footings or slab – typically 10m or 15m (#4 or #5) rebar dowels, generally wet-set at 24 inches O.C. 

2. Install the ICF forms

With footings in place, it’s time to install the ICFs. Start with a corner; corner blocks are L-shaped and look like this:

Alternate the long side of the corner with each course you lay to create a running bond pattern; it should look like this: 

Now lay the straight blocks. If you must cut the Element ICF form, follow an embossed cut line if possible. This will leave the interlock intact.

After completing the second course, check if the blocks you placed are level; if they aren’t, you may need to shim or trim the bottom of the first course to level out the assembly. The subsequent rows should be level as you go up and follow the same running bond pattern you established in the first two courses.

Corner Block
Corner Block Pattern

3. Reinforcement

Continue to install rebar as you progress with the ICF forms. Here are some things to keep in mind: 

  • Horizontal bars need a 2-inch cover from the concrete face along the vertical plane
  • Vertical bars need a 1 1/2-inch cover from the top of the concrete
  • The forms’ webs hold vertical and horizontal bars in place, no wire needed

4. Create openings

As you continue to erect the forms, you’ll have to create openings for windows and doors; 

The Element bucking system will let you form the openings while creating insulated thermal breaks in the assembly. To help with settling, leave a 1/4-inch gap between the bucking system and the block on top of it. 

Window Openings

5. Pouring and vibrating concrete

Before you pour, brace, and align the ICF forms you’ve erected with an adequate mechanism, such as the Giraffe or Plumwall ICF bracing systems. 

Now you’re ready to fill the forms with concrete. For optimal concrete flow, use a 2 1/2-inch or a 4-inch reducer and protect the forms’ interlock from concrete spills with a 4-inch tape. 

Pour continuously in 4′ lifts as you move around the perimeter of the building.

Vibrate the concrete thoroughly, as quality vibration will get rid of any air pockets and voids in the wall. When you’ve poured the entire height of the walls, level off the concrete and embed anchor bolts for future connections to the floor and/or roof framing.

When it’s cold, cover the top of your pours with an insulated tarp. The concrete will achieve its design strength without defects best when shielded from sub-zero temperatures. 

6. Waterproof the forms

Below-grade ICF forms require waterproofing. A peel-and-stick product is often used to protect the foundation walls from water and moisture ingress. DO NOT use solvent-based products as you would on a conventional foundation wall; they will corrode the EPS forms.

With a 2-3 person crew, treat the footings first. Then, start at an ICF corner and continue. Be sure to follow all instructions from the membrane manufacturer that may pertain to an ICF application.

7. Parging 

Parge the exposed above grade portion of foundation walls and overlap the top 2 inches of the waterproofing membrane. 

 

A Few FINAL Tips for Building with Insulated Concrete Forms

  • Garage doors and other openings wider than 8 feet need bracing. Use an ICF strongback brace like this: 
Strongback Braces
  • To bridge the cold joint where one story of wall ends, and the next begins use embedded rebar dowels generally 24 inches o/c.
  • An ideal foundation wall height when building with 16-inch tall Element ICF blocks is 9 feet 4 inches. To make drywall installation easier, in this case, use a 4-inch OSB rim around the bottom of the walls, and place 9-foot drywall sheets on top, then nail the baseboard directly to the OSB rim. 

Don't miss a thing

Sign up to receive the latest info on new Element ICF products, special offers and more.

Wrapping it up

If you’re choosing Element ICF for your project, we have one last tip: connect with a Element dealer before you build. A specialist will walk you through the installation in-depth, offer design suggestions, quotes, and see to it that you’re ready to succeed with Element ICF.

 

Share Post

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Facebook

Save for Later

Email
Print

Get a Quote

Whether you’re an experienced ICF installer or considering ICF for the first time, we can help. Simply complete this short form for a free quote (or to ask any question at all!).

By submitting the form, you agree to our Privacy Policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Search Anything

Ask Us Anything 24/7

Ask Us Anything 24/7” is a virtual assistant, which utilizes artificial intelligence to answer questions relating to Element ICF (the “Services”).The Services were developed by Logix Brands Ltd. (“Logix”) in conjunction with existing Element ICF product information. You may provide input to the Services and receive output (the “Output”) from the Services based on your input.Due to the nature of the Services and artificial intelligence generally, the Output may not always be accurate. You should not rely on the Output from the Services as factual information or as a substitute for advice.If you require further information regarding the Output and/or Element ICF, please contact a Territory Manager or local Element ICF dealer.Logix, nor any of its affiliates or licensors will be liable for any direct, incidental, consequently or indirect damages (including lost profits) arising out of the use of the Services or adhering to the Output.

Building Soon?

We can help make your ICF dreams a reality! Please let us know how we can help or assist.

By submitting the form, you agree to our Privacy Policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank You for Your Interest in Becoming an Element ICF Dealer.

One of our team members will be in touch shortly with more information.

Thank You for Your Interest in Element ICF.

Request A Quote/Ask A Question

Please complete this form to this dealer a question or to request a quote on Element ICF products. If you would like a quote please upload your plan set (if available) and provide as much additional information as possible.

By submitting the form, you agree to our Privacy Policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Contact This ICF-Experienced Professional

Simply complete this short form for a free quote or to ask any questions.

By submitting the form, you agree to our Privacy Policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Don’t Miss a Thing!

Don’t Miss a Thing!

Almost there...

For unlimited access to all of our technical and marketing resources, please enter your information. We will also email you a copy of each of the items you select for quick future reference.

By submitting the form, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.