Does the EPS provide support for a wood sill plate?
No, the EPS has no structural capacity to support any loads. Wood sill plates must achieve the required bearing from the concrete within the ICF. A wood plate that cantilevers 1⁄3 over the EPS and bears 2⁄3 on the concrete is allowable. This can be done with a minimum 2 x 6 plate. If a 2 x 4 plate is required, a taper top form should be used to extend the concrete under the plate.
MILTON RESIDENCE
The owners wanted an affordable custom home that could withstand Chesapeake Bay weather.
Fox Blocks ICF Partners with Habitat for Humanity
Fox Blocks donated Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) to the Habitat For Humanity’s 30th Annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. The volunteers and materials donated by Fox Blocks will help rebuild the home of Elmer Lamberson’s whose home was lost in Superstorm Sandy.
Does expanded polystyrene (EPS) present a serious fire hazard?
The EPS in an Fox Blocks has a flame retardant that allows the forms to be flame resistant. The EPS will melt when exposed to sustained temperatures over 300°F (149°C). The ignition point of the melted styrene is 600°F (315°C) (wood is approximately 500°F (260°C). Fox Blocks have been tested to meet the building code requirements for flame spread and smoke development, plus Fox Blocks may be used as fire resistant rated wall assemblies in schools and hospitals.
MESKWAKI TRAVEL PLAZA
The Meskwaki Travel Plazais a full-service travel center includes a truckers’ lounge, convenience store, and 50’s themed diner.
CENTRE PARK HOLIDAY INN & CONFERENCE CENTER
Use of Fox Blocks in this project contributed to saving 2 months in construction.
PISGAH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
This design is now the new prototype for future Clarksville-Montgomery County elementary schools.
ICFs and Severe Weather
The steel reinforced concrete, which can cure stronger than normal concrete because of the foam insulation, can withstand winds of over 200 MPH, and projectile debris traveling over 100 MPH. There are dozens of eye witness examples of ICF homes taking EF5 tornadoes head on with the walls still standing.
Products
Why Fox Blocks ICF Safe Rooms Provide the Best Protection During Dangerous Wind Events