Keep Calm - That School Was Built With ICFs
Insulated Concrete Form wall systems, Fox Blocks, are a way to create an extremely safe structure. When teachers and students return to an ICF school, they are protected against these elements.
How to Cut the EPS Fox Buck
This video covers several different ways to cut the Fox Buck for your next insulated concrete form project.
How to Attach Siding to an ICF Substrate
Fox Blocks typical bracing on ICF walls with adjustable diagonal kicker plumbs wall
1.17.01 Swimming Pool Installation
A Guide to Designing an Energy-Efficient Building in a Hot Climate
Do I need an engineer to design and stamp Fox Blocks building plans?
Fox Blocks are listed in the building codes (IRC- Sections R404, R611 or NBCC Part 9) with specific applicability limits for residential construction. If the project meets the applicability limits within the building code, a Professional Engineer may not be required (dependent on local building department requirements). A building official has the right to request engineering and in some regions all projects require a professional’s stamp. For any projects that exceed the applicability limits, a Professional Engineer is required for the structural design. Check with your local building department.
Do I have to finish my basement walls with drywall?
All building codes in the USA and Canada specify that plastic insulation (EPS) must be covered by a thermal barrier equivalent to 15 minutes of fire protection in habitable spaces. If the basement is classified as habitable space, then gypsum board must be applied but does have to taped and filled. Check with your local building official.
An Issue of Mold
Indoor air quality (IAQ) has always been an important issue, whether or not we’ve realized it.
Do you need special code approvals to build with Fox Blocks ICFs?
No, ICFs in general are covered in the building code and Fox Blocks ICF has a product evaluation report that confirms the product and applications meet the requirements of the respective building codes in the USA and Canada. These reports are available on our website.