What fasteners are recommended for ICFs?
Fox Blocks has conducted numerous fastener tests for pull-out strength and shear capacity for various fasteners – screws, ring shank nails and staples into the plastic webs. The recommendation for interior and exterior applications of finish materials is for the use of screws which provide the best holding capacity into the plastic webs or fastening strips in the forms which are identified on each block.
The EPS insulation does not provide any holding capacity for fasteners.
When is a Taper Top form required?
Taper Top forms are specifically designed to provide a larger bearing surface along the top of the wall. Typically, the increased bearing surface may be used to support masonry, floor or roof loads. Taper top forms are used in the transition from ICF to wood frame construction and the taper top form would be the top form on the wall.
How are Fox Blocks green/environmentally friendly?
Fox Blocks contain a minimum of 40% recycled content by weight.
- Fox Blocks do not off-gas and are not manufactured using any gases that deplete the ozone or are harmful to the environment.
- Fox Blocks require low embodied energy to manufacture.
- Fox Blocks do not contain any materials, that promote mold or mildew growth.
- Fox Blocks are an efficient construction method thereby reducing the amount of construction waste, dust and air pollution in the building process.
- Building with Fox Blocks will save on heating and cooling costs because less air is exchanged between the outside and inside of your home. This also means a smaller more efficient HVAC unit is required for the home.
- Fox Blocks are sustainable. They will not rot or deteriorate for the life of your home.
- Fox Blocks provide a secure, durable, comfortable, long lasting building
Where can I purchase the product?
Fox Blocks has a wide-ranging network of knowledgeable product distributors and trained installers across North America; contact Fox Blocks Customer Service to find the closest Fox Blocks product distributor or trained installer in your area.
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.
Is a vapor barrier required on the inside face of an ICF wall?
No. The characteristics of an ICF wall with the mass concrete and the EPS insulation provide the required vapor permeance to meet building code requirements as a vapor barrier.
Does EPS absorb water?
No, EPS is a closed cell foam and does not act like a sponge or absorb water.
Is the Fox Blocks product rated by ‘Energy Star’?
Energy Star does not evaluate or rate insulation products. Every Fox Blocks home when tested by an Energy Rater, can meet and exceed the Energy Star home standards and achieve a 5 Star rating and a ‘HERS’ score well below the minimum Energy Star requirement of 85, or in Canada, higher than an EnerGuide rating of 80.
What size and how much steel reinforcement is required in an ICF?
Fox Blocks walls are designed as reinforced concrete walls, with steel reinforcement bars specified to be installed vertically and horizontally, as the walls are built. Typical reinforcement bar sizes used are #4 or #5 (10 m or 15 m).
Are there different types of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)?
EPS is listed basically under four property classifications – Type I, II, III and IV. The characteristics are based on the density of the molded foam which defines the product type. Fox Blocks ICFs are manufactured as a Type II EPS with a density of approximately 1.5 pounds per cubic foot.