Amvic has attended the AIA Convention since 2006. We started with a small 10×10 booth with intention to build awareness about ICF. At that time, many of our booth visitors were either completely unfamiliar with ICF or thought ICF was just used for residential basements. Most were ‘just looking’ and had no intention of using ICF for their upcoming projects.

In 2007 we upgraded to a 10×20 booth since the rise in green building and extreme weather began to create more interest in ICF as a building alternative. More and more architects were starting to seriously consider ICF for their projects, but there were still many who were uncertain.

This year we expanded again to a 20×20 space and used our newly redesigned booth to reflect the rapid growth of ICF in the commercial sector. Our backdrop, a 20ft wide photomontage of an Amvic ICF hotel and multi-storey condominium caught the eye of many passerbys. Amusingly, we even had some visitors ask if we still do small custom homes!

It is evident that times have changed dramatically over the last few years. This time around most architects that visited our booth knew what ICF was and many had used ICF or were planning to in the near future. Most of the inquiries and questions we received were related to energy savings, LEED certification and applications. Many of the projects ICF is being considered for are hotels and motels but there was also a strong interest for private developments, schools and other institutions. In general most architects agreed that ICF is an exceptional way to build and are interested in using it whenever it is feasible for their projects.

Without question, the show was a tremendous success and we were blown away with the positive response we received. We look forward to continued interest from the architectural community in the future.

Eastern subterranean termites are the most common and widely distributed termites in the United States.  They are often found in the eastern and central states, with the heaviest concentration in south-eastern states. Like all termites, they eat wood and often invade buildings in their search for food which can be seriously damaging to the structure.

Termites and ICF Walls

A major benefit of Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) walls is that they are comprised of polystyrene and concrete and therefore do not offer any food value for termites, ensuring that the structure of the walls will stay intact.  Subterranean termites can however burrow through the EPS foam to reach areas where a food source exists, such as wood roof trusses, wood floor joists and hardwood flooring. This can be particularly dangerous when EPS is used below grade since termites can burrow upwards to the roof without being discovered.

The following are three categories of termite control and prevention that can be used to protect against termite infestation:

• Physical Barriers
  • Waterproofing and termite barrier system
  • Chemical soil treatment
  • Metal or plastic termite shields
  • Particle sized barrier
  • Wire Mesh
• Suppression
  • Termite baits
  • Trap Treat Release (TTR)
• Site Management (not to be used as a single source of protection)

Recommendations for Termite Prevention and Control

• Reduce or eliminate wood structural elements. If wood cannot be eliminated, use treated wood or wood that is naturally resistant to termites.
• Use more than one line of defense from the three categories or termite control and prevention listed above.
• Always retain the services of a licensed/professional Pest Control Operator (PCO) to implement commercial termite control and prevention methods.
• Monitor and inspect the structure on a regular basis for any signs of termite infestation or damage.

A good alignment system is essential for any ICF installation because it supports the walls to prevent failure and ensures straight, plumb walls.  In addition, any time a worker’s feet are more than 6’ off the ground, back bracing is required by OSHA.

How Alignment Systems Work

Alignment systems work in the following three ways:

1. They align the walls to within a tolerable level before the concrete is poured.
2. They allow you to plumb the walls immediately after concrete is poured.
3. They support the poured walls as they cure which protects against wind and other lateral loads until the concrete has gained enough strength to stand alone.

Metal vs. Wood Bracing

Metal braces are your best option to ensure the straightest wall possible.  They offer a higher level of consistency since wood itself is not always straight, which can affect the wall. They are easy to use and can be installed much more quickly than wood bracing.  Metal systems also have a much longer life expectancy than wood since they can be used over and over again.  In addition, adjustments can be made easily after the concrete is poured with metal bracing.  With wood bracing this can be difficult and dangerous.

Recommended Practices for Installation

• Install bracing after the first three courses are stacked.
• Install braces as follows:
  • Along all wall segments at a maximum of 6ft apart.
  • Within 2ft of a corner, on each side.
  • At the edge of every door and window opening on each side.
  • On all three sides of a stub wall.
  • For t-walls install two kicker braces on the outside (top) of the T. This is because t-joints tend to bulge due to the pressure from concrete in the leg (bottom) of the T.
• Secure the alignment channels with at least one screw in each course of block. Alternatively, use the optional block straps which are attached to two webs in every other course of block.
• Make adjustments as you go along, do not wait until you are finished stacking.
• String-line the top of the wall in conjunction with the alignment, to ensure straightness.
• When in doubt, brace it out!

If you are new to ICF it is worth the small investment to have a seasoned professional do a pre-pour inspection.

Plumbing Walls

Plumbing the walls is one of the very last things to be done on an ICF project. Always stack corners to plumb but intentionally lean wall segments inward 1/4” towards the bracing. Since bracing is typically installed on the inside of the walls only, this is done incase the wall bulges towards the bracing.  It is much easier to push a concrete wall outward rather than pull it inward.

Please let us know if you have any useful tips and tricks!