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:
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
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!