Insulating Concrete Forms Manufacturers Association

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So far Elissa Glad has created 7 blog entries.

Do Building Codes Require ICF Installers To Be Certified? The Answer is NO and Here’s Why.

Hello, builders, contractors and building officials! In some municipalities there is some question as to if an ICF installer requires a certification (sometimes referred to as a Wallet Card). Well, here’s some good news: according to the key standards for ICFs like ASTM E2634, CAN-ULC 717.1, and even the national building codes, there's no requirement for ICF installers to be certified. That’s right – whether you're working under the guidelines of the IBC for commercial buildings or the NBC and IRC for residential projects, having a certificate in your pocket isn’t required. Let’s explore why this is the case and what it means for your day-to-day work. The Lowdown on ICF Standards and Building Codes First things first, the formal regulations – the prevailing standards that govern ICF construction, and the engineering specs derived under PCA 100, don’t require or even reference certified ICF installers. Even in situations where the IBC calls for special inspections, it’s not exclusive to ICF projects, and these inspections can be carried out by anyone deemed competent, certification or not. Why the Lack of Certification Requirement Makes Sense Keeping Costs in Check Mandatory certifications can drive up expenses and limit the pool of available skilled [...]

By |2024-05-27T15:19:56-05:00May 27, 2024|Miscellaneous|
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Navigating Hot Weather Concreting Challenges with ICFs

High temperatures can accelerate the setting time of concrete, potentially compromising its quality. Below, we outline key considerations and strategies to ensure the integrity of your ICF projects during hot conditions. Understanding Hot Weather Concreting The primary challenge with hot weather concreting is the rapid hydration of cement due to high ambient temperatures, which can cause premature setting and reduce the concrete's compressive strength. Additionally, this fast setting may lead to cold joints, where successive pours fail to integrate properly, weakening the overall structure. To manage these challenges, it's crucial to prepare for ambient temperatures exceeding 80°F, particularly in areas with low humidity. Crew working quickly to pour concrete on a hot day Pre-Pour Strategies for ICF Projects Before the concrete arrives, consider the following tips to manage the heat: Cooling the Mix: Request that your concrete provider adds ice to the mix to slow the hydration process, maintaining a manageable setting time even on the hottest days. Using Admixtures: Admixtures can adjust the setting time, counteracting the heat's acceleration effect. Timing the Delivery: Ensure the concrete is delivered precisely when needed to avoid prolonged exposure to heat in the mixer truck. On-Site Adjustments During the Pour Once [...]

By |2024-05-27T15:19:34-05:00May 27, 2024|Technical|
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How to Flash a Flanged Window in an ICF Wall (8 Simple Steps)

Window opening are a significant weak point in any wall’s envelope. And make no mistake, ICF walls are also vulnerable to water ingress through window openings — especially those that aren’t properly flashed. But the good news is that conventional flashing methods work equally well in wood-frame and ICF walls alike. And if you want a particularly robust barrier against water ingress, you have more options to beef up your window assembly even further. The article below lists the eight, relatively straightforward steps for flashing a flanged window assembly in an ICF wall. What’s more, our guide walks you through an optional technique — one that will take your mind off of infiltrating rainwater for good. How to Flash a Flanged Window in a Logix ICF Wall in 8 Easy Steps Flashing a flanged window in a Logix ICF wall is a straightforward process, as you’ll see below. Your biggest worry should be creating an adequate drainage channel at the bottom of the flange. Another key thing to note is that the flashing elements must be overlapped together correctly. 1. Install Sill Pan Flashing The first step in flashing a flanged window is to install sill pan flashing, which blocks [...]

By |2023-09-22T14:45:19-05:00July 12, 2023|Featured, Miscellaneous, Video|
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4 Benefits of Using ICFs for Building Swimming Pools

ICFs are gaining popularity as the material of choice for basements and above grade walls. But did you know that insulated concrete forms are also the ideal solution for building swimming pool walls? Logix ICFs provide both the pool builder and user with several key benefits, including energy efficiency, design versatility, and ease of installation. In the post below, we will examine these most crucial advantages of ICF swimming pools in greater detail. 1. Reduce Reliance on Skilled Labor Logix ICF Being Installed For Pool Walls You don’t need specialized, skilled laborers to build swimming pools with ICFs. ICF construction is a relatively straightforward building technique, and a local crew experienced with ICFs should be up to the task of constructing an ICF pool with speed and quality. That’s because ICFs are essentially stay-in-place forms, which are incredibly easy to erect and modify to suit the design at hand. This ability to build pools without skilled labor means that you can execute your projects cheaper and faster, especially given the current, persisting skilled worker shortage. What’s more, there’s no need to risk your project schedule by placing your trust in unpredictable supply chains and ordering rare, exotic building [...]

By |2023-05-11T13:40:51-05:00May 11, 2023|Design, Featured|
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The Advantages Of Fiberglass Rebar Over Steel Concrete Reinforcement

Steel reinforced concrete is the strongest, most resilient structural material in the world. But did you know that there is another option to reinforce concrete? Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) is a rebar material that’s more corrosion-resistant, lighter, and stronger than traditional steel. Logix ICF installers have enjoyed success with GFRP and in the post below, we will shine a light on what GFRP rebar is and what advantages it offers builders who reinforce their concrete with GFRP instead of steel. What is GFRP Rebar? Fibers within Fiberglass Rebar (Photo Credit: ICFMA) GFRP rebar is a type of synthetic reinforcement that’s made of a polymeric resin and strengthened with continuous glass fibers. GFRP has been available as an alternative reinforcement material to conventional steel since the 1990s. This synthetic rebar has enjoyed a gradual rise in popularity thanks to the many key advantages it offers to concrete buildings over its steel counterpart. What Advantages does GFRP Rebar Offer Over Steel? Logix ICF installers have discovered there are three essential advantages of GFRP over steel as a reinforcement material: better corrosion resistance, lower weight, and greater strength. Below, we provide a more comprehensive analysis of GFRP benefits over steel. [...]

By |2023-03-31T09:03:23-05:00March 29, 2023|Featured|
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