VICF SYSTEM VERSUS BLOCK ICF

When it comes to ICF not all systems are the same, most people are familiar with the block systems.

These block systems can be quite labor intensive and require a lot of re-bar and will require a lot of bracing as well you will need to install 1x4 on all corners.

Because of the way that the block system goes together you will end up with a lot of waste which you paid for.

It has been a big problem with block when pouring concrete to have blowout so a lot of time is spent adding wood to brace the bottom row and other spot that could blowout. There has been the problem with the blocks matching together causing quite a mess just keeping blocks level.

When pouring concrete in to block the concrete tends to lift the blocks up which can separate the layers making it hard to finish level.

This is not to say that block ICF does not do what they proclaim but like everything there are better products to consider.

That is where VICF comes in to play. This product changes the way we go about installing ICF, with this product you begin with installing a steel u-channel to the footing this will help hold the ICF panel in place.

It is best to make sure your footing are level and smooth so that the channel will lay flat.

When installing the panels we screw them to the channel this will stop the concrete from lifting the panels when pouring.

This system can be installed one side at a time making it so easy to install the re-bar as well as piping and other things you might want to put in wall.

This systems because of the vertical panels requires less to no re-bar a big money saver and time saver over block ICF.

This system will install in about half the time of block, requiring less than half the amount of bracing that block needs.

VICF system can be ordered to the size needed so less than a garbage bag of waste will be left over this is a big saving from block I have seen over $1000.00 of waste from block on big jobs now that is a big saving.

There are many reasons to go with VICF system some ideas have talked about and other i will mention in up coming articles.

The bottom line is that if you are looking at building with ICF then you owe it to your self to look at VICF systems.