HERE ARE SOME FRQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT INSULATED CONCRETE FORMS

-Feel free to call or e-mail if you have a question-

What is an ICF?
Is it hard to hang a picture or mirror?
Don't the exterior walls "sweat"?  I've seen the walls on old block homes that do.
How much do ICF walls add to the overall cost of a new home?
Why should I build my home with LOGIX?
Is LOGIX code approved?
Is building with ICFs easy to learn for a builder?
How do I find skilled labor to construct an ICF structure?
How do I find an Architect or Engineer familiar with ICF's?
Will it take longer to build my house with ICF's?
Is a vapor barrier still required for above-grade ICF walls?
Are LOGIX buildings safer than wood framed buildings?
Why is LOGIX better than stick framing at dealing with rot and mold issues?
How does LOGIX fare with termites and other insects and even rodents?
How quiet are LOGIX walls?

A:    An ICF is an "Insulated Concrete Form".  Think of them as large polystyrene Lego blocks.  They take the place of a 2x4s, plywood, & batt insulation wall.  Logix ICF's have an interior concrete core of 4", 6 1/4", 8" or 10" depending on the design requirements.  There is 2 3/4" of stay in place foam on both the inside and outside for insulation and there are integrated furring strips 8" on center that can be nailed or screwed into.  It accommodates all the "normal" exterior finishes including stucco, brick, vinyl, hardi-plank, or stone veneer as well as drywall or plaster on the inside and all the normal trim designs.

A:    No.  It is actually easier to hang a picture.  I have about a forty pound mirror hanging on one of my ICF walls not to mention many pictures & doodads.  You don't need to hit a "stud" in hanging so you can put items exactly where you want them.

A:    Absolutely not.   The sweating in the old block homes comes from the fact that there is no insulation in the wall and you're cooling the inside of it - so just like a glass of iced tea, they sweat.   Logix ICF walls have an insulation value of about R-30.  This wall will not sweat.  Combined with a properly sized HVAC system, these walls will give you the healthiest, most comfortable home available today.

A:    Two story ICF's adds roughly 5-6%depending on the house plan.  One story homes usually cost about 2-4% more - about the same as using brick instead of vinyl siding.  However, heating & cooling costs will be reduced by 50-80%,   exterior noise pollution will be greatly reduced and long term maintenance problems are greatly reduced.   The superior thermal envelope will increase the homes overall comfort level, and of courses it is the strongest, safest type of home to be in during dangerous weather. 

A:    LOGIX forms create homes and buildings that are more energy efficient, stronger, more sound resistant, and more environmentally sustainable than any other construction method.

A:    Yes. Every major code body in North America, including ICC and CCMC, has approved LOGIX.

A:    Yes. Logix ICF installers find it is easy to transfer basic building skills.  Experience in carpentry, masonry, and concrete forming and placement are particularly helpful. Logix offers detailed instructional and technical materials for builders and designers. Logix also sponsors training seminars throughout the area.  Check the website for a class coming near you – www.logixicf.com  

A:    CALL ME……

A:    Again, call me.  I can supply everything needed from design to construction.

A:    Usually a residential home will take a little bit longer using an ICF wall system.  Basements and some commercial projects can actually be done in less time though.

A:    No. The low permeability of the foam and concrete provide a natural barrier against air-borne moisture and air infiltration. This also means that air-borne pollutants, dust, and pollen are also kept out of the building.

A:    Yes. LOGIX buildings are up to 8.5 times stronger than wood framed buildings. As a result, LOGIX walls are much better able to withstand severe weather such as hurricanes and tornadoes. LOGIX walls have a 3-hour fire rating as opposed to 15 minutes for a comparable wood framed wall.

A:    Over the last 20 years builders have been asked to build tighter and tighter homes with the use of poly, tape, caulking, gaskets and seals. When any one of these products is not installed perfectly moisture gets into the wall cavity, which can cause mold and mildew problems and rot. LOGIX solves all of these problems.

A:    EPS provides no food value for termites or rodents. Whether wood frame construction or ICF's, local building codes do require termite barriers in high termite areas. The same prevention measures used for wood frame construction can also be used for ICF's. The advantage with ICF's is that the termites can’t affect the structural integrity of the building since it is made of concrete

A:    A LOGIX wall has a sound transmission classification of STC 50, which is twice as high as a typical wood-framed wall. Loud noises outside a LOGIX building will be reduced to a whisper inside the building