IntegraSpec's Forum

What makes your system more economical or user friendly for the DIY builder? I have also been told that it is viable to downsize the wall thickness due to the uniform drying and curing of the concrete as opposed to standard form poured concrete foundations. Is there anything special or specific to the footings of your system? I am not intimidated by the ICF systems themselves but am going to try to get contractor to do my footings and basement floor slab. Is there an ongoing problem with water travel through the walls following the insulation form support frames? I have also been told that ICF has no nutritional value so underground pests are a non issue. What protective mesures might you suggest? I am currently researching geothermal and radient floor heat. I am in contract for a SIP home and am leaning toward ICF for my foundation. I will be starting in 4 months or less
Thanks
Vinnie in NY Hudson Valley

Vinnie,
Thank you for your interest in IntegraSpec ICF.
IntegraSpec's unique and patented design is "User Friendly" from tooth to tail.
IntegraSpec ICF is manufactured across North America including Uxbridge, MA and shipped in manageable bundles wrapped in white plastic.
IntegraSpec ICF panels have clearly marked 1" cut lines that assist in layout and windows/doors placement and reduce waste.
The web/spacers lock together during installation thus eliminating form float/lift. Other ICF's use glue or tape to attempt to deal with form lift.
The IntegraSpec inserts or "rails" are in contact with each other creating a vertical spine every 8" on center, inside & outside face. The benefit of this feature is the elimination of form compaction during concrete placement. Other ICF companies request that a gap be left over the doors & windows to compensate for form compaction. Braces must have slots and other tchniques increase costs and take valuable time.
The IntegraSpec inserts are manufactured with "HIPS" plastic , not Censored polypropylene.
This designed plastic provides a 146 pound pull test and therefore, IngtegraSpec ICF is authorized for use in high wind, coastal, hurricane and tornnado prone areas.
This unique feature of using "HIPS" plastic also increases the strength of IntegraSpec ICF. Form failure/blowouts are eliminated because the "HIPS" plastic fuses to the EPS during manufacturing at the intense temperatures of the steam used to expand the insulation. Pour with confidence up to 10' creating a truly monolithic concrete core and reduced pump truck time.
Please note the "Dovetailed" groves on the inside or concrete face of the IntegraSpec panels.
This feature guarantees a permanent contact with the IntegraSpec form and the reinforced concrete cavity.
What are the benefits?
The best Stucco warranties in the business and Air Infiltration Control.
The concrete will not shrink away from the form. Since Energy Efficiency or "R" Performance is the combination of Insulated Thermal Mass and Air Infiltration Control, it is a small wonder that IntegraSpec ICF projects win Energy Efficiency Awards.
An IntegraSpec residential project in Nova Scotia, Canada had a "Blower Door" test performed at 55 Pascal's and scored anamazing .20 air changes per hour. This is truly amazing when compared to the average North American home at 4 air changes per hour and the R-2000, EnerQuality maximum standard of 1.5 air changes per hour!
These "Dovetailed" grouves also perform another function, they accept the IntegraBuck System. Forget about pressure treated wood, spruce, plywood or vinyl window bucking systems. These IntegraBucks are very cost effective up front and installed with zero waste. No carpentry skills or tools required.
The IntegraBucks are also Energy Efficient. With a Wood buck system, the wood will shrink away from the concrete and vice versa. This antiquated methodology creates Air Infiltration around window openings, here we are, back to "R" Performance again!
Stucco enthusiasts immediately recognize the benefits of the one material substrate surface provided by the IntegraBuck technology.
IntegraSpec's patented ICF technology includes the unique and original "flippable/reversible" interlock design.
This innovative breakthrough eliminates wastes and reduces on site Installed Cost.
No top, no bottom , no right, no left...............The only Independent Panel ICF puts the table saw back onto your construction sites. Cut window sills, headers, gables and variable wall heights accurately and quickly.
Imagine cutting gable ends............cut the right side/ inside gable and take the cut off parts and install them on the left side/ outside gable, Professional Accuracy, fast installation and ZERO waste!
IntegraSpec's complete ICF Product line includes; Brickledge, 45o corners, taper tops etc. IntegraSpec is a "Commercially" designed ICF that you can use in residential foundation construction....not the other way around...........
IntegraSpec's Award Winning Wallsystem features; 4",5",6",8",10",12" web/spacers and our unique "H" clip that connects the web spacers together creating any concrete core thickness specified. We have successfully poured 48" thick concrete cavity IntegraSpec walls and I have personally poured 24" thick concrete cavity walls with very professional results.
Design freedom is unlimited with IntegraSpec's versatile product line. For example, our Brickledge panel can also be used as an architectural relief. The use of different web/spacer thicknesses can easily create vertical or horizontal relief's.
Please visit our www.integraspec.com " Projects Section" and look at the tower on David Lindsey's, 160,000 square foot Grande Caribbean project.
IntegraSpec ICF was recognized at this year's International Builders Show, Orlando, Florida. ICF Builder, Mapleton, Utah awarded Succession Group's Retirement Home project with the Best Heavy Commercial ICF Project 2005 AND Best ICF Project Overall 2005!
This award took into consideration. all of the above and IntegraSpec's Exposed Concrete Face (ECF). This very unique feature was used in the construction of the 10 stories of elevator shafts in the building. With IntegraSpec 's Independent Panel design, we used standard IntegraSpec panels on one side to reduce noise , insulate and provide furring for the sheetrock. The web/spacers were the rebar platform for the structural stability and we used removable plywood strips in the elevator shaft side to meet the strict fire code specifications. This easily separated IntegraSpec from the competition and made the judge's decision very easy!

Vinnie,
Thank you for researching and considering Radiant Floor Heating and Geothermal.
These systems compliment IntegraSpec ICF structures and IntegraSpec ICF compliment Radiant Floor and Geothermal systems.
The Insulated Thermal Mass and Air infiltration Control provided by IntegraSpec ICF require smaller and more efficient heating/cooling systems.
The "balancing" and performance of these systems in an IntegraSpec structure is very straight forward. The increased costs of purchasing these systems is quickly returned , especially in these times of Energy Cost uncertainty.
Please call me toll free 800 382 9102 ext 24 and I will gladly give you Radiant and Geothermal www's and contact #'s.

Best Wishes,
Jim
ICF Professional since 1993