What is ICF

The EPS forms are held together with clips that are later used to attach sheetrock (inside) and siding (outside).Because there is no wood on the exterior walls of the home, they become impervious to decay, and mold. In addition, the finished thickness of approximately 11” of concrete and EPS provides an extremely high level of insulation from both weather and noise. Due to the inherent nature of the walls, ICF homes are exceptionally energy efficient, interior air quality of the home is greatly improved, and the home will have a high resistance to wind and/or earthquake damage.

CONSTRUCTION PROCESS
The ECO-Block ICF is composed of three components

• Side panels
• Webs
• Side panel connector elements

The ECO-Block ICF system (www.eco-block.com) used by IPD consists of two types of plastic: Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and high-density plastic. Each block has two side panels, each measuring 48" (1219 mm) long by 16" (406 mm) high by 2.5" (64 mm) thick. These side panels are made of flame-retardant EPS. Every 8” (203 mm) on the horizontal axis of the side panel, there is a high-density plastic web that has been molded into the EPS side panel. These webs provide a surface on both the exterior and interior to attach finishing materials.

The connector element spans the cavity between the two side panels and connects the two side panels together to make the blocks. The connector elements and the EPS side panels are easily and quickly assembled on site. The cavity made by the connector element can be varying sizes from 4", 6", 8" or 10" (101.6 mm to 254 mm) or more depending on the length of the connector element. It is in this cavity that concrete is placed to make the concrete walls of the building. After the concrete cures, the ECO-Block side panels remain in place and provide the insulation for the building.

Stack-and-Pour for Fast Walls

ECO-Block’s easy-to-use process eliminates several steps that are necessary with wood-frame construction, such as sheathing and insulating the exterior walls. Made of expanded polystyrene (EPS), ICFs stack and lock into place much like LEGOs. Extreme heat, frigid cold, rain or sun — it doesn’t matter — EPS insulates concrete, allowing it to wet-cure as it strengthens.

After the concrete cures, the plumbing and electrical installation can begin. The foam is easy to cut and remove so electrical lines can be installed. Plus, any exterior or interior finish can be applied — from panel and lap siding to brick, stone or stucco.

ECO-Block features a bracing system with unique alignment features to ensure a smooth wall finish. Only basic hand tools are needed to position and secure our lightweight blocks. High-density webs, integral to ECO-Block, provide furring strips for any standard wall-finishing product.

High-density plastic webs are recessed by 1/4”, providing a uniform exterior to which any stucco or EIFS material can be applied. Having such a uniform surface provides superior adhesion and crack resistance.

Radius walls and angled walls can also be constructed with ease through simple mitering techniques.

ECO-Block leads the ICF industry in research and development. It is this dedication to continuous improvement that allows their customers to rest easy. ECO-Block, and IPD, stand behind their ICF products and homes. Contact us for more information on the ECO-Block ICF system and how IPD can build your new ICF home.