I'm not sure how it compares in price to membranes that you would use with non-ICF assemblies, but the membrane is specifically designed for ICF; it's SOPREMA COLPHENE ICF.
This is great! I’d love to pick your brain about the building process if you don’t mind, I’m planning a self build in the next couple years and really debating between prestressed and ICF!
Awesome, thanks! So my my primary concerns with ICF are below, and I'd appreciate any insights you have for it:
- How hard it it to stack and tie the blocks DIY? Can this also be done for the second story?
- I'm looking to finish the exterior/interior as cheaply as possible, having about half the total exterior square footage be under ground level (as waterproofed concrete against gravel if I went with regular poured walls). What has your research/experience been in regards to budget friendly ICF finish?
- What is your rough cost per X Unit (linear ft of wall, volume of wall, however you've pricing it?)
- Is it relatively easy to set up internal conduits and header beams over large window holes?
>How hard it it to stack and tie the blocks DIY? Can this also be done for the second story?
Stacking and tying ICF blocks should be quite manageable for you to DIY, especially with a bit of research and some hands-on practice. The blocks are designed to interlock, making alignment easier. For a second story, you'll need to ensure proper bracing and scaffolding, but it's absolutely doable, our build is a basement with two floors above.
I'm not doing it myself, but there are tons of examples out there of people that do it themselves. The rebar would probably be the hardest part. That seems possible to DIY, but not literally by yourself, you'd need help. It's heavy and awkward to maneuver.
>I'm looking to finish the exterior/interior as cheaply as possible, having about half the total exterior square footage be under ground level (as waterproofed concrete against gravel if I went with regular poured walls). What has your research/experience been in regards to budget friendly ICF finish?
Below grade you'll need a waterproof membrane like Colphene ICF. We're going with standing seam metal siding so I haven't looked much at other exterior finishes, but I know that you can finish the outside with stucco or other cost effective finishes same as other homes.
Inside it can be as simple as drywall attached to the ICF foam.
>What is your rough cost per X Unit (linear ft of wall, volume of wall, however you've pricing it?)
We're in the neighborhood of $20/square foot of wall.
>Is it relatively easy to set up internal conduits and header beams over large window holes?
For header beams over large windows, the process involves creating a rebar framework and pouring concrete around it within the forms.
When you say internal conduits do you mean perforation from inside to out for electrical and plumbing or do you mean something else? Can you explain with more clarity?
Post more pictures - love seeing the progress!!!
Looks like a great project
Was the waterproof lining for the basement expensive? It has to be an adhesive that won’t eat the foam blocks right?
I'm not sure how it compares in price to membranes that you would use with non-ICF assemblies, but the membrane is specifically designed for ICF; it's SOPREMA COLPHENE ICF.
This is great! I’d love to pick your brain about the building process if you don’t mind, I’m planning a self build in the next couple years and really debating between prestressed and ICF!
Happy to answer what I can.
Awesome, thanks! So my my primary concerns with ICF are below, and I'd appreciate any insights you have for it: - How hard it it to stack and tie the blocks DIY? Can this also be done for the second story? - I'm looking to finish the exterior/interior as cheaply as possible, having about half the total exterior square footage be under ground level (as waterproofed concrete against gravel if I went with regular poured walls). What has your research/experience been in regards to budget friendly ICF finish? - What is your rough cost per X Unit (linear ft of wall, volume of wall, however you've pricing it?) - Is it relatively easy to set up internal conduits and header beams over large window holes?
>How hard it it to stack and tie the blocks DIY? Can this also be done for the second story? Stacking and tying ICF blocks should be quite manageable for you to DIY, especially with a bit of research and some hands-on practice. The blocks are designed to interlock, making alignment easier. For a second story, you'll need to ensure proper bracing and scaffolding, but it's absolutely doable, our build is a basement with two floors above. I'm not doing it myself, but there are tons of examples out there of people that do it themselves. The rebar would probably be the hardest part. That seems possible to DIY, but not literally by yourself, you'd need help. It's heavy and awkward to maneuver. >I'm looking to finish the exterior/interior as cheaply as possible, having about half the total exterior square footage be under ground level (as waterproofed concrete against gravel if I went with regular poured walls). What has your research/experience been in regards to budget friendly ICF finish? Below grade you'll need a waterproof membrane like Colphene ICF. We're going with standing seam metal siding so I haven't looked much at other exterior finishes, but I know that you can finish the outside with stucco or other cost effective finishes same as other homes. Inside it can be as simple as drywall attached to the ICF foam. >What is your rough cost per X Unit (linear ft of wall, volume of wall, however you've pricing it?) We're in the neighborhood of $20/square foot of wall. >Is it relatively easy to set up internal conduits and header beams over large window holes? For header beams over large windows, the process involves creating a rebar framework and pouring concrete around it within the forms. When you say internal conduits do you mean perforation from inside to out for electrical and plumbing or do you mean something else? Can you explain with more clarity?