Tools Required

This video provides a list of tools required for your ICF project.

Site Preparation and Footings

This video details site preparation and footings. Note that in our climate it is always recommended to use Fastfoot to prevent ground water entering the concrete footing and leading to moisture and mold.

Installing the First Course

Installing the first course correctly is essential for an accurate foundation. Note that with Zont bracing, excellent wall alignment is achieved, eliminating the need for Formlok (shown in the video cover sheet below).

Rebar Installation

The Nudura webs allow for fast and easy rebar installation.

Installing the Second Course

The second course enables the wall to be leveled up perfectly as the forms lock vertically to each other. We don't recommend the form lock for several reasons: first, with Zont bracing, it is easy to get the wall aligned perfectly; two, form lock is expensive; and three, the formlock will rust over time as it is on the outside of the concrete.

Service Penetrations

This video discusses the installation of service penetrations through the ICF wall.

Lintel Reinforcement

This video provides a general overview of installing lintel reinforcement.

Connectors, Beam Pockets, Brick Ledge, Gable Ends

This video provides details on various specialty situations.

Damp Proofing Below Grade

The video below shows the installation of Nudura Peel & Stick membrane. We do not recommend the use of a dimple membrane as the back fill material, upon settlement, tends to drag the dimple membrane off the wall. Special care must be taken to ensure no damage occurs to the membrane when backfilling.

The top edge of the Peel & Stick should not be left exposed to the weather as the membrane may delaminate from the ICF surface over time. The top edge should be mechanically attached to the foam with a Hardiboard ripped down to an appropriate width using 1-1/2" #8 or #10 screws 16" on centre. Metal flashing can also be used.

For additional information, click on the links below:

Finishing the Exposed Foundation Wall

There are two options available: 1/4" HardiPlank or a parging coat. We recommend the HardiPlank as it requires less labour and is not susceptible to weather conditions and site labour. Sheets of 1/4" HardiBoard are ripped to a suitable width (say 12") and attached with non corrosive screws to the plastic ties in the ICF. The Peel & Stick membrane should be run to the top of the foundation wall to ensure the EPS foam is protected from ground moisture wicking into the HardiPlank.

This video shows the application of stucco directly to the ICF block.

Electrical & Plumbing

Nudura eliminates the interior 2x6 wall as the drywall can be attached directly to the ICF wall. However the electrical wires must be embedded into the EPS using a chain saw with a depth guide installed on the blade.

Interior & Exterior Finishes

The finishing details both on the interior and exterior.