ICF Brand Comparison
While we’re in the planning phase of building Egan’s Corner here in Rogersville, I wanted to do some more research on different brands of ICF, or Insulated Concrete Forms. There are now a number of brands available, even some that you can pick up at your local big box store! I’m definitely going into this with a bias as I have built with Nudura a few times before, but I want to look at the other products on the market.
If you’re looking for a massive reference, ICF Magazine has this awesome pdf available with a comparison chart between a bunch of different brands.
For this article, I will be focusing on a few brands in particular: BuildBlock, Fox Blocks, Logix, and Nudura. All of these companies are Members of the ICF Manufacturers Association.
BuildBlock
BuildBlock is widely manufactured with 13 locations in the US as well as international manufacturing. The standard BuildBlock form is 48″ x 16″ with core sizes from 4″ to 8″. BuildBlock also offers CAD Details, BIM Library, Engineering Support, Training, and Installation Help.
BuildBlock Basics
BuildBlocks are fully reversible, even the corners. This means that pieces can be flipped up, down, left, or right. This leads to a waste factor as small as 1 or 2% which can decrease your overall cost.
According to BuildBlocks, their 90 and 45 degree corners are 6″ longer on each leg than the industry standard. Their 90 degree blocks have an outside dimension of 21″ long on the sort side and 33″ long for the long side. The longer corners enhance the overall stability of your pour leading to fewer blowouts.
BuildBlocks have web spacing on 6-inch centers compared to the 8 or 12-inch centers on many ICF blocks.
One convenience feature that BuildBlock has is horizontal and vertical cut lines on both sides of each block
BuildBlock Form Specs
Dimensions
| Form Name | Length | Height | Core Sizes | Sq. ft. per cu. yd. (6″ core) | Wall Type (Screen / Waffle/ Flat / Modified Post and Beam) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BuildBlock | 48 | 16 | 4-8 | 54 | Flat |
| BuildLock | 48 | 16 | 4-12+ | 54 | Flat |
| GlobalBlock | 48 | 16 | 4-6 | 85 | Screen |
Ties
| Form Name | Style (Panel / Block / Hinge) | Material (Plastic / Steel / EPS) | Spacing (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BuildBlock | Block | Plastic | 6 inches |
| BuildLock | Block | Plastic | 6 inches |
| GlobalBlock | Block | EPS / Plastic | 12 inches |
Performance Data
| Form Name | Fire Rating (Hours) | Sound Attenuation | Sidewall Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| BuildBlock | 3-4 | 54 | 2.5 |
| BuildLock | 3-4 | 54 | 2.5 |
| GlobalBlock | N/A | 58 | Varies |
Fox Blocks
Standard Fox Blocks are 48″ x 16″ with core sizes from 4-12 inches with extensive support and training for DIY builders. For lower freight costs, Fox Blocks also offers a compact block. This block ships flat and ties are inserted on the job site. While it saves space, you must insert 6 ties into each 4′ block before assembling.
On both the Standard and Compact Fox Blocks you will find six injection molded plastic ties located 8 inches apart.
Logix
Logix also comes in the standard 48″ x 16″ form with the Logix KD which is shipped flat and can be assembled onsite.
Logix forms feature 8″ on center webs and even offer blocks in 4″ height increments to cut down on cuts. Logix also offers an Xtender clip which can allow greater core sizes above their standard 4 to 12 inches.
Nudura
Nudura has one of the smallest manufacturing footprints, with only three manufacturing locations. The standard Nudura ICF block is 96″ by 18″, making it the largest form we’re looking at today. They offer standard core sizes from 4 to 12 inches.
Like Build Block, Nudura is a fully reversible system, which helps cut down on waste. Nudura stands out from many ICF manufacturers because their 18″ webs are hinged, allowing Nudura forms to be shipped flat but with almost no onsite assembly, just unfold and stack.
Nudura does shy away a little more from owner builders, encouraging home owners to use a Nudura Trained Installer to build their home.
Summary
Let’s be real, there was some bias going into this, but I was willing to be proven wrong. At the end of the day, Nudura offers the biggest block and the smallest shipping profile. The 96″ length also cuts down significantly on the number of joins in a project. Since the blocks are fully reversible, anything you cut off can be reused somewhere else in your structure.
Also it’s green. Have you ever driven by an ICF project and thought it looked dirty? Not a problem with Nudura! It’s eye-catching and the color helps disguise any discoloration.
Needless to say, Egan’s Corner will certainly be featuring Nudura ICF in its construction.
