We're constructing a "healthy house" for my severe chemical sensitivities.  We're using ICFs and AAC.  Unfortunately, the first builder (yes we're on #2) contructed very shoddy ICF walls that have tons of gaps that we now have to fill.  But the expanding foams are all pretty toxic and I'm having a hard time with them, even after they cure.

Does anyone know of a good alternative?  This will go into the ICF (they are like styrofoam material) gaps.

Thanks
Jill

Jill,

I'm NOT an expert on ICFs, but -- if you have voids in ICF walls -- I'd be concerned about structural as well as thermal issues.  If you are planning on filling the voids wall with foam, you might want to post your question on the ICF forum before you go further.

Good luck,
Larry

From your post its not clear whether your voids are both concrete and ICF block gaps?

If concrete, you can use one of the pourable type fast setting grouts, and leave the iCF foam gaps and let the dw cover them. If the gaps are so large you really want to fill them, try removing ICF foam in a pattern so you can glue? back pieces of rigid foam!

Jill,

There are a lot of good products out there that contain no toxic chemicals. Some of the things to watch out for are some wood products that use glues the give off Formaldehyde. Other products can give off HCFC's of CFC's, doing your homework you can find which have off gassing. Look for the different green products. EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) is one of the safest. Combine EPS with steel studs and you have structural and safe, healthy and thermal home.
Good luck on your endeavor.
David, Kwik-Build Panels

Posted By jacksteve on 19 Feb 2010 06:34 AM
There are lots of solutions in the market. I think the usage of Icynene Foam Insulation System gives you a healthier and quieter environment . Home owners everywhere are taking advantage of Icynene Foam Insulation System. It does not provide harmful gases. It is a less expensive method for building a energy. Icynene's products are suitable for steel- or wood- framed residential or commercial construction.


 

Lessee, 3 mentions of a brand name of a half pound foam product from a first-time poster. More astroturf?

Icynene isn't "quieter" than any other insulation- in fact it's 1 STM point behind low-density fiberglass batting. (Making it one of the WORST performing insulations from a sound-abatement point of view.)

That said, I've used it, would use it again.  Not sure how relevant it is for patching up botched ICFs, but from a structural integrity point of view 2lb foam would be a far better choice  than Icynene (or any other half-pound foam) here.

With chemical sensitivities, I would also look into carbon and permanganate filters to clean the air. Also a week of some level of ozone before you move in.