Monopour with ICF's
Last Post 18 Mar 2010 09:35 PM by Matt G. 2 Replies.
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JosephFearnUser is Offline
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16 Mar 2010 03:00 PM
Im just wondering what solutions there are to doing a monopour with ICFs. I have heard of a system using fabric to pour both footing and wall at same time, has anyone used this system or know of one like it? Seems like a smart way to save money
James EggertUser is Offline
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17 Mar 2010 10:36 PM
You're talking about FastFoot fabric forming material, which can work with a monopour, although I wouldn't run out and pour 12' of walls on top of a fabric footer.

I've used it, and like it!
Take Care<br>Jim<br><br>Design/Build/Consulting<br>"Not So Big" Design Proponent
Matt GUser is Offline
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18 Mar 2010 09:35 PM
I have not used the product, however I watched the video you linked to.

I'd be skeptical as to weather any money would be saved and I'd think the margin for error would be multiplied by some factor.

Re the saving money, concrete guys are pretty efficient at reusing their form lumber.  I had a mono-slab foundation formed 2 days ago.  I noticed some spray paint marks on the form boards and asked them - yep, they had the same board as when they did a mono-slab for me during 8/09!  Also, here anyway, we don't even normally form footings - just did a neat trench in the heavy soil and fill with concrete - level using a laser.  Not much lumber waste in that....  It depends on one's geography though. 

With the product you are looking at by the time you buy those brackets and the fabric, I'd bet you could of bought all the 2x10s you need, plus the form lumber can be reused.

Here is the main thing though - margin for error.  The normal way to build a foundation (here anyway) is to place the footers, have the surveyor come back and set the house corners by driving masonry nails into the concrete, and then build your foundation to that.  Using the product you are looking at pretty much eliminates the possibility of having a surveyor come back to set the house corners - sometimes called brick points.  Concrete guys have enough trouble already getting things right...  Further, one thing that is very important about ICF building is bracing the forms adequately.  I've seen a few totally f-ed up ICF jobs due to inadequate bracing.  With that product it looks like you have a lot more possibility for things to move around prior or during the pour both horizontally and vertically - with the conventional method at least you have a "solid foundation" to work off of. 

I'd use the fast-foot product that the guy referred to above, but that is not a mono-pour situation.  I'm good with being on the leading edge - no thanks to the bleeding edge!
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