split level two story. (Hobbs vicf both floors) The question! How do you form, make, setup the brick ledges using the Hobbs system? I can not seem to find any information on a brick ledges using any of the vertical ICF forms. (not sold on Hobbs so if other vertical wall manufacturers make a better product i'm all ears. I would like to use true bricks on the entire exterior of the house, but not place 8' of brick underground to the footers.

Good question. What do you like about vicf?

one way is to bolt a steel ledger along the exterior for them to sit on. Install the ledger prior to pouring and cast the anchor bolts when you pour. Stamped engineering is included with all Hobbs orders, so talk to your rep or give Andrew a call. I am sure they will get it figured out and taken care of for you.

Palmer - my apologies. I didn't mean to come off so as I did. I'm sure your project will work out fine - I am just curious about the vicf in general.

There is a product manufactured by Fero Corp called a FAST Bracket that allows you to attach an angle iron to ICF after a pour. The brackets fasten directly to the concrete and keep the angle iron to the outside of the EPS (minimal thermal bridge, structurally sound, can be placed at any level, and require no pre-planning prior to concrete pour). They are made in a variety of depths/sizes to accomodate any EPS thickness/air space requirement.

You can see these at http://www.ferocorp.com/pages/fast/fast.html

Texas- while I have never personally installed vertical or horizontal, I have spec'd them on several projects. Responses from contractors have been more in favor of vertical from ones that have done both. They like to do things such as panelize, less bracing, straighter/more plumb walls (easier to achieve I should note). These are why I am chosing vertical forms for my personal project. I understand its purely preference, and many contractors will disagree, but this is just my reasons behind my decision. Plus the company is local and will supply training and build assistance with prepour and pour inspections.

Interesting. I have been involved involved one million square feet plus conventional and have never had any serious problems. I have not installed vicf at all but do not know any installers who prefer it. How do you stack on top of a 15-20' wall to go on up to 30-40'?

Texas- never said either had problems, rather a preference. I am no expert on either system other then the research done, but I do know TF has perscriptive instructions for really tall walls on their website I think. Not sure about Hobbs, but I do know they have done several stories tall.

i feel the vertical wall suits my building experience better. Being able remove an entire panel and check the re-bar, after reading others inquiries it seems as though the vicf is easier to keep straight and plumb. Also taping all the joints, using more supports, and shipping costs, ease to build for moderately experienced labor also lead me to lean towards the vicf walls. I know there are 30 plus different horizontal models i haven't researched. If anyone suggests a horizontal model that is as sturdy during the pour as the vertical i'm willing to listen to your opinions. I know one major benefits in this scenario with the horizontal is the brick ledge you can place in the wall making it easy to pick the height of the ledge, and have it as a monolithic pour with the structural wall. ill have to look into the suggestions made about the angle iron technique. Also does anyone use a particular brick tie that works with these wall types?

Palmer7200, Yes, the Hobbs VICF system has an optional external mounted adjustable brick ledge that is engineered specifically for your project. This allows you to position the ledge where ever you would like in the field depending on your grade ect. I attempted to insert some photos, however, the file sizes where too large. I will e-mail you my direct contact information and if you wouldn't mind e-mailing me back I will send you photos and details of our brick ledge. Thank you, Andrew Hobbs, President Hobbs Building Systems