Hello everyone, I've been approved to build a new home and would like to ask the experts a few questions. 1. I made the decision to build my next home with ICF. I'm building in the Palm Coast area and a very good builder uses concrete block but fills the block with a product called core fill 500. He advised that using ICF, which he can build, will cost me about $15-19k more than his standard home. From all that I've read I understood that ICF doesn't cost any more than a regular concrete block home but the builder insisted that it's the fit and finish of an ICF home that will cost more. The labor is more intensive for the electrical, plumbing, ect. Is that correct? 2. I found a contractor in Jacksonville, FL that has build commercial and residential using ICF for the past 25 years. He uses the BuildBlock brand. I noticed that BuildBlock has a product called GlobalBlock, an all foam ICF, which increases the R-value but uses less concrete which reduces the overall cost. Is that type of block better than their standard ICF? Anyone have any experience using GlobalBlock? Buildblock also has an ICF for foundations and floors. Is it common to use ICF as a foundation to a home and is it safe? 3. My last questions. FL experiences hurricanes and an occasional tornado. The builders that use ICF utilize a truss system with the icynene spray foam for insulation in the attic. My concern is the roof blowing off but leaving the ICF walls in place. Is it possible to use a different roofing system that is as strong as the ICF walls? What's the cost difference? Thanks in advance to those that reply to my questions. This site is the main reason I decided to go with ICF. The information that people provide are very helpful to the uninformed like myself.

Flat wall ICF is always best and strongest. specially in storm prone areas. Do you really want to cheapout there? Someone else once said they wouldn't trust a wall they could shove a rake handle through. I'm with that.

Started in business with a screen grid. I would have no problem with the BB GlobalBlock if it was available where I am located. As far as the roof, I've done several with a raised heel truss set down between the walls and anchored with the Watkins hanger inside and a Simpson strap on top of the wall. It's no guarantee but has 2 anchor points for the trusses. At 1.5 lb density you couldn't put a rake handle thru the block. Combine this block with a product like Helix and no problemo.

hey jpc73301, in florida you have good access to steel SIPs which make a great strong and efficient roof to go with your ICF walls.

I'm an ICF contractor in FL.  I would be interested in giving you quote for your project.  If you have any questions, I'll be happy to help you if I can.

I watched the Core Fill video, looks good but I have reservations about the foam retaining moisture. Remember you're building in a tropical climate and mold is a serious issue here (I live in Jacksonville.) No first hand knowledge though. You qualified the builder as " very good" so I'm guessing you've checked him out, ask for references from folks with first hand knowledge. I wonder about the cost difference between the foam system and filling all the cells with concrete. I realize you would loose the insulating properties but hey, this is concrete block and you have bridging issues throughout.

I'm not a fan of systems that use concrete savings as a selling point. Honestly I don't like the 4" core ICF systems either but they seem to be getting more popular.

Most common method of anchoring trusses here is embedded straps or wet set J bolts to top plate. It works well. Consider the roof design as an option here, moderate pitch and hip roofs are time proven in FL.

You asked a lot of questions and I type slow...have to get to work. PM sent.

If I were building in FL, I'd use ICF for walls and steel SIP's for the roof. I'm building an ICF home in SC, and I don't get the part about ICF being more expensive to finish. Electrical was fast and easy (if you know what you're doing), and there shouldn't be that much plumbing in the outside walls. I would go conventional ICF, with a minimum of 6" core in FL. Concrete is cheaper than foam, so I don't see how an all foam block could be cheaper, although there would be a labor savings. I'm not sure why, but it seems that in warmer climates, wall insulation is less important than ceiling/attic insulation. Having lived in FL for 30 years, I overbuilt my SC home, but as I get older, I like the feeling of a really strong house on a stormy night!

With the electric, you run wires from box to box by simply cutting a slot with an electric chainsaw. I'll wager it's as fast as drilling through studs. If the slot is cut right, it holds the wires, so no stapling, and in many areas they just glue the boxes into the wall cavity. I used steel studs for my internal walls, and they were slower to wire than the ICF portion.

I own a gulf front lot at Cape San Blas, FL located in Gulf County in the Panhandle. Looking for ICF contractor...3000 SF, 2-story, on pilings.

I am building a 2 story ICF large house (7000 sq ft) in Okaloosa County, Florida on the bay. I am using Nudura because it seems suitable for this structure and that is what the sub I am using builds with. Planning conventional truss roof with fasteners to support hurricane survival (fingers crossed). Pricing is important. SIPs seem ideal but lack of experience in my area with SIPs have steered me away from what could be a better solution.
The building industry in this area is picking up. Virtually every trade I have talked to is getting maxed out on schedule. This isn't good news for those of us planning to build soon.

WWreynolds you need to find a good contractor and see what they use regarding ICF. Many good blocks out there but the key is that your contractor uses and is comfortable with. I have gone to the site and watched the construction and that is way more important than anything else I have read or seen as you can observe what is going on, how fast the product can be built up. How well the bracing holds up, and on and on.
Fox blocks, ARXX, Nudrua all seem popular in this area and I am sure there are more...

My ICF contractor has his office located in Pensacola but is doing my home 65 miles away. I know the area you are in. If you want his contact info PM me and I will send it to you. He might be able to suggest someone in your area he could recommend...

You might can find a ICF contractor here.


http://icfresource.com/contractors.htm

I am an ICF installation contractor.  I would be happy to take a look at your project.  Please send me your email or contact info.

We are also an Icf builder ,feel free to pm your information as well!

we are in florida and in the icf business since 1995
we live in an icf house with icf roofs
we work with most of the icf companies and their distributors/installers in the south east
if you need help email us at
insuldeckflorida at aol dot com