Which ICF's are best - 2015
Last Post 24 Jul 2015 09:52 PM by kenbw77. 48 Replies.
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kenbw77User is Offline
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08 Jul 2015 07:30 AM
Hi SmartWall, I am not expecting you to do actually size my HVC but since your in upper N.Y. you have a very similar climate as us in Northeastern Ohio and with your experience can you give me and idea of what to expect as for the BTU's and Tons for heating and cooling a 3,000 sq. ranch over a 3,000 sq. ft. walk out as well as a 2,500 sq. ft. with 10' ceiling?

Also, to throw in the mix will be a 980 sq. ft. heated 3 car garage.

I will also be using radiant floor under hardwood/tile. I expect that would probably reduce the BTU's by about 30% over forced air?
kenbw77User is Offline
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08 Jul 2015 07:36 AM
I will keep that in mind and price it out that way as well as me putting up the block and having the concrete work done by concrete people or block people.
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08 Jul 2015 11:43 AM
Contact Energy Wise Structures, it's the best money you can spend. They lay everything out including duct runs. I hate to brag but we were in the -23 degree range last year. We're about 7500 degree days here, still waiting for my piece of Global Warming
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08 Jul 2015 02:16 PM
After researching all.... I would go with AMVIC. They are denser and better quality. I think 8" is best.
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08 Jul 2015 02:18 PM
You really need to do your homework before making a decision in your locale and climate.
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09 Jul 2015 08:00 AM
Calamtyj, how many different icf products have you used?
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09 Jul 2015 08:09 AM
Logix/ Enduro/Buildblock/Foxblock/Quadlock/ Amvic...... enough to know?
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13 Jul 2015 08:09 AM
Posted By BrucePolycrete on 06 Jul 2015 04:18 PM
The problem with buying the block and then looking for an installer is that you have now taken away part of the installer's margin. If he's a good installer, he represents repeat business to the manufacturer, you don't. He will get a better price on the materials than you will. If you buy the material yourself then try to get a low price on the install, you will have started out by annoying the good installer and you will end up with a cheap installer. Unless you're doing a DIY, find an good installer and let him do his job. Your job is to do the due diligence on the installer. Get references and then check them.
Exactly!

I am amazed sometimes at how people try and beat the pennies out of the cost of doing something, and spend dollars doing it.

As a distributor, I do not sell blocks for the listed price from BB, I sell them at an average price that includes freight, the expense of having guys to unload the truck, and the quoted job. In other words, I sell an ICF job or project, and let other guys sell blocks and then get to call and get freight quotes and get rentals for bracing, etc.

When you use a qualified contractor or installer, consider this: You get a contractor with insurance, workman's comp, tools and equipment, and the skill to do the work. If you head out to save a few bucks and DIY it, or hire someone who isn't experienced, then what? Do you really want to sit on a phone and nickel and dime some company over $1 on a block when an average build may use 750 blocks.....and then order the rebar, what about cutting and bending?, and do you have enough...what about building the bucks, or should I buy them....what about braces...and walk boards....inside brace or outside? Reinforce the corners or shoot blind? Have a debate with the concrete plant about what mix to use for your walls, and hear that they want a check with every load of concrete because you don't have an account.....and then order a pump....do you spend more for a boom or do you call your buddies and ask them to help you with a line pump and hoses? And...when you have all of this down, and begin to add the numbers, how will this compare to contractors who give a simple quote on a project, and you have peace of mind? Nothing wrong with DIY...but there is no shame in subbing out the most important part of the project if you are not 100% positive you have it down cold.

So, to refer to the post above I quoted...if you pursue a course going as some of you wish, remember, you will get what you pay for with installers. There is no incentive to work for a client with no expectation of any profit. If you say you want to pay pay only for the labor, remember, many of us are not looking for an hourly job. Pro's will not even bother when you look at the jobs available....a job with a guy who is beating the pennies out, or a job where we will make a fair profit and return on the years of experience we have and the qualifications we bring to your job.

Ladwig Construction<br>Hennessey, Oklahoma<br>405 853 1563<br>Residential and Commercial Contractor<br>ICF's and Steel
kenbw77User is Offline
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24 Jul 2015 09:52 PM
You make a fair point and I do believe in paying one for their worth. But for my own sake I need to know the difference in cost of me buying the block, putting it up, having a concrete guy do his thing vs. going your method which I do not have anything against. Plus, it looks like the BB distributor in my area (Northeast Ohio) is out of business. He never answers his phone nor returns any calls so I must believe that he is out of business since he has no interest in selling blocks or possibly doing like you said. So if there is no one in my area to do what you said then my only option is to either go with another block company that has someone that wants to work or do it myself if I want to go with BB which so far I still do.
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