Looking at building a 1700 sq foot one storey home in the fall 2008.
In Atlantic Canada (Moncton area) the main players are Nudura, Quad-Lock, Arxx, and a few others.

I like the look of the TF Systems.

However I don't know if they are available in Canada.

Does anyone have opinions on the vertical ICF companies, I think there is TF and Hobbs.

As well getting a product from the US, such as TF or even Fox Blocks are we running into code requirements, that we wouldn't run into with Canadian products such as Arxx, Nudura, Logix, Quad-Lock etc...

Tks....

vertical. good luck is all im going to say.

 

allways go with top brands that are local to you. the last 3 or 4 you mentioned will be great with a good installer of course.

We have only had one experiance with the TF system and although it seems for the most part a good system, here is the issue we had with it.

We where hired as a sub to install the river rock exterior finish on the foundation, when we installed our metal lathe to the ties they stripped very easily and we had to go all the way into the concrete with tap cons to hold the lathe to the wall. When we installed the scratch coat it worked very well as it bonded to the foam as good as it does with any other ICF, and wepp drains where no different then with any other ICF.

On the area that was EIFS only this applied as normal and is doing very well. This area had some bulge between the ties but was not enough that we couldnt pre fill it to smooth it out for a good looking finish. The only thing I attribute the bulge to is a wet slump and that is not the products fault.

Colster, even though you have given good information you haven't told us if your installing or looking at others to install?

Dave

The basic problem I see with vertical systems is that you want your bracing to be perpendicular to the forms and the bracing is vertical.

I do not understand "code approvals" ICFs are a form for concrete. The engineering is for the concrete in the form regardless of the forming method.

TF System ICF is available in Canada. Their Distributor is INHOFF systems, Inc. in Kelowna, BC. Contact 250-763-2468.
They can deliver in your area and actually produce components of the system in Canada. The system is CDN Building Code compliant and as bkvanbek states, the ICF is merely insulation, which happens to be a form to contain the concrete while it cures.

Tks
I will probably have someone do the main work and I will contract it out. After reading through the forums, I'm not sure if I should go ICF all the way, basement and the main floor (only a one storey house). Or ICF basement and SIP the main floor. Cost wise / engery savings / sound barier... (in the country so that shouldn't be a problem). I want a house as energy efficient as possible. Looking at Geothermal in-floor heating in basement and main floor, possibly garage as well. Closed loop or a DX system. The Nordic Geothermal plant is only 25 miles from here. Not sure if the do DX systems or not. My lot is tree covered and 1.6 acres.
Trying to get our plans finalized at this time...
Confused in New Brunswick