I was wondering how you all did your window and door bucks?  Pressure treated wood, V-buck, Steel, etc?  Did anyone run into any code issues that required a specific method?  Please advise and thank you.

Ren Angle

Window bucks have never been a big issue...I have more trouble getting an inspector to understand how we get away without tying rebar together

We use a removable form in all window and dooor openings. Then the openings can be bucked as a normal CMU.

With the expection of using a 1x6 instead of a 1x4 on a 4 inch core. We advise them not to put in the bucking material till the day of the window and door install and to caulk behind the buck then tap con in and install window and doors  and cualk the window/door again as a normal CMU would.

Most commercial cmu jobs I have been on use steel framed windows and doors. I assume these are available with 11" jambs, wouldn't these have to go in before the pour? I have always seen the blocklayers put them in and grout them as they go.

Greg

Thanks for the replys and input, I appreciate it. Greg, I was thinking the same thing, but was just curious. We are quoting a school and some other commercial projects and was curious about code requirements. The steel framed windows could be done, but pressure treated works well also, just trying to streamline the costs on the project, so was thinking of staying away from the steel.

Thanks again,

Ren

Yes if there metal framed. Then yes pour them in place of a removeable form.

Ren,

Sorry to bend the topic with a stupid question, but:

Why are commercial and residential windows and doors done differently?

Very respectfully,
Larry

The quick answer is that commercial and specifically municipal buildings have different standards for building componants ie.e door assemblies w/ fire ratings necessitating steel frames to accomodate steel doors (in some cases). There is a relatively new steel frame (buck) system available that is designed specifically for ICF walls called "Stala" It comes in varying widths depending on which ICF system you are using. I do not know the costs associated with this system. Other than that, If local building codes allow, pressure treated, v-buck and other methods listed above are sufficient.

Also, a lot of commercial offices incorporate different glazing/spandrel for windows that cover structural concrete on either side of the window giving the appearance of larger windows from the exterior of the building.

SoCalScott,

Thank you. 
I'd guessed that residences would require tougher fire standards than commercial.

Very respectfylly,
Larry

With regard to commercial ICF window framing, further attention to wall alignment of moderate to large openings also needs to be addressed. To obtain a true ICF wall, alignment of the eps panels and concrete core is key . Please view: Commercial Grade ICF Window Openings

The proximity of window openings is another concern. With multiple windows close together, ICFs have to be cut very short. Stala's wall alignment assists to minimize "snaking."

As for door openings, the sheer weight of hollow metal door slabs can turn into a maintenance issue within conventional bucking. Incorporating framing strength into the ICF concrete core is a much better option. There are pictures attached to this thread, including commercial door assemblies that are prepped to swing heavy hollow metal doors. Sidelighting, transoms, etc. are customizable / optional

-David