Is it feasible to use ICF's for a basement?
I am new to all this, I am really enjoying learning the various ideas and suggestions you all have.
I am looking at a new contstruction for our final home. A single floor SIP home with a basement. Is it practical to use ICF's for the basement? Can these panels be made so they can be laid down sideways? What about water proofing? What about wall support, is there a span limit?
I helped manage a project in which an Engine Room was built from ICF's and I was told that there are panels which are basically junked because they were not formed correctly. These panels can be purchased just about for free if you pay for the rigging and shipping? That would make a great basement...Floor? Wall??
What do you think guys or ladies?

Thanks,
Marc and Kemella Allyn

Yes, it is feasable to use icf's for basements as well as above grade,.......that's what icf's are used for. Not sure what you mean about laying down sideways, or wall support? Waterproofing is easily accomplished by one of several methods. I don't know about the free panels thing. I think as you do more research as to how icf's work you may find that it's more practical to use icf's vs panels (whatever they are).

Bunt

Marc&Kem,
ICF walls are the ideal basement wall. Think of the them as permanent concrete forms, because that's what they are, with insulation as a bonus. In our market, a 12" ICF wall, which holds 6.5-7" of actual concrete and reinforcing rebar, is about the same price as a 10" poured concrete wall. Plus you get all the good stuff that ICF's provide with none of the disavantages of plain poured concrete or concrete blocks. Yes, they need conscientious waterproofing, the same as any below grade wall. And while some companies make products for pouring suspended concrete floors, I don't see the ecomonic feasibility of using them for your project. 2-3" of foamboard insulation under your slab will do an excellent job of insulating the basement floor, and a standard floor joist system above will provide the best solution for you.
By the way, I know of no competent company that would sell misformed product. The liability issues would be huge. And from your point of view, do your risk what could be serious structural issues just to save a few dollars? not in my house.
Check out some ICF mfg websites. They should all have installation instructions and design details available for your inspection. The best way to learn about a product is to look at the details.

Appreciate the good advice. At the time I did not have the feeling these walls were defective structurally. They were just the wrong size. They were huge like 40ft long and about 8ft wide, so I thought...... What if you set it sideways?? basically have less joints. But them the joints would need an alternate way to hold them together and what about the load in the long span?,
That's were my head was at.

I agree  the more I think about it the worse it sounds.

Thanks,

Marc

I want to clarify. I thought ICF's were pre-made panels not blocks that are stacked and filled.