I know IntegraSpec has seperate panels and webs which are site assembled which is a feature I like. What other companies have a similar approach? I also like that the webs interlock.

dwak

You might want to visit www.tfsystem.com, and check out their "vertical" ICF system.

LiteForm has site assembled EPS planks and ties. That is what I am using. There is a link to their website on the left side of this page.

Quad-Lock is another option. They also have a link on the left side of the page.

Thanks guys. I'm reviewing the sites now.

dwak

Nudura is a full assemble folding block, but also has the option for the "knockdown" system too. I don't know your reasons for liking the site-assembled, but this way you can have both options. Just a thought for you. :)

Formtech.

I noticed that LiteForm is stripable, unlike my girlfriend, which is interesting but I wonder how secure the insulation is when left on out in the elements. (after a stucco finish) Also, the basic form doesn't seem to have ribs for drywall screws etc.
I like the site assembled systems for easier shipping, experimentation, flexibility, versatility, easier to cut on a table saw etc.

dwak

From my understanding, the LiteForm strippable insulation only works if you use their pink XPS foam planks, which are more expensive than the standard white EPS foam planks.  Also, the ties used if stripping the insulation have score marks to make it easier to break the tie pad off.  The standard non-strippable ties do not have this score mark and are stronger IMO.

The basic LiteForm assembly has tie pads every 8" on center that are 1-3/4" wide x 2-1/2" tall.  This is what you screw the drywall, brick ties, stucco lath, etc. to.  Since it doesn't have a nearly continuous vertical rib, it will generally require furring strips screwed to the tie pads if installing horizontal lap siding.  But this can be good also as it creates a drainage plane behind the siding.  Just something to consider.

Note that another advantage to the site assembled forms is that they generally use a higher density (stronger & higher R value) EPS foam than pre-made block type forms.  LiteForm uses nominal 2# (min 1.8#) density EPS while most block use nominal 1.5# (min 1.35#) density EPS.   And you can feel the difference.

If you are going to be using a table saw or other power saw to cut the foam, I recommend using a metal or concrete abrasive blade on the saw.  It will cut/melt right through the foam and not leave much if any mess.  A regular steel saw blade only cuts on the tips and the metal sides can tend to grab the foam.

I've got a 14" metal chop saw that works great at cutting the foam planks to length.  I made a slight modification to my 10" table saw to accept a 12" abrasive blade and it works good also for cutting tapered edges on the foam (i.e. taper-top forms). 

Alan

Check out Hobbs Vertical ICF for a vertical knock down panel system

Yes, their are other Knock down ICF's. However none are quite like Integraspec. The webs simply drop or slide down the panel grooves and only lock to each other. Not to the panel. This a huge advantage if you are pouring suspended concrete floors. Lets say the floor falls directly at the top of your wall and the floor is 6" thick. You would only need to rip icf panels in half and flipping every other half into the inner wall. Their would be no ICF waste. Also the webs would project up into the outer foam panel, so no additional shoring would be need for the concrete pour. also becuase the webs do not lock into the foam the foam can be ripped at any height to match the floor or roof elevation perfactly, again with no waste. We have used ripped as thin as 1" on large pours and even at the bottom of the ICf pour.

An alternative to the above method would be to place the 6" rips at the bottom of the inner foam form. This gives a full standard panel to place at the inside top and still leaves 6" of form at the top of the outside panel to pour the concrete floor against. This our preferred method.

There are also no "knock down" ICF systems quite like TF (The "Vertical" ICF System) The "webs" which are actually called "studs" also are not attached to the foam panels, and they are in one piece for the full height of the wall at 8" OC. This results in a continuous attachment point for drywall and siding. There are many other features that are unique to this system, and can be viewed at www.tfsystem.com

Can you still order TF with different height studs for the inside? So floors can be poured without foam waste. I think you can also set wood floors basicly on the metal studs with TF.

Ok, lot's of data. Thanks. I really like the web interlock of IntegraSpec to prevent lift on the non braced side which I always held together with vertical strapping. Was I wasting my time? I guess this wouldn't be an issue with a "vertical system".

dwak

Another vertical Icf system is www.hobbsbuildingsystems.com, fast, less concrete, 16" oc, standard or custom heights, etc. See video on site.