Hello,

I'm new here, but have enjoyed gleaning some great info from the forum for my upcoming project for some time.

I'm a Stone Mason contractor in upstate NY and I'll be embarking on a project to build my own home soon.

Having decided to go with ICF's I now need to choose between the two brands offered locally; Logix and Arxx.

I'll be doing my own research into the specific product differences, performance etc., but I'd hope to hear from individuals here who might have worked with each product and could offer an opinion on the strengths, weaknesses and differences in the actual assembly, bracing systems, and even packaging of the respective forms. Also what kind of support the manufacturers offer.

Thanks

I'm in ustate NY and there are other options like Build Block, Fox Blocks, Formtech, Flexx-Block.

Murphy Lumber for instance here near Lake George has blocks... I think ARcs... and they rent you the bracing system...for a one off... that is the way to get the bracing for your project.

My neighbor used ARCS had a local contrator to the install... all turned out perfect.

My wish would be to find a non oil based solution to exterior concrete insulation... RPI is formulating a foam right now from mushrooms.... Ecocradle... it is biodegradable... not so good for exterior of foundation maybe... unless they could come up with a solution to that... they probably could.... smart kids there.. mix in some soy oils and pop in a bit of borax... walla 

aj

I have used both Logix and Arxx, though it has been several years since I used the Arxx (in fact, they were still called Blue-Max at the time). They are, or were, very similar in design and construction. Logix had some small differences that I felt made them a better block for me. Also, at the time, Logix were much easier to source, as they have plants all over the US, and at the time Arxx were all shipped out of their Ontario plant.
My suggestion, look for the differences. Then look at the pricing. Is the more expensive block worth the difference in price?

I was a bit surprised and disappointed first seeing this post. I am not sure what constitues "Upstate NY" since it often means different areas to different folks.My disappointment is that we are just outside of Syracuse, NY . We very possibly the most tenured ICF group in the area. and are a distributor for a company called Nudura, a leading manufacturer of ICF and we have not made any market presence (better keep this note under wraps before the boss gets it). WE were an Arxx distributor  for a number of years and moved to Nudura several years ago. I would enjoy the opportunity of reviewing your plans, objectives and goals From there we can determine if we have a good product match as well as compatible business philosophy.

If you would like to discuss this further or even send a copy of your plans we would be glad to run a take of for you. You can contact me at (315)730-4113 or (315)252-7227 or email:  [email protected]. For product information:  www.nudura.com
; www.robinsonconcrete.com.

Regards,

Neil

I probably should have been more specific. I'm located in the Western Adirondacks just outside of Old Forge.

My choices are narrowed to either Arxx or Logix for a couple reasons. First, they're both supplied by reputable local businesses that I do regular business with and prefer to support. Naturally, I wouldn't sacrifice the quality of my project for the sole purpose of this support, but both Logix and Arxx manufacture quality forms and the possible benefit of an alternate block, I believe, is outweighed by the convenience of doing business locally and having the rental equipment in my backyard so to speak.

The rental equipment is my second reason. One of the suppliers offers a reasonable flat rate for the bracing system that is hard to beat.

I appreciate the offer of alternate blocks, but I'm not posting to solicit bids. I'm hoping to hear from folks who have used Arxx and Logix blocks and could offer their opinions on the pros and cons of the assembly and bracing of each.

Murphy Lumber is the other side of the Park from me, but my local Arxx distributor offers the same rental deal. Wonder if its an aspect of Arxx or the distributor? The rental for Logix was considerable higher for me - it was a daily rate and I'll be assembling the forms with a helper and won't be moving at a speed that would get the bracing in and out of here fast enough.

Arxx and Logix have no material differences. If you're determined to use one of them, go for the price and convenience of the local bracing deal. If you want to see something really different, take a look at Polycrete^® Big Block™. www.polycrete.us

If you've already picked your horse to ride.... Here are a couple of points for consideration. Logix is 16" tall x 4' or 5.33 sqft (yourtypical ICF) Arxx is 16.75" tall x 4' or 5.58 sqft. So since neither of these blocks is reversable (e.g. they are male/female only) you may want to review your wall heights and give that some consideration for waste. Exposed web (Arxx) will allow for different coefficient of expansion at surface (so you might consider Logix if you are appling direct EFIS since it has a covered web, as do most ICFs). Logix is 8" oc and I believe that to be better than 6" -- particularly for complex jobs involving lots of rebar -- basically less clutter in the wall. I recall that ARxx is 6" o.c. but you might want to check that. I've heard that Arxx pours better than Logix but that is coming from the opinions of installers such as Neil and not from personal experience. Regards.

I have used both, installed lots of square foot of each and now install something else for the majority of my projects. I still install Logix once in a while. Pick up each block and turn it upside down (assuming you know which way is up!) then rub your hand along the bottom edge of each block and imagine how each would handle on the job site after being unloaded from truck, pulled around site placed in the hole, etc. etc. One stands up a lot better than the other and that was the main reason I made the change many years ago.
It takes a long time to type all the differences between the two, feel free to call me at 705-333-1091 I would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have probably a lot quicker than typing back and forth.
One problem with this forum as you have already pointed out is that you have narrowed your choice down to two and people are unable to accept that and want to push something else on you.

Paul Stevens

One thing is... we have to buy what is local... yes?

i think's so...

aj

polycrete big block... I love the idea...

how much are they and from who in Lake George NY>?????

aj

What I really want is a bio foam block... Are there any?

In NYS, we'll ship Polycrete Big Block direct from the plant in Quebec. Please contact me direct at [email protected]. Al Riozzi Construction is a great installer that covers the entire Hudson Valley.

Thanks Bruce... I would be the installer for Albany to the Canadian border for you...

email me as to what is involved and we can talk costs.

aj

[email protected]

Have you looked at Nudura yet as a choice for an insulating concrete forms? I am a Nudura distributor in St. George and would like to show you more about the product. Our website is www.allsteelllc.com


Rick Clayton

No rules regarding hawking your wares here huh? Kind of tough to expect unprejudiced feedback when it's coming from a rep.

I'll rephrase my original post.

Anybody out there other than dealers, reps or anyone that stands to gain a monetary profit by recommending a product, that has used (specifically) both Arxx and Logix blocks that can offer their input regarding strengths, weaknesses and differences in the actual assembly, bracing systems, and even packaging of the respective forms. Also what kind of support the manufacturers offer.

Thanks

Yes, I currently sell and install Logix.
Yes, I used to sell and install Arxx.
No, you can't pay me enough to come all the way to NY and do your project.
So, I think I am relatively unbiased.
They are both excellent products, and will serve you well.
Use the one that gives you the best price and/or local service.

**TO EVERYONE ON THIS BOARD**
I know that all of us do it occasionally, but it gets real tiresome when every post is an advertisement for your company or your product. If a poster says "I am looking for products and/or services", that poster becomes 'fair game'. But read the original posts first, before you arbitrarily post your advertisement. This man has already narrowed his choices down to two. Stop trying to sell him something he doesn't want.
So endth the sermon for the day.

Adkjac, I sent you a PM last time, I have a job in North Creek in the not too distant future. If you PM your phone number I can call you and show you a mono-pour system, with the walls and footing poured in one shot.

Ware hawking is generally kept to a minimum, and certianly low-key. As to unbiased information, without getting into the philosophical or psychological implications, I think it is very unlikely that any advice you get from any source on any subject will be unbiased.

There are a lot of very competent professionals that post here. That's what makes it such a useful source of information.My (biased) advice is collect all the information you can, make your decision, and don't look back.

Rick C... 
When I need understanding of insulation R values... Dana is the one I trust here.  I have no idea how
Nudura gets from R-22 to R-50 depending on climate...

I am interested in R-50...  but want R-50... R-60 without any funny business.

The blocks look like they compare to ARRX so... for me and anyone... we need to consider cost
to install... delivered price to Lake George, forms cost.

aj


smartwall... I will check for email...and get back to you... would like to see your work and chat.