Ok Ive been talking with a several distributors and manufacturers and I think my choice is between Quadlock and Buildblock. I have distributors within minutes of me in Baton Rouge and they were very willing to work with me. I will be doing a DIY project of about 2,500 sq. ft. 1.5 stories. I know this has probably been beat to death but Im having trouble with the Search function on here. It keeps giving me a error. Anyway I found a couple of of topics in 2008 where people were not very fond of Quadlock. Is that sentiment still the same or have they improved the product? The pics and videos of the product made me very interested in the product and I like the design of it. I look forward to your opinions on the two. Thanks!!

Quadlock is a knock-down form and a lot more trouble to work with. BuildBlock makes a quality product.

I have also found that the search function here doesn't work most of the time. Instead, just use google to search this website. If you are interested in searching for "quad-lock" on this website, www.greenbuildingtalk.com, then type the following in the google.com search box:

quad-lock site:www.greenbuildingtalk.com

Don't be afraid of knock-down type of ICFs. I used them and they worked just fine for a DIY type like me plus you generally save on shipping since they ship in a smaller volume than full size ICF blocks. But be aware if you are installing horizontal lap siding that most if not all knock-down types of ICFs do not use a continuous vertical attachment strip, so you might have to use vertical furring strips to attach lap siding. In my case, the exterior will be brick with brick ties back to the ICF wall, so this wasn't really an issue for me.

Thanks for the search advice, glad its not just me. You gave me a new bit of info about the lap siding, which is why Im asking questions. I am using sidings so I could have been up a creek. I checked and Quad lock does have a version with continuous strips. Thanks

Posted By billybob on 20 Jul 2012 02:54 PM
Thanks for the search advice, glad its not just me. You gave me a new bit of info about the lap siding, which is why Im asking questions. I am using sidings so I could have been up a creek. I checked and Quad lock does have a version with continuous strips. Thanks

I used Buildblock forms. They have a reinforced section in the web spaced at 8" vertically. Because of that I used 9 1/4" Hardieplank, 8" exposed, which I nailed with spiral nails into every one of the reinforced sections. Siding is fastened very securely. 8" siding is not commonly used these days, but then I wasn't concerned about being conformist with all the current trends. Besides, it looks good, IMO.

Posted By billybob on 20 Jul 2012 02:54 PM
Thanks for the search advice, glad its not just me. You gave me a new bit of info about the lap siding, which is why Im asking questions. I am using sidings so I could have been up a creek. I checked and Quad lock does have a version with continuous strips. Thanks

Quad-Lock has a FS panel that includes a constant fastening strip. It can be used just on the outside where the constant strip is needed for siding. On the interior the tie faces provide more than adequate fastening locations. http://www.quadlock.com/insulated-concrete-forms/panels.htm

Ooh... Billybob... I forgot to mention NUDURA does not require a moisture barrier to be installed .. Save money... And time... I have just finished designing a three story, 60000 sq ft building... Bid and starting construction next week... Walls are 54' tall and approx 18% windows... 8" thk NUDURA ICF walls. .. Research NUDURA. I'm an architect in Texas.. Some of the best schools are beginning to catch on the the economy and value of this product.... Best Regards, Rob

Robartfly, stop spouting that nonsense. It's nice to know that you've fallen in love with your nudura distributor, but failing to put below grade waterproofing on any ICF is a recipe for disaster. Billybob, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Cutting corners will set you up for failure. Just sayn'.

thanks Ray, but I figured he was just a salesman anyway.

Posted By Ray Gladstone on 03 Aug 2012 08:59 AM
Robartfly, stop spouting that nonsense. It's nice to know that you've fallen in love with your nudura distributor, but failing to put below grade waterproofing on any ICF is a recipe for disaster. Billybob, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Cutting corners will set you up for failure. Just sayn'.

Good advice right there... You aren't required to put locks on your doors either, but the smart people do....