This session leads off with an overview of a generic ICF block Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) system including Part 9 reinforcement, concrete placement and transition and penetration detailing. The requirements relating to footing design and construction, damp proofing and waterproofing, reinforcement, openings for pipes, electrical, basement windows and doors, as well as transition details to various walls above grade (including ICF), ledger attachments, and concrete placement/consolidation will be examined in detail. Advanced CGI graphics, photo’s and video will help to explain the basics of ICF in below grade applications. Tips, tricks and qualify assurance information will also be presented.
ICF has always been an option from footing to the roof line, and more industry designers and builders are exploring the use of ICF as more than just a high performance, durable basement or crawlspace option. In this session, an overview of the same generic ICF block used to form above below grade walls will be explored. The unique requirements for reinforcement above grade, and penetration detailing including alternate methods of integrating windows, doors, plumbing and electrical elements through the massive wall assembly that is ICF. The session will be include supporting graphics, photo’s and video to ensure clarity of the steps required to produce highly durable, energy efficient and cost effective homes with these products.
Once upon a time, an R value was an R value. It was a measure of the thermal resistance of an insulating material or layer. When our walls were effective R 2 (2 x 4 with no insulation), or R 4 (when we filled those walls with sawdust and other interesting materials) or R 8 (with 2 x 4 batt) and then R 16 (2 x 6 walls with batt), the effective insulating value of the entire wall assembly was reasonably close to the value of the insulation that we used to improve that performance. This session explains how energy performance must now be evaluated as we move towards Net Zero homes by 2032, and how the actual thermal performance of ICF has always been significantly greater than the nominal R value of the polystyrene ICF forms themselves. Thermal massing, effective insulation values and many other mysteries will be clearly and simply explained. This will also provide the tools to understand why ICF has always delivered much higher thermal performance and high lateral load resistance but is only now getting the credit it deserves under the recent evolution of building codes in Canada.
The house as a whole, or system, is the new language of designers and builders. With advanced energy efficiency comes the need for a finely balanced approach to every choice; from fenestration, to mechanical, to thermal layers, and the continuity of the planes of protection. ICF is a robust and highly durable building system and can be more forgiving when exposed to excessive environmental loads, but too much of anything one element can quickly have a very negative effect on affordability and even performance. This session will dive into continuity of the planes of protection and discuss balanced approaches to the whole house design. This will highlight some very interesting and somewhat unexpected changes in how we design and built these homes.
The session will present an introduction to a cross-section of specific available manufacturers proprietary systems and industry support resources for the new and veteran user of ICF for below grade walls. An examination of the specific manufacturers requirements, accessories, and particular methods to ensure that the installation of specific systems conforms with the requirements outlined in Part 9. This session goes further to explore expanded capabilities when using specific ICF blocks with the assistance of professional design and oversight.
| The session will be rounded out with an introduction to a cross-section of specific available manufacturers proprietary systems and industry support resources for the new and veteran user of ICF for above grade walls. An examination of the specific manufacturers requirements, accessories, and particular methods to ensure that the installation of specific systems conforms with the requirements outlined in Part 9. This session goes further to explore expanded capabilities when using specific manufacturers' ICF blocks with the assistance of professional design and oversight. |