It's refreshing to see someone who knows how to use a concrete vibrator effectively. Usually it is just plunged in and then turned on for a few seconds and then pulled out. Gotta chase that air out!
Really good video. Hope you see this - couple of questions: 1. Where did you get the wall vibrator that works with the drill? Who sells? 2. Who sells the 8’ cordless vibrator? 3. Why was the decision made to put the bracing on the outside of the walls in this case? What is the advantage? Thanks!
Hi MarPalm. Wallbrator is no gone from the market but Giraffe bracing sells one called a rattler. The 8' cordless is the 18v makita which has been a favorite for many contractors. These both work but I will still use a corded vibrator often.
Bracing is to the outside because the basement was sloped on the inside with deep gravel. Pegs would have been difficult. Really does not matter what side the bracing is on. Putting it on the outside will use more bracing.
If you are going another level up, how long should the first pour set before adding the next pour and does it matter how close to the top the first pour is finished? Would there be a structurally weak point where the first and second pour meets?
Was this a two part pour ? Or is the concrete added for the full depth of the wall in one go? Guessing thats why you have a eight foot length vibrating tool, for full depth, just thought ive watched two part pours also.
Say you want to face the house with faux stone or tiles. How do you attach it to the foam? Do you lay a mesh with concrete and affix the stone and tiles to the concrete?
For the Wallbrator, would you be confident using it as the only means of consolidation if a pencil vibrator was not available? I noticed you used only the Wallbrator on that storm shelter in a different video. Also, with the Wallbrator, do you recommend only one pass (bottom to top), or does a second or third pass add some value?
I carry a wallbrator with me because many contractors do not believe in consolidation. I explain the importance and suggest they use it as a minimum. Yes I would and have completed many projects with only a walbrator. This does not mean it is the best solution, just this past Friday I showed up on site where they were not vibrating and the wallbrator was no good because the concrete would not move in the wall. Basically all ICF walls require consolidation and an internal vibrator is the best solution. The only exception would be when using self consolidating concrete.
is there a need to waterproof ICF? I don't see any waterproofing in your video? Are the footings covered with the concrete slab from inside or is that gravel going to be left there like that? Do you add a concrete slab before pouring the walls?
Just like conventional concrete foundations ICF's require a membrane if you want to keep water from coming through. Even coffee cups leak after a while. Yes a concrete slab will be placed after the walls are completed.
@@FoxblocksICF your coffee cup leaks? How much? How long? did the coffee burn you? I suspect you mean a drop of coffee in a month. If so whatch out for the flood!
I'm a fan of Helix. Used their product over 10 years ago on a series of projects and will continue using it whenever possible. Engineers are slowly starting to understand and accept.
What I don't get is the guy plunges the vibrator in and pulls it out and you see the concrete sink locally. Then he goes 2 feet away and does it again. Isn't the concrete in between still unsettled? I would think you'd want to sink the vibrator every 12 inches or so. By the way, she thinks so too!
Thanks for the reply Ryan. We are up here in Canada and are using the Superforms manufactured in Pincher Creek Alberta. Still trying to convience them to vibrate the concrete. Everyone is afraid of blowouts.
we have nave had a blown out due to vibration. we had a blow out last week but it was a defective form. Wasn't a big deal, and it was our first since we have been in business
Vibrate. Build the project as per manufacturers training which will allow for proper consolidation. I have used many brands of ICF and will average a failure (blowout) once every 20 projects because I'm ensuring a proper job. I'm OK with this and have lost my fear of failure. Most of these so called failures are patched up in 10 minutes while the concrete placement continues. For some odd reason we make a bigger deal out of them than they really are.
That sums it up and to add one bonus to this is that by removing the 'air pockets' you properly seat the rebar. I have personally seen walls that were smooth like glass on the wall face but when saw cut the rebar had 1/2" gaps of air under them because the contractor believed vibration (consolidation) was not needed. Fact is, it is. And all of the main stream ICF's can handle consolidation.
Fox Blocks ICF - Thanks. One question, can roofs and upper lever floors be built with the ICF system? Most ICF companies I see on here just use or promote their system for exterior walls only. I was just wondering if ICF, in general, is flexible enough for a variety of roof designs and also freestanding balconies?
All ICF companies have toyed with the idea of roofs and floors so yes they can be done. Lite-Deck is a good example. Most of these systems use a lot of EPS as their form which places the insulation under the concrete. For energy efficiency, the preferred would be to have the EPS above the concrete to hold the energy within the concrete. At this time ICF's are best suited for walls but the day will come where they can do the entire envelope efficiently and practically, I do not feel we have arrived there yet.
Why is it that people choose houses with all the twist and turns and on top of the house omg at the valley’s some houses have. It seems to me that that’s going to be big trouble one day
It's refreshing to see someone who knows how to use a concrete vibrator effectively. Usually it is just plunged in and then turned on for a few seconds and then pulled out. Gotta chase that air out!
Really Nice!!
I've done it by eye for 15 years with no problems.. It definitely works.
Really good video. Hope you see this - couple of questions:
1. Where did you get the wall vibrator that works with the drill? Who sells?
2. Who sells the 8’ cordless vibrator?
3. Why was the decision made to put the bracing on the outside of the walls in this case? What is the advantage?
Thanks!
Hi MarPalm. Wallbrator is no gone from the market but Giraffe bracing sells one called a rattler.
The 8' cordless is the 18v makita which has been a favorite for many contractors.
These both work but I will still use a corded vibrator often.
Bracing is to the outside because the basement was sloped on the inside with deep gravel. Pegs would have been difficult. Really does not matter what side the bracing is on. Putting it on the outside will use more bracing.
Why isn't SCC (Self-Consolidating Concrete) used to reduce dependence on vibrating being done right?
If you are going another level up, how long should the first pour set before adding the next pour and does it matter how close to the top the first pour is finished? Would there be a structurally weak point where the first and second pour meets?
How do you straighten if you are not able to get the braces you are using?
I didn't realise my wife was into construction! She's got loads of those vibrator things!
Flange Plate But they are HUGE!
😂😂😂👍
Was this a two part pour ? Or is the concrete added for the full depth of the wall in one go? Guessing thats why you have a eight foot length vibrating tool, for full depth, just thought ive watched two part pours also.
Good video thank you also good at the end showing the tools used.
I've seen other ICF builds where the walls are braced on the inside. How you do determine where to place bracing?
Great job
Say you want to face the house with faux stone or tiles. How do you attach it to the foam? Do you lay a mesh with concrete and affix the stone and tiles to the concrete?
Screw wire mech to the ridged ICF and parge it with mortar. When dry, you can slap your fake masonry on the wall.
So whats the cost vs block?
Which ICF block do you prefer Fox or Nudura
LOL, this is the UA-cam channel for Fox Blocks. What do you think?
OMG! That is the most antique way of straightening an ICF wall I ever saw. I do not look at a string straight on I look down the line.
For the Wallbrator, would you be confident using it as the only means of consolidation if a pencil vibrator was not available? I noticed you used only the Wallbrator on that storm shelter in a different video. Also, with the Wallbrator, do you recommend only one pass (bottom to top), or does a second or third pass add some value?
I carry a wallbrator with me because many contractors do not believe in consolidation. I explain the importance and suggest they use it as a minimum. Yes I would and have completed many projects with only a walbrator. This does not mean it is the best solution, just this past Friday I showed up on site where they were not vibrating and the wallbrator was no good because the concrete would not move in the wall. Basically all ICF walls require consolidation and an internal vibrator is the best solution. The only exception would be when using self consolidating concrete.
Fox Blocks ICF thanks!
Why didn't you fill the wall cavity up to the very top of the form, and what do you think of the product "Helix" used in place of rebar?
is there a need to waterproof ICF? I don't see any waterproofing in your video? Are the footings covered with the concrete slab from inside or is that gravel going to be left there like that? Do you add a concrete slab before pouring the walls?
Just like conventional concrete foundations ICF's require a membrane if you want to keep water from coming through. Even coffee cups leak after a while. Yes a concrete slab will be placed after the walls are completed.
@@FoxblocksICF your coffee cup leaks? How much? How long? did the coffee burn you? I suspect you mean a drop of coffee in a month. If so whatch out for the flood!
What are your thoughts on adding steal fibers to the concrete mix like Helix?
I'm a fan of Helix. Used their product over 10 years ago on a series of projects and will continue using it whenever possible. Engineers are slowly starting to understand and accept.
Sq ft cost 1800 sq ft home 1 story, Orlando, FLA. ??
What I don't get is the guy plunges the vibrator in and pulls it out and you see the concrete sink locally. Then he goes 2 feet away and does it again. Isn't the concrete in between still unsettled? I would think you'd want to sink the vibrator every 12 inches or so. By the way, she thinks so too!
We were told not to vibrate concrete in an ICF form, that it would blow out. What is the recommendation?
Dennis Toth we use a makita 1 inch pencil vibrator. and a wallbrator. they are strong enough to consolidate concrete but not blow out forms
Thanks for the reply Ryan. We are up here in Canada and are using the Superforms manufactured in Pincher Creek Alberta. Still trying to convience them to vibrate the concrete. Everyone is afraid of blowouts.
we have nave had a blown out due to vibration. we had a blow out last week but it was a defective form. Wasn't a big deal, and it was our first since we have been in business
Vibrate. Build the project as per manufacturers training which will allow for proper consolidation. I have used many brands of ICF and will average a failure (blowout) once every 20 projects because I'm ensuring a proper job. I'm OK with this and have lost my fear of failure. Most of these so called failures are patched up in 10 minutes while the concrete placement continues. For some odd reason we make a bigger deal out of them than they really are.
ICF bracing should always be on the inside, outside isn't as strong
I would i9magine bracing on the outside of a four-story building would be a problem.
7:10, the vibrator is used to eliminate "air pocket."
That sums it up and to add one bonus to this is that by removing the 'air pockets' you properly seat the rebar. I have personally seen walls that were smooth like glass on the wall face but when saw cut the rebar had 1/2" gaps of air under them because the contractor believed vibration (consolidation) was not needed. Fact is, it is. And all of the main stream ICF's can handle consolidation.
Fox Blocks ICF - Thanks. One question, can roofs and upper lever floors be built with the ICF system? Most ICF companies I see on here just use or promote their system for exterior walls only. I was just wondering if ICF, in general, is flexible enough for a variety of roof designs and also freestanding balconies?
All ICF companies have toyed with the idea of roofs and floors so yes they can be done. Lite-Deck is a good example. Most of these systems use a lot of EPS as their form which places the insulation under the concrete. For energy efficiency, the preferred would be to have the EPS above the concrete to hold the energy within the concrete. At this time ICF's are best suited for walls but the day will come where they can do the entire envelope efficiently and practically, I do not feel we have arrived there yet.
Good info. What would be your preferred system for a concrete floor with hydronic heating for the second floor?
Mmmm.. no safety rails on that scaffold.. Not allowed here!
Why is it that people choose houses with all the twist and turns and on top of the house omg at the valley’s some houses have. It seems to me that that’s going to be big trouble one day
Do you build in new york
first icf video i see vertical rebar, why the hell would anyone skip on vertical rebar?
What's the common thickness for walls residential homes using ICF
Imperator Augustus most basements in can be designed for 8 inch walls and above grade is typically 6 inch concrete core
Mine is 1 foot thick
Better go over that yards to meter conversation. Not a big deal