Ordered 1048 of the 14″ r22 Insulated concrete forms for my simple rectangular shaped home, built into the side of a hill.
Overall ICF blocks stacked nicely and aligned themselves nicely as they were stacked. I stacked 40-120 a day for a few weeks making sure everything aligned and set well. Blocks are easy to move and stack and it was not needed for the stacks to be right next to the wall locations. Easy to cut and move, plan for the dust on them and the dust from cutting them. My original count, design and sizing was based off the 12″ block, however the 14″ worked fine and my next project will probably involve the 16″ blocks if available.
Plenty of easy learnings along the way, even for using these for the first time. Block alignment over each other is key for the rebar going in and cement flowing into areas appropriately. The pour went fast and used almost 5, 9 yard trucks. The local cement source over and over would not believe the conveyor truck would do the wet slump mix, yet it went fine. I used 4 – 12″ steps down for my frost wall depths and a 12″ x 30″ footing to help cover the bases on strength and alignment.
. Be ready for every contact you make to be asking and inquiring about the block. As it was very unknown in my area, the normal builder / building process will need a little extra explaining. Especially to the local approval /inspection in which they pride themselves on “knowing” all aspects of the building industry until they run across a new one, then they get feisty. It was a hurdle, not a barrier, but the DIY and new process / material of the block was interesting to explain.
Outside waterproofing layers could be covered more in the instructions, as many of the parging, coating options, especially below grade, will vary drastically depending on your region and supply houses / home improvement stores in your area. Supporting and covering gaps were done my way and everything worked fine.
Glad to share images of stages and help / support to others. Overall was DIY friendly if you have done a few basement projects or aspects of the basement / pouring walls and footing stages. I am doing all of the stages myself, so the perspective gained by the experience is easy to assist others.