construction

ICF Training Series: Understanding Labor

Understanding Labor Welcome to the BuildBlock ICF Installer Training Series. This 20 part video series is intended to be an educational walkthrough of the ICF building process. From the early planning phases to pouring concrete and finishing walls, this series will provide the basic knowledge you need to have a successful BuildBlock ICF build. This video covers the steps necessary to plan for and lead a successful team. We discuss basic labor calculations, crew leadership, skilled and non-skilled labor usage, and job site efficiency and planning. The videos in this series are produced as a companion to the BuildBlock Installation and Technical Manuals available for free download on the Publications Page or for purchase via the BuildBlock Online Store. You can view more videos in this series via the BuildBlock Blog or by subscribing to the BuildBlock YouTube Page. For a more in-depth training experience, you can take the free Online ICF Installer Training Series. Video Transcript Understanding Labor In this video we’ll help you understand basic labor calculations, crew leadership, skilled & non-skilled labor usage, job site efficiency, and planning. When building with ICF’s you’ll need team members to do a variety of jobs. As work begins team members will stage material, stack ICFs, place [...]

By |2020-10-15T12:36:21-05:00October 21, 2020|Training, Video|

ICF Training Series: Safety

ICF Safety and Best Practices Welcome to the BuildBlock ICF Installer Training Series. This is 20 part video series is intended to be an educational walk-through of the ICF building process. From the early planning phases to pouring concrete and finishing walls, this series will provide the basic knowledge you need to have a successful BuildBlock ICF build. In part 2 of the series, we discuss safety on an ICF job site. We take a look at safety equipment, proper practices, and the importance of keeping a clean and organized job site. The videos in this series are produced as a companion to the BuildBlock Installation and Technical Manuals available for free download on the Publications Page or for purchase via the BuildBlock Online Store. You can view more videos in this series via the BuildBlock Blog or by subscribing to the BuildBlock YouTube Page. For a more in-depth training experience,  you can take the free Online ICF Installer Training Series. Video Transcript Safety Welcome to the safety training section. Job site safety is one of the most important skills you will need to practice every time. In this short video, we will cover the importance of a safe and clean work environment as well as [...]

By |2020-10-15T12:26:27-05:00October 19, 2020|Video|

ICF Installer Training Series: Introduction

Welcome to the BuildBlock ICF Installer Training Series. This 20 part video series is intended to be an educational walkthrough of the ICF building process. From the early planning phases to pouring concrete and finishing walls, this series will provide the basic knowledge you need to have a successful BuildBlock ICF build. In this brief introduction, we discuss the basic components of ICFs, possible design options, how ICFs are designed and made, and why ICFs are approved as a building material in North American building code. The videos in this series are produced as a companion to the BuildBlock Installation and Technical Manuals available for free download on the Publications Page or for purchase via the BuildBlock Online Store. You can view more videos in this series via the BuildBlock Blog or by subscribing to the BuildBlock YouTube Page. For a more in-depth training experience, you can take the free Online ICF Installer Training Course. Video Transcript Introduction Welcome to the BuildBlock ICFs Installation Training. In this short video, we will learn the basic components of ICFs, possible ICF design options, how ICFs are made, and why ICFs are approved as a building material in North American Building Codes. What are ICFs? Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) [...]

By |2020-10-15T10:52:02-05:00October 16, 2020|Video|

ICFs and the Net Zero Design Push

The Building Science community continues to push for more stringent energy codes. Increases in insulation requirements and airtightness have become the primary mechanism to achieve higher performance. Buildings are required to use less overall energy, and where they require energy are asked to supply it themselves. Net-zero compliance is a hot topic in many North American markets. British Columbia has developed some of the strictest building code standards in the world and is leading the push towards net zero with the BC step code. The Canadian National Code is not far behind and is seeking to accomplish many of the BC step code requirements in a similar timeline. Interior During Blower Door Test The BC step code asks builders to increase the energy efficiency of buildings by a set percentage every few years. The code has a ten-year (10) target goal of every new construction project or retrofit meeting net-zero compliancy. The metric to track compliance is measured using blower door tests and specific product energy usage tests. The data from a blower door test along with utility usage from other appliances and fixtures allow for a complete calculation of energy used by the building. Each structure is then appointed [...]

By |2020-10-14T15:30:43-05:00October 14, 2020|Technical|

Building with Comfort in Mind? Why ICFs Are Better Than Wood

Building with comfort in mind? What’s the best choice of materials if you want to build a well-insulated, quiet home or building? Perhaps you’re building for the hospitality industry. Maybe you’re approaching retirement and want to build a quiet retreat for yourself. Whether you’re a builder, a homeowner or an architect, comfort is an important - and often times leading decision - resulting in a greater quality of life, greater productivity in workplaces and so on. So, what’s the best option? This blog post will show you why Steel Creek Developers and Plett Construction chose insulating concrete forms - ICFs - over wood when building Souris Hotel in Manitoba. This build was the recent recipient of the Logix ICF Awards, showcasing the most ground-breaking and innovative projects in the ICF industry.The Souris Hotel was selected out of thousands of projects across North America! Why Steel Creek Developers Chose ICFs For Souris Hotel First, a little about this particular project: it’s a unique build in that it’s part condo and part hotel. There’s a 3-story hotel suite with 29 rooms on one side and an 18-suite senior’s condo on the other side. This project was built by Steel Creek Developers who [...]

By |2019-06-07T22:38:06-05:00June 7, 2019|ICF Projects|
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