
Poured concrete foundations are fire-resistant.Also, poured walls have a compressive and flexural strength several times that of concrete block. Poured concrete foundations provide a high level of strength and durability and can last for decades.Poured concrete walls are 8-10 inches thick and available with surface patterns, like brick, which provides a finished appearance. The last step is to pour concrete into the forms. Then steel rebar is placed between the forms. Constructing a poured concrete foundation involves placing forms on top of spread footings. Poured concrete foundations became popular in the 1980s. The ambient temperature can be as cold as 5☏ when pouring of concrete into the ICFs.ICF is termite resistant with an application of a product like Polyguard Products, Inc.For example, Fox Blocks have a fire-resistance rating (ASTM E119) of 4 hours for the 6-inch blocks and 2 hours for the 4-inch blocks.
INSULATING CONCRETE BLOCKS CODE
For example, foundations built with Fox Blocks exceed ASHRAE/ANSI 90.1 energy code requirements with an R-value of 23. ICF foundations have built-in insulation values of greater than R-20.ICF foundations incorporate continuous insulation and have few to no thermal bridges.For example, Fox Blocks, with steel reinforced concrete, are disaster-resistant and can withstand tornado and hurricane winds exceeding 200 mph, and projectile debris traveling over 100 mph. ICF foundations are disaster-resistant.ICFs provide an excellent curing environment for concrete walls, resulting in a concrete foundation with about double the compressive strength of conventionally poured concrete foundation.ICF foundation construction is a fast and simple method of building below-grade walls. Workers then pour concrete into the hollow form panels.

Constructing ICF foundations involves dry-stacking expanded polystyrene foam panels, or interlocking hollow extruded polystyrene foam, to a foundation’s length. ICFs provide durability and insulation for below-grade walls. Two materials used to construct foundations are ICF and poured concrete. A basement foundation is a minimum of eight feet above the footings and provides living and storage space.
