ICF Estimating

ICF Estimating

Carl, 

I am doing my foundation budget, and had a question regarding rebars. My plan calls for vertical rebars (#5) every 20" (ICF walls) and horizontal every 24 inches. My question is this? How long are the vertical rebars/how are they sold, so I can determine the amount needed? I have 220 linear feet, extending 27 ft up. Each block is 16" high. I figure there'll be 132 placement spots, but since it’s probably not one long piece going up per placement, how many pieces will I need for the entire wall height.

Thanks,

Sam

Hi Sam,

Rebar specifications and quantities should be supplied by the ICF manufacturer or the ICF manufacturer’s engineer.

The size, length, and amount of rebar needed are the absolute responsibility of the ICF manufacturer. Rebar is what gives an ICF home its strength. You don’t want anybody but the ICF manufacturer or the ICF manufacturer’s engineer estimating your rebar needs. That’s the way it should be for any product you buy.

Installing rebar should only be done as per the manufacturer's or engineer's specifications. The specifications for installing rebar vary depending on the type of ICF system and the region of the country in which the home is built.

A quote from NAHB Research:

Choosing a manufacturer that provides the technical support and a product with the desired attributes (such as specialty forms for unique architectural or structural features) is an important issue.

There are also issues that are important to construction efficiency that must be considered, though this factor is usually resolved through personal experience or by discussions with a knowledgeable “sub contractor” (Assuming Sam, that you will be the General Contractor).

It should be recognized that there is a "learning curve" that must be overcome in becoming efficient with any new technology. But, with a good approach, the proficient adoption of a viable new technology can pay great dividends in business development and diversity.

Here is a video on ICF’s from Quad-lock, showing a time-lapse of construction.

Good luck,

Carl