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Construction Overview

Overview of the construction process with Quad-Lock Insulated Concrete Forms (also see Insulated Concrete Forms Explained):

Click "Build ICF" to start the animation. Click "Details" after the animation to view explanations of some wall components (provided with permission from Brocon, Inc.).

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Step by Step Overview


Step 1 - Footings
: Pour footings level and trowel them smooth to allow quick and easy construction of Quad-Lock walls. When placing rebar dowels take into account the thickness of the insulation. Refer to your applicable building code for details.

Fabric Footing Forms - Fastfoot

Step 2 - Metal Tracks: Metal tracks are nailed to the footing on both sides of the Quad-Lock wall.

Step 2 - Installation of Metal Track

Step 3 - Quad-Lock Assembly: Start by assembling Quad-Lock corners, angles, T-walls and other special elements first on each course and then work into and meet in the middle of each wall. Stagger panels on alternating courses.

Step 3 - Installation of Quad-Lock Insulated Concrete Forms

Step 3a - Reinforcing Steel: Tie vertical and horizontal rebar into the wall assembly as required. Usually, this is done while building up the wall. Quad-Lock also allows you to build around pre-installed rebar.

Step 3a - Rebar Placement

Step 3b - Window and Door Bucks: Fabricate and place window and door bucks and build the Quad-Lock walls around them.

Step 3b - Placing Window and Door Bucks (here PVC)

Step 3c - Top of Walls: Continue assembling Quad-Lock up to the desired wall height. Finish the top of walls using Metal Tracks and Wire Top Ties.

Step 3c - Finishing the top of walls

Step 4 - Floor Connections/Ledger Boards: Install floor connections such as Ledger Connectors or ledger boards. Several products and methods are available.

Step 4 - Ledger Board Installation

Step 5 - Through Wall Penetrations & Conduit: Install through wall penetrations (e.g. vents, block outs, utility pipes) and conduit, if needed.

Step 6 - Bracing: Properly brace all walls every 6-7' (180-210 cm) for alignment and plumb. Also brace window and door bucks and other special elements. Structural bracing is not required for straight walls, corners, and angles when the corner and angle brackets are used correctly.

Step 6 - Bracing, here Metal Alignment Solution (with built in scaffolding)

Step 7 - Concrete Placement: Place concrete in multiple, continuous lifts of 2-4' (60-120 cm) and in accordance with applicable standards. Ensure proper consolidation of concrete. Check walls for plumb and alignment before, during, and after the pour. Bracing should be left in place for about 48 hours.

Step 7 - Concrete Placement

Step 8 - Utilities: For most electrical and plumbing cut chases into the foam and place the wires and pipes in accordance to setback requirements. Fixtures and boxes are attached to the concrete.

Step 8 - Utilities and Plumbing

Step 9 - Waterproofing: Dampproofing/waterproofing is required below grade (underground). Ensure the product chosen is compatible with EPS and that it is installed according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Step 9 - Waterproofing

Step 10 - Interior and Exterior Finishes: Screw interior finishes such as gypsum boards directly to the plastic ties. Apply stucco products directly to the Quad-Lock panels according to the manufacturer's instructions. Or attach sidings of choice to the plastic ties or fastening strips as needed.

Stucco Application in Progress

Related Content:
Insulated Concrete Forms Explained