Just wondering if anyone has taken advantage of the new technology? Here in OK, 100 mph winds are a norm. These are supposed to be safe up to 200 mph winds. The advantage is I could build it myself and minimize contract labor.
The ba*****t of our house was built that way in 2006. We like it, they used extra angle iron bracing at the top of the form to keep things straight. Concrete has a lot of power when you are pouring that much.
I was a concrete form carpenter back in the early 80’s, that is something new somebody has came out with, or the company I worked for didn’t use. We used a product called a Siemens panel, they came in various sizes, basically a metal frame with a plywood like face made out of some kind of laminate. The clipped together with little T shaped keys you put in slots in the frame. The made some slick walls. When I was trucking I hauled some poly blocks, concrete and styrofoam mixed together and poured into blocks. Sounds crazy, but those things are strong and lightweight. They have a high R rating for their insulation properties. Hauled a couple of loads to a house a guy was building, also hauled some to a coal mine, they used them as pillars, said they wouldn’t crumble like regular cement blocks. Best I remember they were pricey though…
What is used to cover the exterior side ? Stucco ? Looks like it would be a quick way to build a building and be insulated
Ive never heard of these before. I'll have to look into them now as Im planning to build a shop & home in SE Oklahoma in about 4 years, when our son graduates. Like you I'll try and do everything possible myself to keep costs in line.
You can clad the insulated concrete forms with stucco or bricks, or any type of conventional siding. Mine have integrated plastic strips for attaching drywall on the inside. I would look at something called a SIP - structural insulated panel for a do it yourself shop, especially if you spend more time cooling than heating the shop. Goes up quickly looks conventional/traditional when complete, well insulated and cost effective. Might do a conventional truss roof.
A friend of mine built his house with ICF blocks 25 years ago. Looks like a conventional house except for the wall thickness his ended up about 13 inches thick. Very quiet and energy efficient. He designed his with no overhangs so tornadic winds couldn't "grab" and start ripping stuff apart. I think it would bring piece of mind having your cars stored there rather than a typical garage or pole barn.
The Jalopy Journal
