Replies

1. 
   Rob_Dykeman | Mar 13, 1999 05:43pm | #1

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   Bob
   We have done a number of ICF homes with a variety of sidings. When you deal with an ICF that has metal "studs" you need to strap and then nail. The advantages to this is that you are leaving air space between the block and the siding. This is good but according to many not needed. When dealing with blocks that have PVC studs you can use ss siding nails and nail right to the stud. One block we have used, Thermo-o-wall, has 2" wide by 16" high pvc studs that make nailing to them very nice. You end up with continous studs 1' OC.
   As far as holding power, the PVC has no shrinkage, the nails are tough to get out. We have found that if you are using a small shank nail there is no problem. The problem arises when you go to a larger shank nail, say an 8 comm, you will split the stud.
   Strapping or nailing to the PVC are both good options. we have settled on the PVC because it saves time siding and is much easier putting the product together while building the house.

2. 
   Bob_D. | Mar 13, 1999 05:43pm | #2

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   I'm looking for some feedback on siding an ICF home. I'm planning on using Polysteel forms for my next spec house.These forms have little metal strips 16" o.c. on the outside to screw to. I don't want to screw all my siding so I'm considering screwing on furring stips and then using a coil nailer and stainless nails for the siding.Has anyone out there done this? If so can you give me some advice? Im a bit concerned about running into problems with trim around the windows and corners. Any feedback would help.