Replies

1. 
   Catskinner | Jan 20, 2007 01:00am | #1

   Do the multiple steps. It's easier and cheaper (by the time you're done) and a real lot stronger.

   If you sketch the site and then sketch the ICF blocks you'll see what I mean. That one big step gets expensive.
2. 
   Piffin | Jan 20, 2007 10:06am | #2

   easier to do multiple sixteen inch steps

    

    

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3. 
   Brian | Jan 20, 2007 05:17pm | #3

   Gene, this might sound counter-intuitive (or just dumb), but I formed and poured a concrete wall on top of my stepped down footers to bring it all up to one level before I started with the ICFs.  (and ICFs like a very level, smooth footer) This was for a walk-out basement, and all the bare concrete is below grade.

   I was just too cheap to spring for the extra ICFs when they wouldn't have improved things any, except perhape being more convenient to use.  This was my house, and staying within budget was a high priority.

    

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1. 
   Gene_Davis | Jan 20, 2007 06:40pm | #4

   Our plan is to use the Logix ICF block with 6" core, and the block has an overall thickness of 11 3/4".

   That being the case, how thick would I make the walls for the ICF to sit upon?

   I had thought about this, and am now rethinking it, but the issue of wall thickness is still a question.

1. 
   Brian | Feb 05, 2007 06:37am | #5

   Gene - you may be past this now, somehow I missed your reply - I made my buried walls 12" wide.  Having the level (both axis) footers makes ICFs go much faster & straighter.

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