3 ms·
> They regularly put foam insulation between two layers of cement so they are well insulated (or at least can be), and because they are built in a factory they
by throw0101b 3y ago
> They regularly put foam insulation between two layers of cement so they are well insulated (or at least can be), and because they are built in a factory they can better control quality.
Not always possible: some locations need counter-measures against termites by building code, and insulated concrete forms (ICFs) have no/fewer options in that regard:
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxJkYAA5jTU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxJkYAA5jTU
Further, on shorter schedules, it may be difficult schedule a large concrete pour on short notice, so a team of guys and a portable mixer can lay block on an ad hoc basis on short notice. Blocks (cinder or other) also also often used for (small(er)-scale) retaining walls. The Essential Craftsmen channel has a video titled "Block vs Concrete" (where they used both for different aspects of the same project):
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ld9sIbkEJA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ld9sIbkEJA
- ensignavenger 3y agoI watched the video about the termites... not impressed. Obviously people in the area are using ICFs (which are a little different from prefabricated panels anyway)- and still getting building department approvals... so a call to the local building office to ask would be the smart approach rather than just to assume that it can't be done. Just because one company couldn't do it doesn't mean that no companies can.
- toomuchtodo 3y agohttps://www.icfmag.com/2017/09/termites-and-icfs/ https://www.icfmag.com/2017/09/termites-and-icfs/ https://www.nachi.org/icf-termite-inspection.htm https://www.nachi.org/icf-termite-inspection.htm Based on the facts presented in these post, I would be hesitant to rely on ICF where terminates are a peril. Concrete (formed or block) is simply a superior building material when considering resistance to termites.
- ensignavenger 3y agoThanks, that is a much better source. It gives several methods, two of which are already in the building codes, to combat termites with ICFs.