With all of these companies what qualifiers do you use when choosing an ICF manufacturer? The Nudura size is what attracted me to them but, since this is my own house a little extra labor won't matter to me so I looked at buildblock but, the "T" / Pilaster / brick ledge look so much better, quicker and easier with nudura! What to do?? I'm getting close to using poured walls and spray foam/rigid insulation. I'm in WV which doesn't help because there really isn't anyone close that has much ICF experience. Installation, pouring, etc. doesn't worry me in the least, it's just nailing down a product.

There's no question that Nudura is the best block on the market. However, you need to check and see what support network is in place for the block you chose. Chances are it will be Nudura as well -- that is very important. ICF is definitely the best solution on the market - period. However, today, there are a lot of jobs being sold that are not properly supported. Regards.

Can you be a little more specific as to where you will be building in WV, and the approximate size of the project ?
Will you need to rent bracing ?

Oh come on Cameron. Opinion, opinion, opinion. MTR, if you're just building an average sized house, there are several ICFs that will serve you well. FutureStone is one of Nudura's top distributors in Texas, so he is not giving you unbiased advice. In all fairness, he should disclose that. Again, if it's an average sized house and you're in the eastern part of WV, there are Amvic and Logix guys that will do a good job for you. Feel free to PM me for more info.

I was able to find this, it might help folks find a contractor.


http://icfresource.com/contractors.htm

Don't need a contractor. I need a product

Eastern Panhandle of WV, I can rent bracing or do otherwise as needed

Posted By BrucePolycrete on 27 Oct 2014 08:27 PM
Oh come on Cameron. Opinion, opinion, opinion. MTR, if you're just building an average sized house, there are several ICFs that will serve you well. FutureStone is one of Nudura's top distributors in Texas, so he is not giving you unbiased advice.

I appreciate that most people have an angle, that's the way it goes. Kind of surprised though, most forum don't tolerate it.

When I built my DIY house in 2008 I looked at several blocks. Don't recall if I considered Nudura or not. I went with Buildblock, primarily for three reasons. A supplier/contractor, and the molding plant, were only a couple of hundred miles away so shipping was good. I especially liked the reversibility of the Buildblocks, including the corner blocks. It made it easy to use a half high block in some of the walls, both top and bottom. And I liked the idea of the reinforced sections in the webs. I used 8" Hardi Plank and fastened the siding to the reinforced segments. A brick ledge was not a requirement for me so can't say anything about how BB would have compared to others.

As far as block preference - Nudura is at the top of my list for a few reasons:
-size of block - speeds up install, but also provides added strength when pouring (weakest spot in a block is the seams; double size of block=half # of seams)
-reversible - no left/rt corners
-full height interlock - snaps together from course-to-course, reducing/eliminating floating/compression while providing continuous fastening strip for interior/exterior finish
-folding blocks - make transport/storage easier and protects from wind/sun/rain/snow (bundles come wrapped in plastic)
-excellent QC - these blocks are the most consistent that I have worked with so I don't have to worry about weak spots, misdimensioned product, etc

I will agree that Tech Support is a HUGE factor to consider. Having the best product in the world is no help if you don't have an experienced rep to tell you how to use it. Be sure to check with a few local distributors to discuss block availability (stocking dealer vs. "order as needed"), experience (not only selling the product for several years, but do they have a rep with on-site experience), etc. You may even want to check with your local rep if there is a contractor/experienced installer that you can hire to help you with your build. I know some retired/part time contractors that will work with home owners. This way you don't have the full price of a contractor, but still are able to have an experienced person overseeing you project.

Do NOT be sold based on price alone, and be sure to compare your different quotes apples-to-apples. I have done comparisons on different estimates from various suppliers that have a difference of 10-15% on the bottom line, but when you break down what is included and look at square foot cost of the product they usually end up being very similar (sometimes the higher quote is even less when broken down). Don't be fooled by the ICF reps that want to sell on price alone (ie, "They are all the same, but ours is cheaper"), since they will often fudge the numbers on their estimates to make the bottom line look cheaper (eg, not enough block or no contingency for waste/damage, no accessories, no delivery, no bracing rental, etc.).

I am using Nudura because my research shows it is what is used most commonly in this area. Arixx, Fox-block, etc are also very good but I am not putting these up myself. My house is 7000 sq ft too large for a DIY with one guy and I need to get this done in a year. My sub uses Nudura and the supply chain is well established here.
My other reason for this selection is that you can adjust the wall thickness of EPS to suit your application if you desire higher R value.

I am not pushing Nudura but I am pushing having access to some technical help, support equipment to do the job right like correct bracing and skill to do the job regardless of what brand you use.

Post what you finally select so we can all learn from your choice of ICF blocks...

I took the Nudura course, it was very informative, I liked the larger block size. Then looked at Amvic 3.3 for their higher R value, but I ended up going with Silver Fox R28, it was their Fox Buck that sold me! There are no wood bucks in my widow and door openings to compromise R value or air leaks. I listened to many reps and then made my choice. I am very happy how my build went and highly recommend Fox.. If you would like to see my build.....
http://kasshabog.blogspot.ca/

As a qualified general contractor, 100+ ICF builds alone, I can assure you some things matter more then others. BuildBlock is our choice because of several factors, but other brands are as good. The quality of the work will determine how successful your project is, and the tricks of the trade is where that quality comes from, not just the brand of ICF you use. BB style blocks lend to lest waste by experienced installers, and are not prone to blow outs, and T walls are not an issue for experienced installers. Feel free to call if you need technical advice. I don't mind of I am not busy, and I answer a lot of calls.

at this point it sounds like price is your driving factor, seems to be the case with most diys, check out Logix they compete well with BB, Fox/Reward etc, the higher end ICF products offer attributes the normal diy is not going to understand let alone appreciate so the extra money is beyond explanation for most homeowners.

I used Fox for my DIY build largely because the contractor I worked with uses it exclusively. Although I did the work, he coached me, and did the actual filling. I was amazed at how accurate the walls came out, a testament not only to a decent product, but a really good footing, and careful work setting the walls up. My only complaint was that the 8" block for the basement, and 6" block for the main floor don't line up- you have to cut the 8" blocks to get the outside to line up. Not a big deal, once I figured it out. Maybe all blocks are like this.

I sell Fox and I think it is a superior product. However, I feel there are a few good blocks out there, Nudura and BuildBlock being two of them. You need to find someone you are comfortable with doing your job or guiding you thru it. The size of the Nudura block is basically a non factor when stacking a home. It is a good block for other reasons. I like Fox, a good strong interlock, they stack quick and staright and all their factory/regional reps are spot on. Do your research and find someone who is qualified and who you are comfortable with. Stacking and pouring the ICF's is only part of the job. There on going dialogue that needs to happen with the other trades, HHVAC, ELectricians,Plumbers ETC. Your guy should be able to help with all that, or he is just a salesman.

The price of the blocks should be similar, although fox just sent out an increase and did away with freight cap per full truckload. So freight is always a consideration. Nudura folds flat and that helps greatly on freight. Challenge typically with residential is combining orders to cube them out unless it's a big job. Build block, reward (rip) is now fox, amvic and Nudura are all good products. We like Nudura and fox. Partially because of material availability. Nudura helps a lot if your site is constricted to space and it stacks much quicker. Cameron has a program that puts facts down on blocks sizes and cuts etc to put it into perspective. Sales support after the sale is very important also unless you know everything already. So find someone your comfortable with working with and go with your gut. You will typically need some assistance after the sale anyway. In the end is $500 worth the headaches if you need anything?

Stay away from BuildBlock. Over priced and poor service. Their reps have no building experience and customer service is very poor. They are an under staff internet company.

Come on James.....you know the truth and behind the scenes at BuildBlock. You were with Rewards for years because BuildBlock is an Oklahoman based company and you couldn't get decent pricing because BuildBlock let their family business have exclusive territory for the whole state. BuildBlock is an OK product with poor leadership and direction.

After much research I am going with Nudura for my AZ build.