The Hobbs Logic

PROBLEM:
Although the ICF block concept is excellent, its design is inherently outdated & flawed.
1 The ICF block concept has been around for over 40 years, with no significant design modifications since the inception of the product. A “block ICF is a block ICF”.
2 Since the patent expired decades ago for the ICF block design, the ICF block has become a “Me Too” product which explains why there are so many brands of ICF blocks with little or no difference.
3 The old ICF technology uses a “prescriptive method”, which inefficiently uses more concrete than required structurally instead of only using concrete where it is structurally necessary.
4 Installation of the block ICF systems are tedious and labor-intensive resulting in out of level, bowing, and snaking walls with a significant amount of bracing adding to the cost.
5 ICF blocks have built-in weakened planes because of the massive amounts of horizontal and vertical joints (ie: a wall that is 200’ long and 9’ high has 1650 L.F. of weakened planes or joints)
6 Attachment points are limited for fastening interior and exterior finishes

SOLUTION:
Hobbs Vertical ICF solves the problems of traditional ICFs and engineered a smarter, greener and easier ICF wall system!

 

The Hobbs Story

I set out to design a “Better Mouse-Trap”! It started with a great concept that I believe all ICF “Blocks” have, but unfortunately they are plagued with many inherent flaws. I knew I needed to design a system that would be engineered to structurally perform in most applications, provide exceptional insulation value, install easier and faster than “ICF Blocks” and give you a finished product that is the straightest ICF in the industry without the requirement for special ICF bracing.

The work began in my home State of Iowa early in 2005 and after 2 years of material research, physical testing, engineering analysis and special tooling design and production we finally had a product for the first “guinea pig”! Yes, they knew the risk of being the first. I think it was more of a badge of honor to be the “first”. But, finally a “real paying customer” and we were very thankful! So, with the help of my dad and uncle we installed our first project. We all had various construction knowledge but this was different and it wasn’t without a challenge but we learned a lot. The first project was a basement in Eldora, IA. I was a bit nervous because not only was it our first project but there wasn’t room for error especially since a precise factory-built home would be placed on our foundation. It was the most rewarding music to my ears when our customer told us the framer said this was the “straightest” foundation he had ever seen! Imagine, someone smiling from ear-to-ear. That was me!

Since that first project the product has only improved and I am confident and pleased to offer the Hobbs Vertical ICF. It is the smartest, easiest, and greenest ICF product on the market. We are family-owned and the only ICF brand in North America that uses our “Family Name” on the product!

We believe in good-old-fashioned customer service and we would love a chance to prove it to you. Thank you for visiting our web-site and becoming familiar with the Hobbs Vertical ICF Wall System and please let us know how we can be of service to you!

Andrew Hobbs, Founder & President
Hobbs Building Systems