Does the Hobbs Vertical ICF Wall System meet Canadian and American building codes?
Yes, by providing project engineering by a registered professional engineer, our system complies with building codes.
Do you have a CCMC or ICC Report?
No. Instead our distributors provide professional engineering on a project-by-project basis to comply with local and state/provincial codes. A professional engineer will prepare documents with calculations and important structural data for items, such as rebar size and placement locations, concrete strengths, and specifications. These calculations must be followed precisely during the assembly and installation of the Hobbs Vertical ICF Wall System. And, unlike typical ICF “blocks” which often times are left open to “interpretation” by the installer the Hobbs system is completely engineered on a project by project basis. This engineering provides the building official, contractor, sub-contractor and ultimately the project owner with “piece of mind” that the structure is built to exacting engineering standards.
How does the system work structurally if the form uses 40% less concrete and has a web thickness of only 2”?
The “Contour Wall Design” has been developed using recognized engineering principles. Professional engineers have been involved in all aspects of the structural design from the very beginning of the design stage. Our proprietary “Contour Wall Design” is a “modified post-and-beam design” that optimizes the use of concrete, and uses it only where it is structurally necessary. Flexural Strength Capacity testing by Iowa State University reports that the Hobbs VICF “Composite System” has nearly 50% more structural value than concrete and rebar alone. The Hobbs VICF system is one of the only ICF products to ever have had such testing to prove strength.
Do you offer a flat wall concrete core design like typical ICF block systems?
Yes, we offer a “Flat Wall Design” which is a solid core of concrete similar to the core of traditional ICF blocks. Some areas of North America may require the use of our flat wall design, such as, heavy seismic and extreme wind loading areas. The flat wall design allows for more horizontal rebar reinforcing that may be required for these extreme loads. However, you still get many of the great benefits of our proprietary vertical design.
How does the system use half of the labor of typical ICF block systems?
The system’s inherent design of being a vertical panel ICF means laborers work from the ground making it safer, faster, easier, and more user friendly while the system is installed primarily from the ground making it a safer wall system to install. There is no gluing, taping or tying the system, unlike traditional ICF blocks. Also, our system is ideal for D-I-Y builders as it does not require special ICF bracing un-like “Block IFC’s” which require the bracing to be spaced every 4′ to 6′. And, they are needed from the beginning to the end of the ICF installation. The ICF bracing is compatible with the Hobbs Vertical ICF system but not required for the installation, saving time and a significant amount of money with no bracing equipment rental fees.
To see how it works, click here for our ICF Challenge Video
How does your system achieve its +R30 insulation value?
First, our “Contour Wall Design” has thinner and thicker areas of insulation with-in the form that averages +R30. Where we don’t need concrete structurally, we use 39% more foam insulation than typical ICF blocks. Our “Flat Wall Design” uses more concrete and less insulation with an R value exceeding R22. Keep in mind that either of our designs do not allow air exchange which is as important as insulation itself. No air is passed through the wall with Hobbs Vertical ICF!
Click for our “R” Value Report: Hobbs Vertical ICF – R Value Report
How is a floor system attached when using the system on all levels of a project
We recommend Simpson Strong-Tie ICFVL connectors that are compatible with the Hobbs Vertical ICF. The connectors are specifically designed for use in ICFs and are easily installed. Also, the ICFVL connectors have been used for more than +20 years, are engineered and have been physically tested for strength.
Click for more information: Simpson ICFVL Connectors
Do you recommend using your ICF system below and above grade?
The ideal application would definitely be above grade. Take full advantage of the excellent insulating properties of the system where the above grade walls are fully exposed to the elements of heat/cold and wind. Because the Hobbs Vertical ICF system is reinforced concrete construction it is ideal for hurricane and tornado prone areas. Our vertical ICF design is often used from the footing to the roof below and above grade. The system performs well with soil back-fill applications for basements.
What applications are suitable for use of the Hobbs Wall System?
The wall system is suitable for frost/stem walls, basements, slab-on-grade and above grade residential and light commercial applications.
Does the Hobbs Vertical ICF require water-proofing in basement applications?
Yes. While our HVICF system inherently resists water intrusion, water-proofing is still required in basement applications just like any foundation. There are many options available, such as, air-gap membrane, peel and stick and liquid applied membranes. We highly recommend a product that address hydrostatic pressure, as well as, a moisture barrier. And, please note that whatever product you choose it must not contain VOC’s or solvents as they will melt the EPS foam panels. A Hobbs VICF representative will gladly assist you in choosing the right water-proofing solution.
How does electrical wiring and boxes get installed in the Hobbs VICF system?
Running electrical wiring in our system is faster and easier than traditional wood frame. Cutting EPS foam is fast and can be done with a hot-knife that cuts a groove/channel in the foam after the system is poured with concrete. Other preferred methods are an electric chain saw or even an electric charcoal lighter which is often used. The electrical boxes can be inserted into the panels and adhered with a EPS compatible adhesive. Also, our furring assembly (stud) has 1″ electrical chases spaced every 9″ to run wire through them.
How does plumbing get installed in the Hobbs VICF system?
Although plumbing is mostly installed in interior walls, plumbing installation in our walls is similar to running electrical. A hot-knife can be used to cut the Hobbs VICF system EPS panels as needed for plumbing. When running plumbing directly through the walls a PVC pipe can be inserted through our walls prior to placing concrete. After the piping is installed, typically a spray-foam is used to seal around the area between the PVC pipe and the plumbing.
Is Hobbs ICF competitively priced with other ICF products or other wall systems?
Yes. The Hobbs Vertical ICF Wall System allows the user to save up to half the labor, uses less concrete without sacrificing strength and you can expect between 50-70% savings in energy cost due to our high exceptional +R-30 insulation value*. Our end product is at or less than the competition with all of these factors considered.
*Based on our “Contour Wall” design
