ROUGHCONSTRUCTION

®

SUMMER 2015

ENVELOPEBuilding A Better

with ArmourZone TM

Introducing

SEDONA PACIFIC RIM APPALACHIAN

BISCAYNE

CASTLE GREY

CORNERSTONE GLACIER

LIMITED LIFETIME ARCHITECTURAL SHINGLES

DynastyAd_TwoPage_IKO_0615.indd 2 15-06-12 4:40 PM

2

Release Tape prevents shingles from sticking together in the bundle.

Algae Block ceramic copper coated granules. This built-in algae resistance inhibits algae growth, which can cause unsightly black stains on your roof.

FASTLOCK Sealant 5 strips of our tough sealant are used in the construction of the DynastyTM with ArmourZone shingle.

Our FASTLOCK modified bitumen sealant strip is formulated to be thick and aggressive to promote a strong bond and extraordinary performance with radiant heat from the sun.

Tear-resistant, Reinforced Woven Band provides fastening strength over a greater surface area of the shingle, helping to prevent nail heads from pulling through the shingle in high winds.

THIS IS THE ARMOURZONE! Dual nailing lines, top and bottom, 1-1/4” apart, guide installers to DynastyTM shingles’ wider nailing surface for correct nail placement. Nails applied in this area ensure fastening power for proper product performance.

1-1/4”

APPALACHIAN

CORNERSTONE

Choose IKO DynastyTM with ArmourZone for your next roofing project!

There are three reasons to “get in the ArmourZone”

with IKO DynastyTM

• PEACE OF MIND:Your homeowner customers will enjoy the piece-of-mind IKO DynastyTM has to offer. Its ArmourZone improves product performance, making it the preferred choice for any environment. • INSTALLATION-FRIENDLY: Your roofers will appreciate how easy DynastyTM shingles are to install. • UPSELL OPPORTUNITIES: Increase your profit potential by upselling your homeowner customers on the advantages of using IKO DynastyTM shingles with ArmourZone.

Here is a closer look:

For additional information on our full line of premium roofing products please call:

1-855-IKO-ROOF (1-855-456-7663) or visit our website at www.iko.comCanadian Owned

and Operated

DynastyAd_TwoPage_IKO_0615.indd 3 15-06-12 4:41 PM

DISTRIBUTED BY

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.... Superior Products for Sustainability, Thermal and Acoustical E� ciency and Installer Productivity

The most e� ective wall solutions provide a layer of continuous insulation around

the home protecting it from moisture intrusion, air in� ltration and energy loss. Studs

account for 25 percent of the wall surface. If only interior cavity insulation is used, the

studs are exposed to the elements and the equivalent of one wall is uninsulated and

unprotected from energy loss known as thermal bridging.

Surrounding the home with Dow rigid insulation on exterior walls helps eliminate

thermal bridging, reducing potential for condensation and making the home more

comfortable and energy e� cient.

• High, long-term R-value

• Exceptional moisture resistance

• Excellent compressive strength

• Durability

• Easy to handle, cut and install

• Shiplap edge and butt edge (depending on board thickness)

• Several thicknesses and RSI values available

EcoBatts® from Knauf Insulation do not look like any insulation you’ve ever seen, but

that’s because its natural brown color represents a level of sustainability we’ve never

before achieved.

The color comes from ECOSE® Technology, a revolutionary more sustainable binder

born from � ve years of intensive research. Based on rapidly renewable bio-based

materials rather than non-renewable petroleum-based chemicals, ECOSE Technology

reduces binder embodied energy by up to 70%, and does not contain phenol,

formaldehyde, acrylics or arti� cial colors used

to make traditional � ber glass insulation.

EcoBatt Insulation boasts exceptional

quality and handling characteristics that

keep installers happy and more productive

- quick to recover, gutsy, yet easy to cut and

handle and has a pleasing natural installed

appearance.

DISTRIBUTED BYDISTRIBUTED BYDISTRIBUTED BY

Each year Castle invites Contractor Advantage advertisers to feature their best “rough” construction products along with product editorial in this annual supplement.

Inside this Rough Construction 2015 you will find a snapshot of some of the many innovative building products available at your local Castle Building Centres location. The issue includes rough construction products; Insulated Concrete, Forms (ICF). Other featured products include: Roofing, Insulation, Exterior Siding, Outdoor Structures, Weather- Proofing Products…and innovative tools for new construction.

BUILDING A BETTER ENVELOPE

Feature The ABC’s of ICF - Insulated Concrete Forms

Roofing Materials

Insulation Products

Exterior Siding

Outdoor Structures

Radiant Floor Panels

Weather-Proofing Products

Innovative Construction Tools

In This Issue... Managing EditorPaul Barkerpbarker@bizinfogroup.ca

Art DirectorMark Ryan

ContributorsNestor ArellanoLawrence Cummer

Editorial Director Castle Building Centres Group Ltd.Jennifer Merciecajmercieca@castle.ca

Cover courtesy of Johns Manville | A Berkshire Hathaway Company4

DISTRIBUTED BY

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.... Superior Products for Sustainability, Thermal and Acoustical E� ciency and Installer Productivity

The most e� ective wall solutions provide a layer of continuous insulation around

the home protecting it from moisture intrusion, air in� ltration and energy loss. Studs

account for 25 percent of the wall surface. If only interior cavity insulation is used, the

studs are exposed to the elements and the equivalent of one wall is uninsulated and

unprotected from energy loss known as thermal bridging.

Surrounding the home with Dow rigid insulation on exterior walls helps eliminate

thermal bridging, reducing potential for condensation and making the home more

comfortable and energy e� cient.

• High, long-term R-value

• Exceptional moisture resistance

• Excellent compressive strength

• Durability

• Easy to handle, cut and install

• Shiplap edge and butt edge (depending on board thickness)

• Several thicknesses and RSI values available

EcoBatts® from Knauf Insulation do not look like any insulation you’ve ever seen, but

that’s because its natural brown color represents a level of sustainability we’ve never

before achieved.

The color comes from ECOSE® Technology, a revolutionary more sustainable binder

born from � ve years of intensive research. Based on rapidly renewable bio-based

materials rather than non-renewable petroleum-based chemicals, ECOSE Technology

reduces binder embodied energy by up to 70%, and does not contain phenol,

formaldehyde, acrylics or arti� cial colors used

to make traditional � ber glass insulation.

EcoBatt Insulation boasts exceptional

quality and handling characteristics that

keep installers happy and more productive

- quick to recover, gutsy, yet easy to cut and

handle and has a pleasing natural installed

appearance.

DISTRIBUTED BYDISTRIBUTED BYDISTRIBUTED BY

6 | ROUGH CONSTRUCTION 2015

1 BP EAVE PROTECTORS: Gripgard – Weathertex®

2 BP UNDERLAYMENTS: BP lined asphalt felts – BP Deckgard – BP Suredeck

3 BP STARTER STRIP SHINGLES

4 BP ARCHITECTURAL and CLASSIC 3-TAB SHINGLES

5 BP HIP & RIDGE: BP Accu-Ridge – BP 3-tab shingles

1 ENERMAX

2 R-4 HP

3 EXCEL

4 HIGH PERFORMANCE / REGULAR SHEATHING

5 AIR-LOCK

WE’VE KEPT ONE STEP AHEAD OF T HE WEATHER FOR OVER 100 YEARS

1 BP EAVE PROTECTORS: Gripgard – Weathertex

2 BP UNDERLAYMENTS: BP lined asphalt felts –

3 BP STARTER STRIP SHINGLES

4 BP ARCHITECTURAL and CLASSIC 3-TAB SHINGLES

5 BP HIP & RIDGE: BP Accu-Ridge – BP 3-tab shingles

1 ENERMAX

2 R-4 HP

3 EXCEL

4 HIGH PERFORMANCE / REGULAR SHEATHING

5 AIR-LOCK

1

2

3

4 5

1

2

3

5

4

SOLID SEALANT BAND

PATTERNED SEALANT BAND

www.bpcan.com

T H E M O S T CO M P L E T E P R O T E C T I O N AG A I N S T T H E T O U G H E S T W E AT H E R A N Y W H E R E . W E ’ V E G O T I T, COV E R E D.

B u i l d i n g P r o d u c t s o f C a n a d a ( B P ) h a s b e e n p r o d u c i n g q u a l i t y h o m e b u i l d i n g a n d h o m e r e n ov a t i o n p r o d u c t s f o r ove r a c e n t u r y. T h e y c o n t i n u e t o b e t h e p r o d u c t s o f c h o i c e i n h u n d r e d s o f t h o u s a n d s o f h o m e s a c r o s s N o r t h A m e r i c a e a c h ye a r.

MANOIR MYSTIQUE 42

CANADIAN PATENT NO. 2,448,498 / U.S. PATENT NO. 7,204,063

T H E M O S T CO M P L E T E P R O T E C T I O N AG A I N S T T H E T O U G H E S T W E AT H E R A N Y W H E R E . W E ’ V E G O T I T, COV E R E D.

MANOIR

EASTERN CANADA › REGION

‹ WESTERN CANADA REGION

BREAKTHROUGH SHINGLE TECHNOLOGYThanks to BP patented hurricane-resistant Weather-Tite™ technology with 2 sealant bands that lock out water and wind-driven rain, all BP laminate shingles o� er

superior protection with the added-value of an enhanced wind warranty. It’s the ultimate in leak protection that guarantees your peace of mind.

SOLID SEALANT BAND

PATTERNED SEALANT BAND

3703 – 101 Avenue N.E., P.O. Box 576Edmonton (Alberta), Canada T5J 2K8

9510 St. Patrick Street, LaSalle (Quebec), Canada H8R 1R9

420 Dupont Street, Pont-Rouge (Quebec), Canada G3H 1S2

+

BPC_CastleMag_DPS_v2.indd All Pages 15-06-18 12:04 PM

6

1 BP EAVE PROTECTORS: Gripgard – Weathertex®

2 BP UNDERLAYMENTS: BP lined asphalt felts – BP Deckgard – BP Suredeck

3 BP STARTER STRIP SHINGLES

4 BP ARCHITECTURAL and CLASSIC 3-TAB SHINGLES

5 BP HIP & RIDGE: BP Accu-Ridge – BP 3-tab shingles

1 ENERMAX

2 R-4 HP

3 EXCEL

4 HIGH PERFORMANCE / REGULAR SHEATHING

5 AIR-LOCK

WE’VE KEPT ONE STEP AHEAD OF T HE WEATHER FOR OVER 100 YEARS

1 BP EAVE PROTECTORS: Gripgard – Weathertex

2 BP UNDERLAYMENTS: BP lined asphalt felts –

3 BP STARTER STRIP SHINGLES

4 BP ARCHITECTURAL and CLASSIC 3-TAB SHINGLES

5 BP HIP & RIDGE: BP Accu-Ridge – BP 3-tab shingles

1 ENERMAX

2 R-4 HP

3 EXCEL

4 HIGH PERFORMANCE / REGULAR SHEATHING

5 AIR-LOCK

1

2

3

4 5

1

2

3

5

4

SOLID SEALANT BAND

PATTERNED SEALANT BAND

www.bpcan.com

T H E M O S T CO M P L E T E P R O T E C T I O N AG A I N S T T H E T O U G H E S T W E AT H E R A N Y W H E R E . W E ’ V E G O T I T, COV E R E D.

B u i l d i n g P r o d u c t s o f C a n a d a ( B P ) h a s b e e n p r o d u c i n g q u a l i t y h o m e b u i l d i n g a n d h o m e r e n ov a t i o n p r o d u c t s f o r ove r a c e n t u r y. T h e y c o n t i n u e t o b e t h e p r o d u c t s o f c h o i c e i n h u n d r e d s o f t h o u s a n d s o f h o m e s a c r o s s N o r t h A m e r i c a e a c h ye a r.

MANOIR MYSTIQUE 42

CANADIAN PATENT NO. 2,448,498 / U.S. PATENT NO. 7,204,063

T H E M O S T CO M P L E T E P R O T E C T I O N AG A I N S T T H E T O U G H E S T W E AT H E R A N Y W H E R E . W E ’ V E G O T I T, COV E R E D.

MANOIR

EASTERN CANADA › REGION

‹ WESTERN CANADA REGION

BREAKTHROUGH SHINGLE TECHNOLOGYThanks to BP patented hurricane-resistant Weather-Tite™ technology with 2 sealant bands that lock out water and wind-driven rain, all BP laminate shingles o� er

superior protection with the added-value of an enhanced wind warranty. It’s the ultimate in leak protection that guarantees your peace of mind.

SOLID SEALANT BAND

PATTERNED SEALANT BAND

3703 – 101 Avenue N.E., P.O. Box 576Edmonton (Alberta), Canada T5J 2K8

9510 St. Patrick Street, LaSalle (Quebec), Canada H8R 1R9

420 Dupont Street, Pont-Rouge (Quebec), Canada G3H 1S2

+

BPC_CastleMag_DPS_v2.indd All Pages 15-06-18 12:04 PM

INSULATION

Canada’s goal is to mandate net zero performance for all buildings by 2030 to help reduce energy consumption and green house gases. Building codes will be mandating increased levels of insulation and significantly improved levels of air tightness to help build net zero ready homes.

Owens Corning™ FOAMULAR® CodeBord® Air Barrier System is an innovative solution that helps builders cost effectively meet new energy efficiency requirements in building codes and other voluntary programs such as Next Generation Energy Star, R-2000 and Novoclimat. It is an optimal heat, air and moisture management system in Canada. This system helps provide optimal occupant comfort by significantly reducing air exfiltration and infiltration and by providing a continuous insulation layer over the structure which minimizes heat loss and gains through thermal bridging.

For your customers, this Owens Corning™ Canada innovation means a comfortable home with reduced

drafts. The home is quiet because reduced air leakage means there are few paths for airborne noise penetration from the exterior. The building is durable due to reduced potential for moisture damage from condensation caused by air leakage. This improvement in energy efficiency – results in reduced heating and cooling energy costs.*

The CABS system is easy to assemble, weather resistant, cost competitive and durable. The system consists of two primary components:

• FOAMULAR® CodeBord® extruded polystyrene rigid insulating sheathing

• FoamSealR™ closed cell polyethylene sealing gaskets and/or FOAMULAR® JointSealR™ Sheathing Tape and JointSealR™Flashing Tape

Owens Corning™ FOAMULAR® CodeBord® Air Barrier System can provide clear advantages and benefits to builders and customers alike.

Keep ahead of the changing building codes with Owens Corning Canada Innovative Solutions

1. Ease of installation using current trades.2. Easier to achieve continuity and less joints

to seal compared to warm side air barrier systems, such as sealed polyethylene.

3. Where the FOAMULAR® CodeBord® is the air barrier system, the polyethylene vapour barrier need not be sealed.

4. An effective weather resistant barrier with sealed joints no longer requiring an additional sheathing membrane (e.g. building paper may be omitted).

5. Makes use of commonly available materials such as extruded polystyrene wall insulating sheathing (FOAMULAR® CodeBord® 4’ x 8’/4’x9’ or 4’x10’ sheets), sealing gaskets (FoamSealR™), and Owens Corning Joint SealR™ Foam Sheathing and Flashing Tape.

6. Is a feature that can differentiate you from the competition.

7. Is backed by one of North America’s most respected building products manufacturers.

8. Third party certified.

The FOAMULAR® CodeBord® Air Barrier System from Owens Corning is an optimal heat, air and moisture management system in Canada.

Contact your Owens Corning™ Canada technical sales representative today, or visit www.owenscorning.ca to learn more.

KEY BENEFITS FOR THE BUILDER INCLUDE:

* Savings vary. Find out why in the sellers fact sheet on R-values. Higher R-values mean greater insulating power.

8

Owens Corning™ FOAMULAR® CodeBord® Air Barrier System is another innovative solution providing long term energy efficiency

performance and comfort for homeowners.

1-800-GET-PINK® or visit owenscorning.ca

ONE SYSTEM LEADING TO NET ZERO

READY.

THE PINK PANTHER™ & © 1964-2014 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved. The colour PINK is a registered trademark of Owens Corning. © 2014 Owens Corning. All Rights Reserved. 73% recycled content is based on the average recycled glass content in all Owens Corning fiberglass batts, rolls and unbonded loosefill insulation manufactured in Canada. Minimum 20% recycled content. SCS certified.

Canada’s Highest Most Watched Series EVER!Canada’s Highest Most Watched Series EVER!

We’ve Built Excitement With Bryan!

888.415.6449 | LogixICF.comDiscover your perfect dream home at thinkwithlogix.com

• Exterra is permeable and allows moisture to leave the wall cavity, keeping it dry and mold-free.

• With taped seams, Exterra also performs as the exterior air and weather barrier.

• Unlike XPS insulations, Exterra comes with a “Zero Thermal Drift” guarantee.

BuildWithHalo.com 855.350.4256

Tubing “walks into place” & reduces labour up to 60%

Accepts 1/2", 5/8" and 3/4" tubing

Available in R4, R6, R8, R10, R12, R14

Low profi le design, which protects piping during installation

Manufactured in high density eps

For use in retrofi t and new construction

heat-sheet.com 888.415.6449

Advanced Radiant Floor PanelsExterior Breathable & Mold-Resistant Advanced Insulating Sheathing

10

Canada’s Highest Most Watched Series EVER!Canada’s Highest Most Watched Series EVER!

We’ve Built Excitement With Bryan!

888.415.6449 | LogixICF.comDiscover your perfect dream home at thinkwithlogix.com

• Exterra is permeable and allows moisture to leave the wall cavity, keeping it dry and mold-free.

• With taped seams, Exterra also performs as the exterior air and weather barrier.

• Unlike XPS insulations, Exterra comes with a “Zero Thermal Drift” guarantee.

BuildWithHalo.com 855.350.4256

Tubing “walks into place” & reduces labour up to 60%

Accepts 1/2", 5/8" and 3/4" tubing

Available in R4, R6, R8, R10, R12, R14

Low profi le design, which protects piping during installation

Manufactured in high density eps

For use in retrofi t and new construction

heat-sheet.com 888.415.6449

Advanced Radiant Floor PanelsExterior Breathable & Mold-Resistant Advanced Insulating Sheathing

NEW AND IMPROVED

Fiberglass Insulation

Castlegard® products meet the highest safety, performance

and quality standards. Castlegard® Insulation is made

with natural products and is Formaldehyde-free, offering

a healthier and safer indoor air quality. Castlegard®

insulation is a cost effective home insulation solution for

your home with proven safety and performance ratings.

Light-density unfaced batts for installation within wall

cavities, floors and ceilings. Available for metal or wood

framing. May be used with a separate vapour retarder

when moisture control is required.

The EcoLogoTM ensures that your Castle insulation product

is the environmentally friendly choice.

Castlegard® products can be found exclusively at your

local Castle Building Centres location across Canada.

MANUFACTURED IN CANADA BY

The Environmental Choice” certifies that your energy-saving and eco-friendly insulation

product has exceeded the highest health and sustainability standards.

12

NEW AND IMPROVED

Fiberglass Insulation

Castlegard® products meet the highest safety, performance

and quality standards. Castlegard® Insulation is made

with natural products and is Formaldehyde-free, offering

a healthier and safer indoor air quality. Castlegard®

insulation is a cost effective home insulation solution for

your home with proven safety and performance ratings.

Light-density unfaced batts for installation within wall

cavities, floors and ceilings. Available for metal or wood

framing. May be used with a separate vapour retarder

when moisture control is required.

The EcoLogoTM ensures that your Castle insulation product

is the environmentally friendly choice.

Castlegard® products can be found exclusively at your

local Castle Building Centres location across Canada.

MANUFACTURED IN CANADA BY

The Environmental Choice” certifies that your energy-saving and eco-friendly insulation

product has exceeded the highest health and sustainability standards.

Much more than nails and screws!GR-More Than Nails & Screws-20150615-CA-CastleIdeas.indd 1 6/15/2015 2:29:47 PM

14

To learn more about Grip-Rite products, call 800-676-7777 or visit grip-rite.com

Distributed by

The Grip-Rite® brand offers a one stop shop for all your contractors’ needs. Blades & Accessories Collated Nails & Screws Complete Fastening Systems Pneumatic Tools Compressors Air Hoses Fittings Tool & Compressor Oil Concrete Accessories Construction Board Corner Bead Curing Blankets Drywall Joint Tape Eave & Valley Protector Felt Paper Fencing & Wire Products Poly Fence Rebar ShingleLayment® Synthetic Roof Underlayment Tarps Window & Door Protector

Much more than nails and screws!GR-More Than Nails & Screws-20150615-CA-CastleIdeas.indd 2 6/15/2015 2:29:51 PM

16

Insulating and air sealing your new or existing home is the easiest way to avoid the air leaks and moisture intrusion that can lead to structural issues such as mold and decay. Blanketing your home in a continuous layer of insulation and air sealing your home’s gaps and cracks creates an air-tight, moisture resistant structure that provides your family with long term:

• home comfort• durability• improved indoor air quality • lower monthly utility bills

DOW BUILDING SOLUTIONS1-866-583-BLUE (2583)

www.insulateyourhome.ca

Your First UpgradeSHOULD BE COMFORT

DISTRIBUTED BY

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.... Superior Products for Sustainability, Thermal and Acoustical E� ciency and Installer Productivity

The most e� ective wall solutions provide a layer of continuous insulation around

the home protecting it from moisture intrusion, air in� ltration and energy loss. Studs

account for 25 percent of the wall surface. If only interior cavity insulation is used, the

studs are exposed to the elements and the equivalent of one wall is uninsulated and

unprotected from energy loss known as thermal bridging.

Surrounding the home with Dow rigid insulation on exterior walls helps eliminate

thermal bridging, reducing potential for condensation and making the home more

comfortable and energy e� cient.

• High, long-term R-value

• Exceptional moisture resistance

• Excellent compressive strength

• Durability

• Easy to handle, cut and install

• Shiplap edge and butt edge (depending on board thickness)

• Several thicknesses and RSI values available

EcoBatts® from Knauf Insulation do not look like any insulation you’ve ever seen, but

that’s because its natural brown color represents a level of sustainability we’ve never

before achieved.

The color comes from ECOSE® Technology, a revolutionary more sustainable binder

born from � ve years of intensive research. Based on rapidly renewable bio-based

materials rather than non-renewable petroleum-based chemicals, ECOSE Technology

reduces binder embodied energy by up to 70%, and does not contain phenol,

formaldehyde, acrylics or arti� cial colors used

to make traditional � ber glass insulation.

EcoBatt Insulation boasts exceptional

quality and handling characteristics that

keep installers happy and more productive

- quick to recover, gutsy, yet easy to cut and

handle and has a pleasing natural installed

appearance.

DISTRIBUTED BYDISTRIBUTED BYDISTRIBUTED BY

18

DISTRIBUTED BY

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.... Superior Products for Sustainability, Thermal and Acoustical E� ciency and Installer Productivity

The most e� ective wall solutions provide a layer of continuous insulation around

the home protecting it from moisture intrusion, air in� ltration and energy loss. Studs

account for 25 percent of the wall surface. If only interior cavity insulation is used, the

studs are exposed to the elements and the equivalent of one wall is uninsulated and

unprotected from energy loss known as thermal bridging.

Surrounding the home with Dow rigid insulation on exterior walls helps eliminate

thermal bridging, reducing potential for condensation and making the home more

comfortable and energy e� cient.

• High, long-term R-value

• Exceptional moisture resistance

• Excellent compressive strength

• Durability

• Easy to handle, cut and install

• Shiplap edge and butt edge (depending on board thickness)

• Several thicknesses and RSI values available

EcoBatts® from Knauf Insulation do not look like any insulation you’ve ever seen, but

that’s because its natural brown color represents a level of sustainability we’ve never

before achieved.

The color comes from ECOSE® Technology, a revolutionary more sustainable binder

born from � ve years of intensive research. Based on rapidly renewable bio-based

materials rather than non-renewable petroleum-based chemicals, ECOSE Technology

reduces binder embodied energy by up to 70%, and does not contain phenol,

formaldehyde, acrylics or arti� cial colors used

to make traditional � ber glass insulation.

EcoBatt Insulation boasts exceptional

quality and handling characteristics that

keep installers happy and more productive

- quick to recover, gutsy, yet easy to cut and

handle and has a pleasing natural installed

appearance.

DISTRIBUTED BYDISTRIBUTED BYDISTRIBUTED BY

Insulating concrete forms (ICF) are changing the foundation market, but the ICF space is itself in a state of flux and major manufacturers continue to face new industry entrants.

“ICF use in Canada can be traced back 30 years ago,” says Greg Doren, product manager for Plasti-Fab Ltd., which sells the Advantage ICF Systems brand of ICF products. “Much of the growth began about a decade ago.”

ICF’s strongest market continues to be commercial and institutional buildings, but the home building sector appears to be slowly taking notice.

Evolving green building standards such as the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) green building certification program, stricter energy and building codes as well as a robust housing market is largely responsible for this, he believes. LEED version 4

for instance, emphasizes energy savings, an area where ICFs have always performed well.

“ICF began gaining traction in the home market around 2009,” Doren says. “Now the construction boom in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, as well as growing interest in energy-saving building materials is bringing more attention to ICF as a foundation alternative.”

Interest is increasing in ICF for good reason, suggests Luc Cecire, an evaluation officer at the Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC) in Ottawa, which operates within the National Research Council of Canada, and offers national evaluation for all types of innovative building construction materials, products, systems and services.

“We have been dealing with ICF for over 25 years,” he says. “Interest has been growing because of the ease of construction and benefits of having insulation already in place in the forms. It is a great system, since you would

have to add insulation anyways.” In some areas of Alberta and Saskatchewan, “ICF foundations are now standard,” the ICF Builder magazine recently reported. Although it did not provide hard numbers, the publication said most ICF manufacturers and installers report that 2014 sales were slightly up from the previous year.

“However, competition is fierce, especially for large commercial projects, and price cutting has affected margins significantly,” according to ICF Builder. “In a few cases, these bidding wars have created difficulties for installers.”

Although many contractors and builders have been working with ICF for decades, for others it remains seen as new technology and is still considered unfamiliar. As such it can carry a perception that it is more complicated or difficult to work with, when the reality is, because the systems combine steps, installation can become easier.

In fact, experts with experience in ICF point out that

The ABCs of ICFEvolving energy standards, stricter building codes, increased familiarity and ease of use are increasing interest in Insulating Concrete Forms.

By Nestor Arellano and Lawrence Cummer

PHO

TOS:

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CAO,

SPR

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assuming you know the concepts of plumb, square and straight, follow directions and have common sense, almost anyone can get a straight wall using ICF with little effort.

TIPS FOR WORKING WITH ICFCecire says contractors can quickly learn how to work with ICF even if they are not specialized in working with concrete.

The blocks, panels or planks themselves are reasonably easy to assemble and put in place, he adds. “I think people can basically pick it up overnight, but there are installation procedures and you have to make sure you follow the manufacturer’s installation guides.”

Thanks to the Internet, many manufacturers make it easy. Plasti-Fab, for example, provides best practices, installation videos, technical support, installation manuals, customer use stories and more online via Twitter, YouTube and at its website (www.advantageicf.com).

Another manufacturer, Logix ICF provides a similar

wealth of information online (at logixicf.com) through manuals, details and technical libraries, and also offers software and apps (for Android and iPhone) to help create detailed and accurate take offs, cut lists and more, plus accurate customer quotes.

Contractors should, of course, also familiarize themselves with the changes made in 2005 to the National Building Code of Canada for Above-Ground Flat Insulating Concrete Form Walls (Section 9.20.17).

Still, Cecire does offer some advice: a tongue-and-groove system will help prevent concrete leakage and provide stability against buckling; pay close attention to cross ties and make sure they are made of galvanized steel to prevent corrosion.

It is important to pay attention to the preliminary work. For example, make sure the footing on which the ICF is being installed on is level, of course. Extra time spent on footing will save time and prevent problems during the install.

“If you start and you are not quite level, you will need to put in shims (to fill small gaps), so your footing is very important,” Cecire notes.

The ICF Association suggests laying out the walls on the footing with a chalk line and begin placing the forms at the corners working your way to the inside of the wall. The first two courses are the most important for a square and level wall. Once laid out, recheck with a level before gluing to the footing.

A good bracing system is important, and the ICF Association recommends a brace every 5’. After anchoring the brace to the floor, once again check the wall and make sure it is braced square.

Cecire says contractors must ensure falsework is fully in compliance with manufacturer’s recommendations and is built to handle the height of the concrete being poured. Some manufacturers, he says, will supply a walk board to help with this.

You may want to use a vibrator to consolidate freshly poured cement, but Cecire and other experts suggest caution. While not fragile, vibration can damage the forms and falsework. Excessive vibration can cause bulging.

Even with bracing, walls can move a bit during the pour. Do not overlook the importance of realigning the walls after the pour. PH

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ICF TYPESA common construction principle may cover ICFs, but manufacturers differentiate their products by way of shapes, details, cavities and components.

ICFS GENERALLY FALL UNDER THREE TYPES:1) Block system ICF units range from 8” x 14” to 1’4”x 4’,

with a typical ICF block having an overall width of 10” and a 6” cavity for concrete.

“The block configuration is easy to handle and their interlocking edges make for a flat, seamless surface,” says Doren. Advantage ICF has a standard ICF block that measure 16 ½“x 48” and is 11 ¼” wide. “It is just like playing with Lego blocks.”

2) Panel system ICFs roughly measure 1’x8’ to 4’x2’. This system requires a separate connector or tie because the edges of each unit are flat. Panels can be assembled either on site or pre-assembled by the local distributor.

3) Plank system ICF units range in height from 8” to 12” and in width from 4’ to 8’. They resemble wooden planks. Like panel systems, the foam planks require ties, but the units are not delivered to the job site as freestanding units. Workers need to stack each plank and insert each tie into the wall individually.

WITHIN THESE CATEGORIES, ICF ALSO VARY BY CAVITY DESIGN:1) Flat systems have a cavity that form a flat concrete slab

in the centre. The system yields a continuous thickness of concrete like a conventionally poured concrete wall.

2) Waffle grid systems have a wavy waffle like pattern at the centre which forces concrete to pour thicker at some points than others.

3) Post-and-beam systems produce vertical (post) and horizontal (beam) concrete members that can be spaced at various distances, depending on structural require-ments. For example, above ground walls will use posts spaced up to 4’ apart and beams spaced up to 8’ apart.

Beyond these types, a number of manufacturers are also introducing various takes on ICF; however, they still face a challenge in gaining wider attention in the industry, according to Gary Sharp, director of technical service for the Canadian Home Builders’ Association.

“There may be several new materials being tried by specific builders, but these would be not wide spread,” he says.

For example, one Canadian ICF manufacturer has developed a product made from recycled waste wood from softwood lumber bonded together with Portland cement and has a lower overall environmental impact compared to other ICFs.

ICF detractors have raised the issue that ICFs are far from being a green product since the systems use EPS and Styrofoam, which are petroleum-based products that contain volatile organic compounds.

Unlike Styrofoam ICF, they do not burn or melt. It has a four hour fire rating, zero flame spread and does not produce black smoke or toxic fumes in the event of a fire.

The product is also very energy efficient, according to the company because insulating material is placed primarily at the exterior of the concrete unlike polystyrene ICF foam blocks that have 50% of the total insulation on the interior which actually prevents the transfer of heat between the concrete mass and the interior conditioned space. PH

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www.resisto.ca

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24

Visit norsemanstructures.com/storage to see how you can protect your equipment.

1.855.385.2782

DON’T LET THIS HAPPENTO YOUR EQUIPMENT

PROTECT IT INDOORS

Your work tools are your equipment. A building from Norseman Structures will protect them so you can focuson the job at hand.

We provide strong, reliable building solutions to protect the things that you rely on everyday.

0352-15 Norseman, Fiercely Reliable and Norseman & Design are trademarks of Norseman Group Ltd.

0352-15 Castle Ad-V02-Final.indd 2-3 15-06-16 2:31 PM

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