Man I m soooo happy I came across your video. I m building a house (passive) and I m in the same situation. I was looking for ICF blocks and I could not decide. I found another company based in Europe called izodom from Poland but they have distributors and the prices were in my opinion really high. My foundation is done already so now I m looking for the walls. Thank you for the great video.
Between amvic and nudura as well. Also being on bedrock. Going to make ground and 2nd floor heated. Since ur more deep in than me. What brand icf would u suggest for ceiling? Can u mix and match icf brands Like nudura walls. Amvic floors, another brand of ceiling? Also curious with canadian weather everyone needs central heating system than individual heater in each room; Wouldn't installing vents be a nightmare?
My second choice would have been Foxx. The main reason for me was the support. Foxx also does not have gaps between the plastic ties allowing less shrinkage while pouring. I heat my house with Radiant floor and Fancoil. I only needed to install a very simple duct system for HRV
Amvic has a smooth surface on the inside, instead of dovetails like some other manufacturers. Dovetails will lock the panel to the concrete core, making it impossible to come off. Amvic's lack of dovetails on the inside is a major shortfall of their blocks.
Nudura, Fox Block and Integra's inserts/studs/spacers run the full height of the block, preventing sagging and settling. Amvic's don't run the full height of the block.
Yes, I agree. I noticed that issue. But it did not create any problems. My floors are amazingly level. Again I am not paid but I did not have any issue with AMVIC
Great video. I am debating between Fox Block and AMVIC. For me it is cost and type of blocks. I want more than just 90 degree walls. How much was your total cost and sq of your home?
Thanks for your video. I too could someday be a DIY ICFer and have researched different ICF designs. I wondered if you had compensated the cost comparison for the block length, as Nudura standard block length is twice that of the common industry length. Plus the considerable savings in time (labor) of Nudura blocks as they are delivered essentially pre-assembled, with ties which also self-fasten to adjacent rows.
Yes, I did. AVIC beats it. I was told that NUDURA made change of ownership, recently and price has gone up right after. This is before COVID. The irony is Lived near the HQ of NUdura before I moved here.
I first found Build Blocks when I found ICF building but they are not in the UK I found Nudura which is in the UK both Build Blocks and Nudura have excellent online training and videos on RUclips of how to use ICF the right way.
Like I said they all are very similar. My deal breaker was AMVIC-Plus with is 12.5" with R-35 with out the concrete. It was only 1$ more than the regular blocks at the time of my purchase.
@@rockyrookiehouse7732 Yes you can get R35 and more with Nudura because it depends on what size you use. For me I am building a shooting range and have to have a min of 4" of concrete under UK law to stop .22 rifle and ALL pistol ammo. I don't know if Amvic is in the UK to buy. Thank you.
@@rockyrookiehouse7732 Yes I have looked at Fox Blocks but I have learned a lot about using ICF from two very good RUclips Channels that are full time builders and Fox Blocks does have some problems. Thank you
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience it was helpful to me. I think Amvic has a R-30 block about $21. Not sure what they’ll tell me shipping will cost. Also the zont and zuckle support system should be great for the dyi
The price difference is similar. In general guide. The one who are marketing a lot seem to be more expensive. Otherwise, they are very close to each other.
Very good overview. What part of the country are you in? I am trying to decide on the block/type but am coming up with reservations with the local building inspector (termite mitigation / Florida). Did you also consider the ICCF block?
I live in Kingston Ontario, AMVIC is very popular in North America. The main reason I select it is because it is unique in R-value for almost the same size. I talk about how to brace and how to install in my videos. Any ICF installer can help you with it if you do not have local rep.
I did not consider the ICCF block, I am no sure if it is DIY friendly. The installation process is very similar to masonry process. I do not find it easy to install. Anyone can install ICF. You do not need any skill.
I just look at TF. I see hundred reasons why I will not go with it. Mainly a risk of the wall collapsing and safety hazard in build a wall that tall all at once.
That's disappointing to hear about Nudura. I'm many years from building my retirement home but Nudura was the leading candidate in my quest for an ICF home. We'll see how the technology changes by the time I'm ready. The Perfect Block is very interesting, too.
I was told Nudura has a lot of waste as it is a long block. It is also more expensive than others. The key for me was support and AMVIC Plus is a winner because it has more R-value for negligible amount of more money.
@@rockyrookiehouse7732 I was a contractor for 27 years installing only ICF and tried pretty much all of them. Having a long block actually creates less waste.
I am not against Nudura,all of the ICF are good. That is why they are in the market. The main reason I chose AMVIC Plus is Price, Support, R-Value and the Ties are much stronger. Nudura has changed owner ship many times. It has also increased its price. You are right, I do not see how it can have too much waste. You can use the foams anywhere. It only depends on the installer.
Yes, I am very happy with AMVIC. The Number of time I have been backing them, I should be getting sponsorship but I got 0 money. This is purely consumer review. The main reason I like AMVIC is the AMVIC Plus is R-33 insulation compare to R-23 for standard ICF such as Nudura.
Do you still feel like this brand of block was the best choice now that you have had hands on experience? I was leaning towards Fox blocks, but was not aware of Advantage before I started watching your videos.
Fox block also has the 4” risers. I would suggest window bucks that are foam. Not sure who all has that beyond Fox. Quad Lock for floors and roofs seems logical too
I think there are better options. There are other blocks that have these features you apparently aren't even aware of: *8 feet long block, so less seems.
Amvic is a good choice. you did some ok research , some is incorrect. AT PACIFIC ICF we use only AMVIC because its the strongest ICF block and installs well without accessory parts except for metal hook wires for the vertical corners. AMVIC also makes Tees and 45's and radius blocks and long corners which are all different than other companies ( better) . Less bracing means a faster , less expensive build. Now we have estimators proving ICF costs 50% less than plywood formed walls. The PLUS block is R-30 and we can add up to 6" more exterior rigid EPS for Passive Haus bill@pacificicf.com
If you trying to say you need bracing system, absolutely. In Fact you can building the walls in a day but it will take weeks strapping and bracing specially for DIY.
Like I said. All ICF are good enough. I was not doing scientific compareson. My point was, AMVIC Plus is a winner for two main reasons. R-35 as supposed to R-24 for the price difference of a little more than $1. The other, is that the support I got from the company.
@@AGTtactical Instead of calling BS, why don’t you link us to your website, RUclips channel or wherever to show us your expertise. I have used a couple different brands of the polystyrene ICF, and they ALL are pretty dam close. So what other blocks are you referring us to? Hempcrete? Light weight cement ICF? Nexcem? Or maybe the airlight walls by Winessa-Sue? Or Rammed Earth, or Cordwood? Without support, your call BS, is,,,well just BS itself.
@@rockyrookiehouse7732 From www.ahfc.us/iceimages/manuals/building_manual_ap_1.pdf , concrete at 8" thick is R0.08/inch. Hard to understand how the difference of R15 can be attributed to concrete in the form. Wild claims like this really hurt them and the ICF industry. It maes me suspect all of them when I see your conversations with the others. Thank you for taking the time to do this.
@@rapierville The Company claims R-35 for the block without the concrete. Because the foam is 3 1/4" for each side. A total of 6.5". This makes sense. Some rigid foam manufactures actual claim up to R-7 per an inch. You do the math's. As per the concrete, almost all companies claim R-10 for the thermal performance of the 6" concrete core.
@@rockyrookiehouse7732 I understood what was being claimed and the arithmetic involved. The issue is the incredible claim of R value for concrete. It doesn't align with any references and is at least an order of magnitude out. Having read their materials specifications, they don't claim R50 at all. In fact they only claim STC 50 which has zero relation to thermal resistance. STC 50 is sound transmission class which is attractive but won't affect your energy cost.
@@rapierville Okay, Thank you. I was still okay with R-35 and it does not matter if the concrete is not counted. Thank you for you in put and for watching my video.
DIY ICF? Come on man...that's just not smart. Can it be done? Sure. Is it wise? Of course not, unless you have years as a builder. The only way building your own ICF walls makes sense is if one has such a bad job or education that they'll save more doing it than what they'd earn in their normal job or business. And "all ICF blocks are pretty much the same"? That's flat our wrong.
Believe it. The only thing that require a little work is bracing and forming around the opening. This is not rocket science. If you played with Legos as a kid, then you can do this. I tried to contract it out. I could not find anyone who would do it in my area. out of three, one replied and wanted 100K for installing the ICF wall. I think it is worth my time to save that much money. I am doing this after work as a hobby. I enjoy being out there. It is my skep. Please watch my videos. Yes, most ICFs are pretty much the same. Few are known for blow outs and do not last in the market.
@@rockyrookiehouse7732 " The only thing that require a little work is bracing and forming around the opening. This is not rocket science." You are just proving how little you know about building...
@@victoriajankowski793 and yet I have a building. Huge one. My whole journey has been disproving those who doubted me. I will do a video on your comments. I am not sure what you are trying to say. Anyone can build a house. Anyone. Who Do you make it such a big deal.
Man I m soooo happy I came across your video. I m building a house (passive) and I m in the same situation. I was looking for ICF blocks and I could not decide. I found another company based in Europe called izodom from Poland but they have distributors and the prices were in my opinion really high. My foundation is done already so now I m looking for the walls. Thank you for the great video.
Thanks for your video! Looking at ICF blocks and also leaning towards AMVIC for most of the reasons you highlight in this video.
Between amvic and nudura as well.
Also being on bedrock. Going to make ground and 2nd floor heated. Since ur more deep in than me. What brand icf would u suggest for ceiling? Can u mix and match icf brands Like nudura walls. Amvic floors, another brand of ceiling?
Also curious with canadian weather everyone needs central heating system than individual heater in each room; Wouldn't installing vents be a nightmare?
My second choice would have been Foxx. The main reason for me was the support. Foxx also does not have gaps between the plastic ties allowing less shrinkage while pouring. I heat my house with Radiant floor and Fancoil. I only needed to install a very simple duct system for HRV
@Rocky Rookie House yeah canadian houses have ducts... I'm a little confused how ducts can be installed if everything is concrete 🤔
Amvic has a smooth surface on the inside, instead of dovetails like some other manufacturers. Dovetails will lock the panel to the concrete core, making it impossible to come off. Amvic's lack of dovetails on the inside is a major shortfall of their blocks.
Very MATTER OF FACT. All pros and cons laid out very well. 👍
Thank you very much for sharing the information. Very helpful!!!
Thank you for sharing ylur experience
Thanks very much. For this.
Nudura, Fox Block and Integra's inserts/studs/spacers run the full height of the block, preventing sagging and settling. Amvic's don't run the full height of the block.
Yes, I agree. I noticed that issue. But it did not create any problems. My floors are amazingly level. Again I am not paid but I did not have any issue with AMVIC
@@rockyrookiehouse7732 Cool! Glad to hear it.
Great video. I am debating between Fox Block and AMVIC. For me it is cost and type of blocks. I want more than just 90 degree walls.
How much was your total cost and sq of your home?
Thanks for your video. I too could someday be a DIY ICFer and have researched different ICF designs. I wondered if you had compensated the cost comparison for the block length, as Nudura standard block length is twice that of the common industry length. Plus the considerable savings in time (labor) of Nudura blocks as they are delivered essentially pre-assembled, with ties which also self-fasten to adjacent rows.
Yes, I did. AVIC beats it. I was told that NUDURA made change of ownership, recently and price has gone up right after. This is before COVID. The irony is Lived near the HQ of NUdura before I moved here.
I learned something new company good info regarding ICF
Thank you. Please like my channel.
I first found Build Blocks when I found ICF building but they are not in the UK I found Nudura which is in the UK both Build Blocks and Nudura have excellent online training and videos on RUclips of how to use ICF the right way.
Like I said they all are very similar. My deal breaker was AMVIC-Plus with is 12.5" with R-35 with out the concrete. It was only 1$ more than the regular blocks at the time of my purchase.
My second choice would have been Foxx blocks because Nudura is a bit expensive even though the owners are 300K from where I am.
@@rockyrookiehouse7732 Yes you can get R35 and more with Nudura because it depends on what size you use. For me I am building a shooting range and have to have a min of 4" of concrete under UK law to stop .22 rifle and ALL pistol ammo. I don't know if Amvic is in the UK to buy. Thank you.
@@rockyrookiehouse7732 Yes I have looked at Fox Blocks but I have learned a lot about using ICF from two very good RUclips Channels that are full time builders and Fox Blocks does have some problems. Thank you
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience it was helpful to me. I think Amvic
has a R-30 block about $21. Not sure what they’ll tell me shipping will cost. Also the zont and
zuckle support system should be great for the dyi
What was the difference in cost between AMVIC and Foxblock?
The price difference is similar. In general guide. The one who are marketing a lot seem to be more expensive. Otherwise, they are very close to each other.
Great video - thanks!
Nice info and review!!! 👏🏼👌
Thank you
Very good overview. What part of the country are you in? I am trying to decide on the block/type but am coming up with reservations with the local building inspector (termite mitigation / Florida).
Did you also consider the ICCF block?
I live in Kingston Ontario, AMVIC is very popular in North America. The main reason I select it is because it is unique in R-value for almost the same size. I talk about how to brace and how to install in my videos. Any ICF installer can help you with it if you do not have local rep.
I did not consider the ICCF block, I am no sure if it is DIY friendly. The installation process is very similar to masonry process. I do not find it easy to install. Anyone can install ICF. You do not need any skill.
Logix I think makes a termite resistant block
Vertical icf i think is interesting. TF forms is what I'm planning on using.
Oh, I will look in to it
I just look at TF. I see hundred reasons why I will not go with it. Mainly a risk of the wall collapsing and safety hazard in build a wall that tall all at once.
What are your thoughts about BuildBlock?
I have not done much research on it. They all pretty much the same. The deal breaker is the fact that AMIC has R35 for 1 dollar more.
Great info how was the price difference between the companies
Thank you
That's disappointing to hear about Nudura. I'm many years from building my retirement home but Nudura was the leading candidate in my quest for an ICF home. We'll see how the technology changes by the time I'm ready. The Perfect Block is very interesting, too.
I was told Nudura has a lot of waste as it is a long block. It is also more expensive than others. The key for me was support and AMVIC Plus is a winner because it has more R-value for negligible amount of more money.
AMVIC is also the strongest ICF. No blow outs. It is very strong. Foxx seems also strong. If I did not chose AMVIC, I would have chosen Foxx blocks.
@@rockyrookiehouse7732 I was a contractor for 27 years installing only ICF and tried pretty much all of them. Having a long block actually creates less waste.
I am not against Nudura,all of the ICF are good. That is why they are in the market. The main reason I chose AMVIC Plus is Price, Support, R-Value and the Ties are much stronger. Nudura has changed owner ship many times. It has also increased its price. You are right, I do not see how it can have too much waste. You can use the foams anywhere. It only depends on the installer.
@@rockyrookiehouse7732 The person who told you that is telling you BS ! VERY POOR of them.
Good info. Trying to make the ICF decision right now. Are you still happy 11 mo later?
Yes, I am very happy with AMVIC. The Number of time I have been backing them, I should be getting sponsorship but I got 0 money. This is purely consumer review. The main reason I like AMVIC is the AMVIC Plus is R-33 insulation compare to R-23 for standard ICF such as Nudura.
Did you consider BuildBlock ICFs?
No
Thanks
Do you still feel like this brand of block was the best choice now that you have had hands on experience? I was leaning towards Fox blocks, but was not aware of Advantage before I started watching your videos.
AMIC is the best out there for the price. Also If you go with AMVIC Plus, you will get R35 for the a little more than 1$
Yes. I am talking about AMVIC. I just poured concrete 8'. No issue. I will post the video soon.
Fox block also has the 4” risers. I would suggest window bucks that are foam. Not sure who all has that beyond Fox. Quad Lock for floors and roofs seems logical too
Thank you for sharing this info
I think there are better options. There are other blocks that have these features you apparently aren't even aware of:
*8 feet long block, so less seems.
Yes, There are many other types but for concrete pour and bracing solutions, I found these better.
Thank you!
Link to Amvic...
Amvic is a good choice. you did some ok research , some is incorrect. AT PACIFIC ICF we use only AMVIC because its the strongest ICF block and installs well without accessory parts except for metal hook wires for the vertical corners. AMVIC also makes Tees and 45's and radius blocks and long corners which are all different than other companies ( better) . Less bracing means a faster , less expensive build. Now we have estimators proving ICF costs 50% less than plywood formed walls. The PLUS block is R-30 and we can add up to 6" more exterior rigid EPS for Passive Haus
bill@pacificicf.com
Let’s be honest. This is not a diy system. If it s not perfectly plumb and anchored, the walls will not be done properly when poured
If you trying to say you need bracing system, absolutely. In Fact you can building the walls in a day but it will take weeks strapping and bracing specially for DIY.
Did you look at Logix ICF?
Like I said. All ICF are good enough. I was not doing scientific compareson. My point was, AMVIC Plus is a winner for two main reasons. R-35 as supposed to R-24 for the price difference of a little more than $1. The other, is that the support I got from the company.
Pretty much all icf blocks are the same." Bs...you have no idea what you are talking about.
@@AGTtactical
Instead of calling BS, why don’t you link us to your website, RUclips channel or wherever to show us your expertise.
I have used a couple different brands of the polystyrene ICF, and they ALL are pretty dam close. So what other blocks are you referring us to? Hempcrete? Light weight cement ICF? Nexcem? Or maybe the airlight walls by Winessa-Sue? Or Rammed Earth, or Cordwood?
Without support, your call BS, is,,,well just BS itself.
Fox. Fox. Fox.
AMVIC beat you big time
Amvic doesnt sell R35 ...only R30
The company claims that AMVIC Plus is R35 and performs at R50 with the concrete in it.
@@rockyrookiehouse7732 From www.ahfc.us/iceimages/manuals/building_manual_ap_1.pdf , concrete at 8" thick is R0.08/inch. Hard to understand how the difference of R15 can be attributed to concrete in the form. Wild claims like this really hurt them and the ICF industry. It maes me suspect all of them when I see your conversations with the others. Thank you for taking the time to do this.
@@rapierville The Company claims R-35 for the block without the concrete. Because the foam is 3 1/4" for each side. A total of 6.5". This makes sense. Some rigid foam manufactures actual claim up to R-7 per an inch. You do the math's. As per the concrete, almost all companies claim R-10 for the thermal performance of the 6" concrete core.
@@rockyrookiehouse7732 I understood what was being claimed and the arithmetic involved. The issue is the incredible claim of R value for concrete. It doesn't align with any references and is at least an order of magnitude out. Having read their materials specifications, they don't claim R50 at all. In fact they only claim STC 50 which has zero relation to thermal resistance. STC 50 is sound transmission class which is attractive but won't affect your energy cost.
@@rapierville Okay, Thank you. I was still okay with R-35 and it does not matter if the concrete is not counted. Thank you for you in put and for watching my video.
DIY ICF? Come on man...that's just not smart. Can it be done? Sure. Is it wise? Of course not, unless you have years as a builder. The only way building your own ICF walls makes sense is if one has such a bad job or education that they'll save more doing it than what they'd earn in their normal job or business. And "all ICF blocks are pretty much the same"? That's flat our wrong.
What do you mean? I do not know you. who are you?
Believe it. The only thing that require a little work is bracing and forming around the opening. This is not rocket science. If you played with Legos as a kid, then you can do this. I tried to contract it out. I could not find anyone who would do it in my area. out of three, one replied and wanted 100K for installing the ICF wall. I think it is worth my time to save that much money. I am doing this after work as a hobby. I enjoy being out there. It is my skep. Please watch my videos. Yes, most ICFs are pretty much the same. Few are known for blow outs and do not last in the market.
@@rockyrookiehouse7732 " The only thing that require a little work is bracing and forming around the opening. This is not rocket science." You are just proving how little you know about building...
@@victoriajankowski793 and yet I have a building. Huge one. My whole journey has been disproving those who doubted me. I will do a video on your comments. I am not sure what you are trying to say. Anyone can build a house. Anyone. Who Do you make it such a big deal.
Have some Faith. You can do it. You can build a house. Say it with me. Anyone can build a house. It is not rocket science.