This month's Product Focus takes a look at insulated concrete forms (ICFs) and structural insulated panels (SIPs). This month's selection includes products from Omni Block, Fox Blocks, and more. 

Versatile Stack ICFs

NUDURA 

Four feet in length and 12 inches tall, the Optimizer offers installers and designers the ability to meet 17 different stack scenarios without the need to cut or rip forms. Featuring DURALOK Technology, the Optimizer securely locks into place with a triple-tooth interlock, eliminating the need to wire or glue forms and reducing installation costs. The unique folding web design is manufactured from 100 percent recycled polypropylene and steel and has been laboratory tested to prevent mold growth. Because of its contribution to improving energy efficiency, the Optimizer significantly reduces the amount of fossil fuels needed for heating and cooling reducing your carbon footprint. For more information, visit nudura.com.

Insulated Concrete Block

Omni Block

Omni Block is an insulated "stand-alone" structural wall system. It does not require furring, additional insulation or drywall to complete the wall, even though numerous finishes may be added for aesthetic purposes. The EPS inserts are made of UL listed non-toxic, chemically stable, CFC-free, VOC-free materials, and have an extremely low flame-spread. The block is a thermally efficient “whole wall” because it combines R-value, the effects of thermal mass, thermal lag, thermal damping, and air-tightness, which result in a passive solar technology. All block and insert material are 100 percent recyclable. There is zero formaldehyde content in any of the components. For more information, visit omniblock.com.

Air Barrier SIPs

Premier SIPs

The company's structural insulated panels combine structure, insulation and air barrier within one engineered product. This enables builders to take a systems approach and eliminates the need for separate schedules and crews for framing the building, installing insulation and completing the air barrier. In a commercial or institutional building, this can shave weeks off the construction schedule. For more information, visit premiersips.com/bc.

Window and Door Buck

Fox Blocks

Fox Buck is a fully integrated, continuous insulation window and door buck for residential and commercial applications. The notches create a dual barrier against drafts or moisture penetration. When installed properly, the concrete barrier protection is continuous around the entire opening. These barriers also anchor the Fox Buck to the wall with enough strength to hold in most weather conditions. The buck is exactly 2 inches thick for easy measurements, and measures 48 inches long to match the length of the three blocks. For more information, visit foxblocks.com.

Firestop Protection Forms

BuildBlock Building Systems

BuildShield is a barrier for firestop protection in an ICF wall. It is a combination of two materials when combined offer fire stop protection providing additional protection in fire prone areas. BuildShield combines an extruded PVC plastic track with an adhesive stainless steel material applied together between near the top of the wall in an above grade course when constructing an ICF wall. The track supports the stainless steel material on both sides of the foam block extending on one side into the concrete core and other edge of the track extends outward to the edge of the wall finish. For more information, visit buildblock.com.