Frequently Asked Questions

Is the foam used in CELBLOX ICFs flammable?
The outer walls of CELBLOX ICFs are made from flame-retardant EPS foam which is fire resistant and nontoxic. The inside of the walls are solid concrete which is not only non-flamable but can even act as a flame barrier providing protection against outside fires.

How are doors and windows installed?
A wooden or vinyl "buck" is built and incorporated into the CELBLOX wall as it is being stacked. Once the concrete is poured and cured, doors and windows are installed as usual.

How are plumbing and electrical installed?
They are installed directly into the foam. After the concrete has been poured and cured, channels are cut directly into the ICFs foam using a power cutting saw or router. Plumbing and electrical lines are then inserted into the grooves and covered by drywall.

How are drywall and siding attached to the finished CELBLOX ICF building?
The screws used to attached siding, drywall, paneling and other materials are screwed into the web. The web is the resin strip that is "embeded" into foam that makes up the ICFs outer walls.

CELBLOX use 100% pure virgin polymer for it's web and ties which ensures a much greater fastener retention strength than can be provided from weaker web ties that are made from scrap regrind polymer.

CELBLOX webs are placed every 8 inch's on center (twice as often as a framed wall's studs) and the virgin resin gives the web a fastener strength similar to that of a wood 2x4.

Why are ICF walls better than standard poured walls or concrete stacked?
When cured, the concrete in ICFs are up to 50% stronger*, and use as much as 30% less concrete* than traditionally poured walls. While the initial cost of ICF walls may be more than standard poured or stacked walls, CELBLOX ICFs provides insulation and furring strips (the polymer web) making it a cost-effective and a less labor intensive choice.

How much do CELBLOX ICF homes cost compared to stick build homes?
Depending on the cost of building materials at the time (lumber, cement..) CELBLOX ICF homes are comparable in price to similar stick built homes. However, CELBLOX ICF homes can cost upto 50% less to heat and cool.

Can a CELBLOX ICF home look as nice and be as comfortable as a stick build home?
Once finished, CELBLOX ICF homes look just as nice as any other type of home and are actually MORE comfortable than a typical fiberglass insulated home.

In fact, while people often build ICF homes to reduce their energy costs and protect themselves from natural disasters, once they have lived in the home for a short time they most often site comfort as their favorite feature. People who actually live in ICF homes say that even temperature (no drafts or hot and cold spots) and peacefulness (reduced outside noise) are the features they like the best.

Why aren't ICF home more popular?
Actually, the ICF home market has been growing at an incredible 50% a year for several years now. Sometimes people are apprehensive to try something they're unfamiliar with but as the 50% growth rate demonstrates, once people learn about all the benefits that ICFs offer, they tend to build ICF homes.

Can CELBLOX structures be built with little to no ICF experience?
We strongly recommend a 1 day training course if you are new to ICF construction. Please contact us for more information on this.

How do I purchase CELBLOX ICFs?
CELBLOX ICFs are sold directly from the manufacturer, Cellox, LLC.
Just give us a call:

*Wall strength and cement volumes differ between various types of ICFs.