Buildings can’t stand without well-made support. ICF blocks are concrete blocks that stand in place to form the interior and exterior walls for concrete construction. Insulated concrete forms from Fox Blocks are some of the best construction blocks in the industry — they’re easy to build with, feature all-season protection, and are made with reinforced steel to keep your building strong and safe.
Read on to find out more about why you should choose Fox Blocks for your construction needs.
Easy Customization
Most in construction know there’s nothing as exciting as a unique job. Unfortunately, many products only offer one to two options. Fox Blocks provides more, offering a wide range of shapes and arrangements for their ICF blocks. This way, you get the same structural integrity regardless of the form.
Fox Blocks has a wide range of choices for your construction projects. Their options include 45-degree bends, curved radius blocks, tilt wall construction, and T-shaped blocks. You can choose from a variety of sizes, including blocks in various lengths and heights to fit any design. Whether you need narrow, tall blocks for vertical builds or short, wide blocks for commercial spaces, Fox Blocks has it all.
Fox Blocks also offers specialty blocks such as 45-degree corners, lintels, bucks, and taper tops. These unique blocks lessen onsite modifications, achieving seamless walls, openings, and angles. Using custom blocks means you won’t have to alter standard blocks to fit non-standard dimensions.
Affordable and Efficient Shipping
Freight and storage can be a significant expense when it comes to construction projects. Fox Blocks addresses this issue, removing the need for bulky shipping containers. Instead, the blocks compactly stack, so they’re able to ship more material at a lower cost. The interlocking design allows the lightweight blocks to securely stack together, maximizing each truckload.
Beautiful Exposed Concrete Finishes
If you appreciate the aesthetic of exposed concrete, it can be a great complement to any building. Fox Block offers a variety of finishes for their ICF blocks, including traditional stucco, brick, stone, various siding types, and drywall.
Fox Blocks concrete finishes work seamlessly with various interior and exterior finishes, creating a smooth, consistent surface for direct application.
You can achieve stunning gray concrete walls or add a pop of color with pigmented concrete stains. Exposed aggregate also reveals the stones and gravel within the concrete for another eye-catching finish. Fox Blocks can provide guidance on the finishing process to help bring your vision to life.
Strong and Durable
Using inferior materials can cause issues with the longevity and structural integrity of buildings. Fox Blocks meets all concrete safety, resilience, and durability standards set by the government and industry.
Their interlocking blocks connect tightly, and specially mixed concrete creates long-lasting structures that exceed ASTM compressive strength requirements.
Independent lab testing showed the blocks withstand over 13,500 pounds per linear foot of compression force. Wind load testing proved the blocks withstand 200 mph hurricane-force winds. The solid concrete construction resists fire, termites, mold, and more.
Reduces Moisture and Noise
Many people worry about the negative effects of excess moisture, noise, and unpleasant odors entering buildings. These issues can cause damage to buildings and furnishings, and noise can disrupt productivity in the workplace.
To remedy these issues, Fox Blocks has designed fully enclosed concrete blocks that create an airtight envelope, preventing drafts and keeping out unwanted moisture and odors. The solid concrete mass also blocks out outside noise, creating a peaceful interior environment. Fox Blocks has also incorporated specially designed vertical channels in each block to drain and dissipate moisture buildup, ensuring a dry and comfortable space.
Energy Efficient
Large buildings can spend a lot of money on heating and cooling, which can impact budgets significantly. It’s important to keep employees comfortable, but if the building materials aren’t good quality, it can allow heat and cold to penetrate.
Fox Blocks are designed to resist thermal heat transfer, which means that buildings stay insulated and don’t require constant HVAC use. This can lead to a decrease in heating and cooling costs of up to 50%, which is a significant benefit for budgets.
The concrete blocks have insulation panels integrated into them, which makes them highly efficient. The EPS foam insulation provides high R-values up to R-32 for walls and R-40 for roofs. This exceptional insulating power allows for comfortable interior temperatures while lowering monthly energy usage.
Added Window Insulation
Windows cause most air leakage, not walls. Loose or leaky windows can undermine the savings in air and heat, so I recommend making window insulation a priority.
Fox Blocks offers a window insulation framing system for the exterior during block installation. This system prevents airflow, regardless of window size.
Although having high-quality windows is ideal, Fox Blocks can proactively solve any problems that could occur from using inferior windows.
So, Is Fox Blocks the Right Choice for Your Next Construction Project?
For durable, energy-efficient buildings, Fox Blocks is the gold standard for insulated concrete forms, providing unmatched customization and structural integrity. For builders who want reliable, high-performance concrete forming systems, Fox Blocks is the best choice. The company’s commitment to product quality, customer service, and sustainability is top of the line.
FAQs About Fox Blocks
What are the main benefits of Fox Blocks products?
Fox Blocks products offer strength, energy efficiency, design flexibility, faster construction, and noise reduction. The interlocking blocks form an extremely sturdy concrete structure, and integrated insulation provides excellent thermal performance. They provide custom shapes and sizes matching exact design needs. The lightweight blocks also install rapidly, saving significant construction time.
How thick are Fox Blocks?
Fox Blocks range from 4 to 12 inches thick. Thickness determines insulation R-value. A 6-inch block delivers around R-17, while a 12-inch block provides over R-32. I suggest choosing thickness based on climate zone and desired efficiency.
What insulation do Fox Blocks use?
Fox Blocks use EPS rigid foam insulation. This expanded polystyrene foam provides high insulation value, moisture resistance, and structural integrity. EPS is a common integrated insulation choice for insulated concrete forms.
How do Fox Block costs compare to framing?
Fox Blocks typically cost more initially than wood framing. However, they can save you money long-term through siding costs, energy savings, lower maintenance, and faster construction. The overall cost depends on the design, finishes, and other variables.
Can you use Fox Blocks commercially?
Yes. Fox Blocks offers solutions specifically for commercial and multi-family buildings, with experience in retail, offices, hotels, stadiums, universities, and more. They have the expertise to meet large-scale demands and provide engineering support. The blocks offer durability and design flexibility.
Can you build a multi-story space with Fox Blocks?
Yes. Fox Blocks commonly construct multi-story buildings, including high-rises. The interlocking blocks provide exceptional strength that can support additional stories. Proper rebar reinforcement integrates throughout the blocks.
Are Fox Blocks fireproof?
Fox Blocks are inherently fire-resistant but not completely fireproof. The solid concrete composition provides excellent fire resistance compared to wood framing. Fox Blocks meet fire safety standards for commercial and residential buildings. Additional fireproofing may be recommended for certain high-risk building uses.
Do Fox Blocks require extra insulation?
In most cases, no added insulation is needed. The integrated rigid foam insulation provides excellent Fox Block R-values, even in cold climates.
How long do Fox Blocks last?
When properly installed, Fox Blocks can last over 100 years. The reinforced concrete withstands time and resists rot, pests, mold, and more. Fox Blocks exceeds structural testing standards for durability. You may have to invest in regular finish maintenance over the years, but the underlying blocks should remain intact. Fox Blocks creates structures to endure generations.
