The Build With ICF Podcast

BuildWithICF.com

Welcome to the Build With ICF podcast with your hosts Trevor Brown and Heather Hering-Brown. With over 20 years of ICF installation, technical, and sales experience Trevor is considered an industry expert…on the other side of the table is Heather, aka the Girl Boss, and she has earned that title as the award winning owner of an ICF building company as well as a ICF drafting & design company…SLEEVES UP, BOOTS ON, this is the Build With ICF Podcast. read less
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Episodes

Build With ICF Podcast S1E24 Listener Questions Round 2
May 17 2024
Build With ICF Podcast S1E24 Listener Questions Round 2
Immerse yourself in the world of Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) homes with Heather Herring-Brown and Trevor Brown in the BuildWithICF podcast. With two decades of experience in the field, they expertly navigate you through a riveting journey into building, maintaining, and living in these energy-efficient homes. In this episode, we break down commonly asked listener questions and misconceptions surrounding ICF homes. Discover interesting anecdotes, from the thermal properties of ICF and the uniform heat distribution achievable with thermal imaging, to the controversies surrounding the use of four-inch walls. Learn why we advocate for 6-inch walls instead, enhancing both security and practicality in construction. Get our take on installing siding on ICF homes, discussing the common belief of needing batting or furring strips. We then dive into effective airtight sealing methods, share expertise on optimized window placement in ICF houses, and discuss the performance impact of various buck systems. In the face of misconceptions, we assert that ICF houses can still have plenty of windows, presenting practical and aesthetic insights from our experience with floor-to-ceiling window designs. Learn about the intricacies of window air seals and the role of quality materials, correct designs, and temperature control strategies for efficiency. We also address the debate between Composite blocks and standard EPS blocks, providing a balanced understanding towards making an informed choice. Discover more about this, and other practical strategies for building sturdy, energy-efficient homes in the world of ICF.   We love to hear from our listeners via email Info@BuildWithICF.com Or on Instagram @BuildWithICF
Build With ICF Podcast S1E23 Nudura ICF
May 10 2024
Build With ICF Podcast S1E23 Nudura ICF
n the latest episode of 'Build with ICF', seasoned hosts Trevor Brown and Heather Herring-Brown engage in a lively chat with Cameron Ware, a distinguished figure from leading ICF manufacturer - Nudura. Get ready to follow Cameron's captivating journey from being an engineer to becoming a critical part of Nudura, along with his unique introduction to the world of concrete and ICF. Cameron shares his profound knowledge about Nudura's innovative eight-foot ICF block, a ground-breaking concept designed to cut back waste on construction sites. Learn about the inherent strengths of Nudura's products, and why they could be the upgrade needed for your construction requirements, in this episode laden with precious takeaways for both newcomers and experts in the ICF construction circle. The conversation additionally touches on the importance of support training in the construction field and majorly highlights the diverse role of Tremco, renowned as a total building envelope with a single warranty. Get an inside look on energy consumption debates, construction product development, and manufacturing processes efficiency in construction. This episode also dissects the nature of wall performance beyond R-value limitations, potential future prospects in ICF constructions, and marks the journey in the industry towards innovative alternatives like ICF, eventually rendering traditional methods obsolete. Join us to uncover these fascinating details of engineering and building science, future-teasing innovations, and more in this enriching episode.     Check out Nudura on Instagram @Nudura.ICFs or at Nudura.com   Reach out to Cameron at cware@nudura.com   We love to hear from our listeners via email Info@BuildWithICF.com
Build With ICF Podcast S1E22 Commercial ICF with Randy Daniels
May 3 2024
Build With ICF Podcast S1E22 Commercial ICF with Randy Daniels
Welcome to the Build With ICF podcast, which today features a thought-provoking conversation between our host, Trevor Brown, and industry pioneer, Randy Daniels – a trailblazer who has elevated Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) from mere foundations to multi-story commercial buildings. Explore Daniels' expansive journey in the ICF industry, starting in Dakota and moving on to working with ReadyMix companies, before finding his niche in ICF. Hear directly from Daniels about his transition to bigger projects, thanks largely to his ability to liaise with industry professionals including architects, developers, and large-scale masonry firms. Dive into the story behind the industry-wide transition of ICF from just a foundation product to becoming an integral material in multi-story commercial buildings, with Brown and Daniels discussing the challenges and adventures they've faced because of this transformation. Insights into the World of ICF: From Regional Developments to Unique Selling Points Gain insights into the diverse uses of ICF in commercial construction, including its use in schools, fire stations, and churches, as well as its key roles across sectors and regions. Understand the unique selling points of ICF across varied regions, including seismic safety in Northern California and heat resistance in Phoenix. Discover the distinct advantages that ICF presents for specific project types, such as film studios requiring superior soundproofing or grow facilities that demand security and superior thermal insulation. With its versatility, the ability of ICF to cater to diverse demands is truly eye-opening. Understanding the Qualities and Prospects of ICF In the Commercial Construction Scene This enlightening episode not only explains the reasons behind the selection of an ICF product for particular projects but also dives into the speaker's unforgettable experiences in the ICF industry. Here, you also get to explore thrilling prospects for ICF in the next five years and understand why Fox Blocks are the top choice in the market, from efficient customer service to innovative manufacturing infrastructure. Fox Blocks and The People Behind Its Success Unearth the growth and success story of Fox Blocks, with the brand evolving from its humble beginnings in Omaha to expanding into numerous other locations, including Dallas. Discover the importance of building trust with customers through effective communication, transparent pricing, and the quality of their products, all thanks to the diligent team working behind the scenes. Wrap up this podcast episode by understanding Fox Block's future plans and their commitment to continuously honor the people who install their products. Tune in for a wholesome and insightful episode on ICF and its limitless opportunities in commercial construction.   Check out Randy on Instagram @FoxBlocksWest or at Randy@FoxBlocks.com Check us out!! We love to hear from our listeners via email Info@BuildWithICF.com Or on Instagram @BuildWithICF
Build with ICF Podcast S1E19 Listener Questions
Apr 12 2024
Build with ICF Podcast S1E19 Listener Questions
Hosted by industry veterans, Trevor Brown, and Heather Herring-Brown, the "Build With ICF" podcast provides exclusive insights into the world of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF). Join us as we share over two decades of hands-on experience in ICF installation to empower listeners with the knowledge necessary for informed decision-making in ICF construction. In this enlightening episode, we address the critical task of selecting the right contractor for your ICF project, underscore the importance of due diligence, and share insights on problem-solving post concrete hardening. Learn why the cheapest bid may not always be the best and how to steer clear of common pitfalls. With an up-close tour of a concrete job site, we examine possible challenges and nuances in ICF construction, touching on common issues such as wall alignment, over vibration, and window installations. This episode aims to arm you with practical solutions and tips to keep your ICF project on schedule and on point. We passionately debunk common myths and fears associated with concrete work, highlighting the adaptive nature of construction. No setback is unfixable, barring structural issues, and this episode dives into various solutions for prevalent issues. Navigating planning and timelines is crucial for a stress-free construction process, and we discuss the importance of chronological planning in this episode. From discussing proper backfilling to the smooth running of a concrete truck, and even addressing concerns about pests in ICF, this episode covers a broad spectrum of issues. Seasoned professionals, DIY enthusiasts, or simply anyone intrigued by ICF will find this episode incredibly helpful. Get ready to dive into an ocean of ICF wisdom that will serve a feast of practical knowledge and insider tips for all.