BuildBlock ICFs November 2016 Newsletter

Zero Energy Ready
Ohio Project Profile

Learn why BuildBlock ICFs were the key ingredient to building the first Zero Energy Ready Home in Ohio.

ICF Pools: Fast & Energy Efficient

See how an ICF pool can provide the absolute best value year round for you and your investment.

BuildCrete Pool Plaster Launched

BuildCrete is the longest-lasting and most cost-effective pool finishing system for ICF and concrete pools.

Charis Homes Builds First Zero Energy Ready Home in Ohio with BuildBlock ICFs

When Chris and Lori Wehr moved to Ohio they were excited by the opportunity to build a new custom home. Chris works in the energy efficiency field so he knew that there were several building systems available that could produce exceptional results.

The Wehrs approached Charis Homes, a leader in custom energy efficient homes in Ohio, with a solid idea of how they wanted their house to look, feel, and perform.

Charis is committed to building Energy Star rated homes, but when the plans were all laid out, Chris and Lori realized that with a few small adjustments they could go above the standard Energy Star rating and make a little local history as well.

With BuildBlock ICFs as the primary construction system, they began down the path to build Ohio's first Zero Energy Ready home.

Read the full story here

ICF Pools are the WAVE of the Future

About ICF Pools

Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) pools are growing in popularity. They can be extremely easy to install and offer increased energy efficiency, decreasing the cost of heating pools and extending the swim season. These benefits apply to any pool, any size, residential or commercial.

The earth is an excellent conductor of heat, so with traditional building methods substantial heat is lost through the sides and floor of the pool.

ICFs combine the strength of reinforced concrete with the insulation performance of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Foam. Additionally, BuildBlock ICF pools can be built very quickly and efficiently reducing the number of materials, skilled labor, and finishing products required.

BuildBlock Benefits

BuildBlock pools reduce energy cost by more than 60% and extend the pool season, adding value to your investment.
Use the same materials for your new home and pool.
BuildBlock is modular, light-weight, and easy to use.
Easily shaped, modified, and stacked.
Environmentally friendly with very low waste.
Provides easy and secure rebar placement.
BuildBlock pools are fast to build and affordable to maintain.
BuildBlock and BuildRadius forms combine to create any shape imaginable.
BuildCrete Pool Plaster is a quick and easy finish that reduces future maintenance costs and looks great (see below).

Learn how a BuildBlock ICF Pool can benefit you.

BuildCrete Pool Plaster Joins
BuildCrete Product Line

BuildCrete Pool Plaster is a Fast, Tough, and Long Lasting Finish for ICF & Concrete Pools

Released at the 2016 International Pool, Spa, and Patio Expo, BuildCrete Pool Plaster by BuildBlock ICFs is a true one-coat plaster designed to adhere directly to EPS foam, concrete, or other pool building materials. BuildCrete has been used for many years in ICF construction for its durability, strength, and ease of application.
Pool Plaster does even more and allows pool builders to be green without complexity, saving time and money on the job site, and creating a finish that will last much longer than other plasters or finishing materials.

Benefits of BuildCrete Pool Plaster

Provides a hard, durable finish. A single 3/8-inch thick coat applied on the bottom of the pool and 3/16-inch on the sides, directly over EPS delivers 3500+ PSI compressive strength.
Highly resistant to mold and mildew growth.
Impact and abrasion resistant.
Resistant to freeze and thaw damage.
Single day hand or machine application
Arrives in bags to be mixed with water on the job site.
1-coat system using embedded mesh
Highly resistant to sulphate attack
Silica free

Learn more here.

"We introduced BuildCrete Plaster & Stucco products more than three years ago with great success. We are now thrilled to introduce a truly green synthetic finishing material for pools that is 100% waterproof, available in several colors and nearly impervious.

As more pool builders convert to ICF pools this finish is perfect to simplify pool construction from start to finish."

-Mike Garrett
BuildBlock CEO

Visit buildblock.com/blog for more news, project photos, and tips.

About BuildBlock ICFs

BuildBlock offers a comprehensive product solution for creating an energy-efficient building envelope for any residential or commercial structure.

BuildBlock produces a complete ICF construction solution including BuildBlock fully-assembled ICFs, BuildLock Knockdown ICFs, GlobalBlock All Foam ICF, and the BuildDeck Floor and Roof Decking System. BuildBlock ICFs install faster, require fewer accessories, and produce less waste than any other ICF system.