Braces

Do ICF walls need to be braced prior to the placement of concrete? This is a common misconception in the market place. The reason for the misconception frankly is the differing advice offered by the different ICF suppliers. One Company will tell you their ICF is so strong it does not need to be braced or does not need to be braced “as often”. Another will say the walls cannot be built properly if you do not hire their particular bracing. Both these positions are self-serving to the ICF supplier. They either want to profit from brace hire or they do not have braces to hire.
The facts are as follows:

When ICF walls are filled with a concrete pump the walls must be braced to ensure the walls stay plumb and straight
Most ICF are strong enough to hold the concrete as form work but not necessarily hold the walls straight
Prior to the placement of concrete the walls are not safe against elements such as wind unless they are braced. It is pointless of suppliers to suggest that it is only necessary to brace in “high wind areas”. The wind can blow wherever you are.
Bracing does not need to be of a particular type. When you purchase your ICF from Insulbrick ICF you have the option to hire two different types or seek advice about making your own braces. Let us know where you are building. We may have someone in the area who has finished with their own braces.

Owner Builder using home made timber bracing as support for walls in this project in Northern Tasmania