The Builder’s Guide to a Flawless ICF Concrete Pour in Edmonton

The concrete pour is the structural culmination of any Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) project. It’s the point where weeks of meticulous stacking and preparation are solidified into a high-performance structure. But it’s also the highest-risk phase, where a single blowout can lead to catastrophic failure, costing thousands in wasted materials, cleanup, and project delays. This […]

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ICF Insights

ICF Foundations Edmonton: A Guide to the Perfect Pour

Building a new home in Edmonton means planning for extreme weather, high energy costs, and the need for long-term durability. The foundation you choose is the most critical decision in addressing these challenges. This guide provides an expert look into why Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction is the superior choice for Alberta and demystifies the

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Building Insights, Home Building Tips, ICF Insights

I Lived in a Concrete House For Two Years. Here Are the 5 Most Surprising Realities.

For many, the dream of a “forever home” isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about building a hyper-efficient, durable structure designed to last for generations. A modern solution to this dream is building with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), creating a structure with a solid concrete core. But what is it actually like to live in one?

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ICF Insights

This House Aims to Be 90% More Efficient Than a Passive House. Here Are the 4 Secrets to Its Design

  For decades, the goal for homeowners looking to save money and reduce their environmental impact has been to build an energy-efficient home. In the world of high-performance building, the “Passive House” has long been considered the gold standard, a design so effective it can be up to 90% more efficient than a home built

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Home Building Tips, ICF Insights

How This “Polystyrene” House is Stronger Than Brick (And You Can Heat It With a Kettle)

  Introduction: Rethinking the Building Blocks of Home When you picture a house being built, you likely imagine bricks, mortar, and timber frames—materials that feel solid and traditional. So, what if someone suggested building a permanent, durable home out of large, lightweight polystyrene blocks, finished beautifully in natural Stanford stone? As one builder put it,

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ICF Insights

5 Surprising Ways Modern Concrete Forms Are Like Building with Supercharged LEGOs

When you picture a new home under construction, you probably imagine a familiar scene: a skeleton of wooden two-by-fours rising from a concrete foundation. For decades, this method, along with traditional poured concrete walls for basements, has been the standard. But a different approach to building is quietly revolutionizing the process with a system that

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Building Insights, Home Building Tips, ICF Insights

How Amvic ICF Builds Stronger, More Efficient Foundation In Alberta

Amvic Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) systems integrate structural support with thermal and environmental performance through a 5-in-1 stay-in-place forming system that combines structure, insulation, an air/vapor barrier, and finish attachment into a single construction step. Structural Integration The structural strength of Amvic ICF is based on a monolithic reinforced concrete core formed by pouring concrete

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ICF Insights

Canada’s Housing Crisis: Why ICF Homes Matter Now

Canada’s Housing Crisis Explained Canada is facing a housing crisis driven by a growing gap between supply and demand. Population growth, immigration, and household formation continue to rise, while new home construction struggles to keep pace. Labour shortages, rising material costs, and slower build timelines have reduced the number of new homes entering the market

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Uncategorized

ICF Concrete Foundation: A Stronger Way to Build in Edmonton

What Is an ICF Concrete Foundation? An ICF concrete foundation uses insulated concrete forms to create a reinforced concrete wall that stays insulated permanently. Instead of removable wood forms, ICF blocks remain in place after the pour, forming both the structure and insulation in one system. This approach is increasingly popular for basements and full

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Uncategorized

Cribbing Foundation vs ICF: A Better Way to Build Basement Foundations

What Is a Cribbing Foundation? A cribbing foundation is a common term used on job sites to describe temporary falsework used during basement foundation construction. It usually refers to wood cribbing, shoring, or bracing that supports forms, soil, or structural elements until the concrete has cured. This method has been used for decades, especially in

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Home Building Tips, ICF Insights

Why Amvic R30 Might Be the Best ICF Block on the Market

What Sets Amvic R30 Apart The Amvic R30 insulated concrete form (ICF) block stands out because it prioritizes real-world performance, not just marketing numbers. Its increased EPS thickness creates a stronger, more rigid block while delivering higher insulation value. For Edmonton and Alberta builds, this combination of strength and thermal performance makes Amvic R30 a

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Building Insights, ICF Insights

Benefits of Amvic ICF Block for Edmonton & Alberta Builds

What Makes Amvic ICF Blocks a Strong Choice The Amvic insulated concrete form (ICF) system combines structure, insulation, air and vapor barrier, and finish attachment in one stay-in-place block. Amvic blocks are durable, flexible, and designed for energy-efficient construction from foundations to above-grade walls. They are engineered for strength with reinforced concrete cores and continuous

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Home Building Tips, ICF Insights

How ICF Performs in Alberta’s Freeze–Thaw Cycle

Alberta’s climate pushes building materials hard. Rapid freeze–thaw cycles crack concrete, weaken foundations, and create energy losses in traditional wall systems. Insulated concrete forms (ICF) avoid most of these issues because the concrete core stays warm, stable, and protected by thick EPS foam. This makes ICF one of the most reliable wall assemblies for Alberta

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Home Building Tips, ICF Insights

Jasper Wildfire Rebuild: How ICF Construction Can Help Rebuild Stronger

Jasper’s Path to Recovery After the 2024 Wildfire In 2024, the wildfire that swept through Parks Canada territory devastated the town of Jasper — destroying hundreds of homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Thanks to coordination between Parks Canada, local government, and recovery teams, efforts are underway to rebuild houses, infrastructure, and community services under the Jasper

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Building Insights, Home Building Tips

How to Choose the Best ICF Block for Your Edmonton Project

If you’re building a home, garage, or commercial structure in Edmonton, you’ve probably heard about Insulated Concrete Forms—and for good reason. ICF construction has become increasingly popular across Alberta, especially as homeowners look for ways to combat our brutal winters while keeping energy costs manageable. But here’s the question we get asked constantly: which ICF

How to Choose the Best ICF Block for Your Edmonton Project

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ICF Insights

Vinyl Siding For ICF Walls

Attaching Vinyl Siding to ICF Walls: The Right Screws for Edmonton Builds By YEG ICF — Practical guidance for homeowners and builders working with insulated concrete forms in Edmonton. Insulated concrete forms (ICF) are a top choice in Edmonton for energy efficiency and durability. They pair well with vinyl siding when the siding is fastened

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Home Building Tips, ICF Insights

How to Prepare an ICF Window Opening with Blue Seal Waterproofing: A Step-by-Step Guide

🧱 How to Prepare an ICF Window Opening with Blue Seal Waterproofing: A Step-by-Step Guide Why Proper ICF Window Prep Matters When you’re building with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), your openings for windows and doors are critical points that need special attention. A common failure point in ICF builds is water infiltration around window bucks —

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Home Building Tips, ICF Insights