Near-north Ontario, French River | Sounds like most of your bowing problems are related to the contractor, not the ICF's themselves. I did just the basement when I built, but I have to say the walls are just as straight and plumb as any block wall I've ever seen. Did they have blowouts? Yes there was one minor one in a corner,but it was caught early and fixed. Thing with ICF's is too pour the walls slowly and deliberately, working around the foundation in 2-3 ft lifts. If they pour too fast, and unevenly around the wall, or skimp on the bracing of the forms there WILL be problems. I don't know what to say about the mouse issue, here its not uncommon to insulate the exterior or block walls with styrofoam, I don't see how an insulated block wall would be any different then an ICF when it comes to mice. |
ICF home construction?
