International Building Code

The International Residential Code has adopted the Prescriptive Code regarding ICFs and addresses them in detail. Please direct your local code official to the following sections:

IBC 2009:
Chapter 19: Concrete, Chapter 26; Foam Plastic Insulation

IBC 2006:
Chapter 19: Concrete, Chapter 26; Foam Plastic Insulation

IBC 2003:
Chapter 19: Concrete, Chapter 26; Foam Plastic Insulation

For copyright purposes, we cannot provide the IRC pages here. However, because they are the same as the Prescriptive Code, please download the Prescriptive Code by clicking on the link below.

International Residential Building Code

The International Residential Code has adopted the Prescriptive Code regarding ICFs and addresses them in detail. Please direct your local code official to the following sections:

IRC 2009:
R404.1: Concrete and Masonry Foundation Walls
R611: Exterior Concrete Wall Construction

IRC 2006:
Sections 404.4 through 404.4.11:  ICF Foundation Walls
Sections 611 through 611.9:  ICF Wall Construction

IRC 2003:
Sections 404.4 through 404.4.11:  ICF Foundation Walls
Sections 611 through 611.9:  ICF Wall Construction

For copyright purposes, we cannot provide the IRC pages here. However, because they are the same as the Prescriptive Code, please download the Prescriptive Code by clicking on the link below.

Prescriptive Method for Insulating Concrete Forms in Residential Construction, Second Edition (January 2002, 214 p.)

For the code-approved installation method of ICFs and engineering tables, download this document for free from the HUD website at:
http://www.buildblock.com/pdfFiles/prescriptivemethodforicf_2ed.pdf

EPS Compliance Document

This document includes specific information from Underwriters Laboratories “smoke developed” and “flame spread” tests for the expandable polystyrene used in BuildBlock ICF’s. Also included is the ICC-ES and ICBO expandable polystyrene reports indicating full compliance with the UBC, IBC and IRC building codes.

Click here to view EPS Compliance Document. (PDF 1MB)

Below-grade Use of ICFs in Termite Infested States

According to the ICFA, the International Residential Code has provisions in the IRC to allow for foam to be used below-grade. The IRC stipulates in addition to chemical soil treatment, foam can be used below-grade on the exterior of the wall if one of the following requirements is met:

1. All interior partition walls and roof trusses are built of a non-combustible material such as steel studs or pressure treated lumber.
2. An approved method for protecting the foam plastic and structure is used.

For more information, see BuildBlock's white paper entitled Insulating Concrete Forms and Termite Code Requirements.

Local / Regional Code Compliance