Do I need a specialist contractor to assemble Logix ICF's?

For most people the best approach is to let us do the hard work. While most people can nail 2 pieces bits of wood together, that's very different from being a joiner. It the same principle with Logix. While the system is simple enough, knowing how to build correctly, safely and economically is more complex.  

Through "Carbon Logix" our construction division we supply and install ICF buildings across the country.

We can either install the basic structural shell package or a turnkey solution. The shell package can be tailored to your needs but typically includes:
  Structural Engineering
  Insulated ground floor and subbase,
  Logix ICF walls
  Intermediate floors (concrete or timber)
  Roof structure (Trussed or warm roof)
  Windows an external doors.
In fact evertyhing for a strutural shell, ready for you to finish and move into. As additional packages we can also include project management, external finishes, and internal works packages.
To visit the dedicated Carbon Logix web site click here.

Is a structural engineer required?

Yes, he will need to do the structural engineering calculations for the design of the load bearing walls.

In many cases, in above ground structures, no steel reinforcement will be required, except over windows and doors. The decision of whether steel reinforcement will be needed is made by the structural engineer.

Above ground C20/25 is typically used, to give adequate protection to any steel used, while below ground C30/35 is more commonly specified.  We try to keep the mix as standard as possible to help control costs. A typical mix would have less than 0.7% water and a target slump of 110-125mm, using 10mm aggregate.  We recommended sourcing your concrete from an ISO 9002 quality-approved ready-mix supplier.

   THere are a number of different cement types ofn the market, which have different properties, in terms of how "green" they are and how they behave in the formwork. Using OPC (ordinary portland cement) gives a concrete that flows well, gains intial strength quickly once placed, and is is easy to work with. With more experience its possible to use blended cements which used recycled materials to replace some of the cement. Contact us for further information.

Do you need to compact (poker) the concrete?

Using forms made of EPS foam instead of traditional plywood does not alter the basic guidelines for placing concrete. Concrete can be compated either by hand, with a steel rod, or by using an internal vibrating poker. To do a good job by hand takes a lot of effort, and dilligence, and is only effective on small layers of concrete. The best method is to use the poker to compact the concrete, ensuring that the concrete entirely fills the forms and that the air within the concrete is removed.

Do I need an Architect?

As with any building project a good architect can really help you get the finsihed results you dreamed of.