Shop Products
Houzz Logo Print
touringtaylor

putting windows in a ICF basement

touringtaylor
12 years ago

Hey there I'm just getting my walls up in my basement using the styrofoam ICF blocks and my dad and I keep arguing over how to put the window bucks in. I think I should cut the blocks out and make the buck the width of the wall but we're not sure how to hold it in there meanwhile my dad thinks we should put the buck inside the wall but we're not too sure how to do that either. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Comments (3)

  • PRO
    Epiarch Designs
    12 years ago

    tour-
    I would suggest a lot more research on the topic. The inet has some details out there to look at. Most block websites will show buck options.
    However either option will work. The advantage to the buck on either side of the foam means its slightly easier to attach the window, trim etc. However you have thermal bridging issues. I would recommend putting the buck between the foam, so ripping it to fit tightly. You can drive long screws through the buck and let the ends hang free into the wall cavity. Once the concrete is poured, it will flow around the screws and hold the bucks in place. Prior to the pour, you can screw through the foam to help hold the buck in place. However you must brace the bucks to themselves. Also remember to leave an opening in the lower buck to pour the concrete into the wall below the window.
    Again, sounds like you need to do some more research on the topic. Call the block rep as well, they are typically a good resource too. The info is out there, use it to your advantage. You only have 1 chance at an ICF pour, mistakes are very costly.

  • kbncan
    12 years ago

    We did a combination of both ideas. We did a treated plywood full width of the blocks with channels on the inside width of the blocks which held them in place and would have the concrete fill the inner channel. Remember to make an access port on the bottom of the buck to fill concrete better under the window.

  • robin0919
    12 years ago

    You might want to ck out the ICF forum at the greenbuildingtalk.com.

Sponsored
SK Interiors
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars49 Reviews
Loudoun County's Top Kitchen & Bath Designer I Best of Houzz 2014-2022