ICF vs traditional basement advice needed

[gnihcraes]

Logic would dictate the opposite, but apparently, 1 pallet of those things is like $300.

Yeah, my logic is all messed up on this problem you present. I'd also have to question what is needed for water proofing, obviously concrete will have to be, what about the lego block pour? Same thing, or does it require a tar and a wrap of sorts?

I have no real data to help you here.

Just curious more than anything. We did a traditional pour here about 10 years ago. Seemed like a hassle, a lot of labor with forms, more so than some foam blocks would be.

a. setup blocks, pour, walk away.
b. setup forms, install wire, pour, wait, remove forms.
(basically)

[00tec]

Yeah, my logic is all messed up on this problem you present. I'd also have to question what is needed for water proofing, obviously concrete will have to be, what about the lego block pour? Same thing, or does it require a tar and a wrap of sorts?

I have no real data to help you here.

Just curious more than anything. We did a traditional pour here about 10 years ago. Seemed like a hassle, a lot of labor with forms, more so than some foam blocks would be.

a. setup blocks, pour, walk away.
b. setup forms, install wire, pour, wait, remove forms.
(basically)

They still use rebar within the blocks, but it seems that the ICF manufacturers demand a premium for their product because it is relatively new. I believe that they can stack and glue blocks together for waterproofing. You do get better insulation factor and nice smooth walls when done (insulation is nice flat styrofoam sheet), but I'm not sure it is worth it. The traditional pour is coming out ~$5k cheaper with insulation, waterproofing, etc.