Efficiency is a goal that most strive to achieve in the form of cost, fuel, energy, time and many other resources. The building industry has focused on various aspects of efficiency over the past several years. Many innovative solutions came from this initiative, one of which was Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs).
ICFs are concrete forms constructed of rigid foam plastic, composite of cement and foam, composite of cement and wood chips, or other suitable insulation materials. The form shapes can vary based on material, structural requirements, and manufacturer. Concrete is poured into the insulating forms similar to traditional cast in place concrete, but instead of removing the forms after the concrete has cured, the form is left in place and acts as permanent insulation of the wall. ICFs save time and money for the contractor and the building owner.
Many builders have learned to incorporate ICFs into their designs. Various suppliers provide training, standard details, and technical support to get their product in the field. In addition to proprietary resources, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sponsored the Prescriptive Method for Insulating Concrete Forms in Residential Construction which standardizes minimum requirements for basic ICF systems.
In an effort to standardize and simplify construction with ICF systems, some general detailing may be overdesigned. This Research Report will look specifically at the sill plate requirements according to the 2009, 2012, and 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC) and clarify if a sill plate is required in the following conditions:
ICFs are concrete forms constructed of rigid foam plastic, composite of cement and foam, composite of cement and wood chips, or other suitable insulation materials. The form shapes can vary based on material, structural requirements, and manufacturer. Concrete is poured into the insulating forms similar to traditional cast in place concrete, but instead of removing the forms after the concrete has cured, the form is left in place and acts as permanent insulation of the wall. ICFs save time and money for the contractor and the building owner.
Many builders have learned to incorporate ICFs into their designs. Various suppliers provide training, standard details, and technical support to get their product in the field. In addition to proprietary resources, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sponsored the Prescriptive Method for Insulating Concrete Forms in Residential Construction which standardizes minimum requirements for basic ICF systems.
In an effort to standardize and simplify construction with ICF systems, some general detailing may be overdesigned. This Research Report will look specifically at the sill plate requirements according to the 2009, 2012, and 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC) and clarify if a sill plate is required in the following conditions:
- Flat truss bottom chord bearing on ICF wall.
- Flat truss top chord bearing on ICF wall.
- Roof truss bearing on ICF wall.
This legacy SBCA Research Report represents information and code requirements current as of the publication date shown. However, codes and standards change periodically. The user is encouraged to verify the referenced information is still current and conforms to current code requirements.
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