Tips and tricks to a successful icf pour

[@andrewcrosby8746]

Finally found a salesman for nudura, figuring out the price difference and pros and cons between icf and precast concrete walls. Really enjoy your videos on these basements.

[@trex2092]

Here is something you will like. With ICF construction you are setting up the molds for the concrete, insulating the house and you are ready to frame the inside all in one step and nothing to remove. Set back and enjoy the low HVAC power bills forever. What's not to love. For my 2000 square foot home, my past 12-month average was $13 per month HVAC cost.

[@DirtPerfect]

Yup exactly

[@matthewerwin4677]

@@trex2092 What climate zone are you located?

[@trex2092]

@@matthewerwin4677 Near Mobile, AL

[@alwayshungry24]

nice in cement truck footage

[@truckdriver7696]

Front end discharge mixers are the only way to go. I love them for the fact that I don't have to have a laborer running shoot. Great video

[@NotJustaTool]

Can you put threaded anchors on top before the concrete sets? I would think that secures a 2x8 sill in place best. Maybe the next video shows a tie in? Nice video, Mike. Thanks!

[@briangardiner1015]

He does it while it is still wet.

[@DirtPerfect]

Yes

[@jaybloggs8699]

Yes, j bolt 🔩 type.

[@trex2092]

Pure poetry in motion, quite the dance on Pour Day it is. Exciting and nerve-wracking, honest exhaustion at the end of "THE DAY". I can relate, on my house pour, we started at 6:AM with the pumper truck setup and finished at dark: 30 washing out the pumper truck. AND no blowouts, yea. Loved the show, you guys have fun at work and it shows, you have a great team. Question: Do many customers install a SAFE ROOM in addition to the ICF outer walls? My SAFE ROOM is disguised as a bathroom, the steel door is a giveaway.

[@DirtPerfect]

Good ? And we have installed a few over the years

[@tbix1963]

Always interesting, educational and entertaining. Thanks for the ICF

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks for watching and the feedback

[@Graveltrucking]

Every time I see an ICF video it makes me reconsider building an ICF house, its not a common practice here where I live on the West Coast of British Columbia, I want to build a small house 24'x34', I like the idea of energy efficiency.

[@DirtPerfect]

You will not regret they are awesome

[@MrDaplatapus]

@ Graveltrucking - I’ll be starting a Nudura house on the island in a couple weeks 😁

[@duncanpope5020]

@@MrDaplatapus I would be very interested to keep in touch with you about your experience. We are planning to move to the Island once we sell in Coquitlam. I hope to build at a point and info about suppliers etc. would be invaluable!

[@MrDaplatapus]

@@duncanpope5020 ya, feel free to touch base when you do.

[@ohiofarmer254]

I also am considering building ICF. I have watched Mikes videos for years and when I contacted NUDURA the guy I was talking too suggested I watch Dirt Perfect and a few others for tips and tricks

[@TrailTrackers]

That "chemical" you referred to is called Plasticizer. I've poured hundreds of yds of concrete with that in it. To get good strong concrete, you never want to have the plant mix it past say a 4 or 'maybe' 5 slump. If you want to pour it a bit runnier though, because you don't want to bust your butt dragging it around doing flatwork, you have the plant bring it to a nice 6 or 7 with plasticizer. That way you still get nice, strong concrete that doesn't crack in all the wrong places. I can't tell you how many crews I've seen who have had the truck just dump water into the mix (after he gets to the job and especially during the summer time) to 'loosen' it up. If you are around and see a driveway or sidewalk or whatever all cracked and beat up, rest assured that crew had the truck add a bunch of water to the mix. Bad, bad news. And btw, if it's summer time and you want more time to finish have them add 'retarder'. This is the proper way to do flatwork so you don't get called back to tear crappy work out and have to redo it on your own dime. edit: I know this video isn't showing 'flatwork'. I just used that as my example cause that's what I did.

[@briangardiner1015]

Do you use fly ash?

[@DirtPerfect]

Good info and some Brian

[@msampson1949]

great vid we have to poker the concrete over here uk most walls are done cause we use forms only got that system in the ground looks good time saver were still blockwork out the ground interesting thanks

[@kevinajjenkins]

thanks for explaining the nipples top off at the end. Been wondering where you should be skreeting the blocks

[@TheSnakeman3]

Very nice work.

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@N8TheSnake]

I wish we had seen more of the adjusting the walls with the braces. That's the part of the process that scares me. You set up the braces to be able to adjust them and get the wall level and plumb, would def like to see more details regarding that process. Cool video though! Highly considering going ICF here in Florida.

[@DirtPerfect]

Will do next time and I would do it for sure icf is awesome

[@brianbaughan5683]

Nice job mike, you definitely got the icf system figured out, nice dozer placement too

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks and thanks

[@bradyusko6333]

Great choice on forms, I'll use nothing but Nudura from now on! Curious, why would you use the brick ledge? It kinda defeats the purpose of using ICF's. It creates a massive thermal bridge to the concrete core. Just make your footing a little wider and lay block put brick on that it's a little more expensive up front but saves for the life of the building. With a concrete building that should be a long time!

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks and love nudura and cost

[@bradyusko6333]

@@DirtPerfect so do you agree or disagree? What do you think about the brick ledge issue?

[@jaybloggs8699]

massive?? A bit over the top, wouldn't even be 5% of that whole wall surface area that would be touching the brick ledge.. Then you could create a thermal break of the exposed concrete with a heavy duty rigid foam/plastic before pouring driveway over it.

[@cjuart]

Great video! I appreciate the last few videos and see how you guys do an icf job start to finish!

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks Chris

[@khalidflynn5548]

instablaster

[@riverrat8029]

Nice video, enjoyed it. One of the those concrete trucks looked like an IMI truck. Saw the pump truck was from Evansville. 👍😎🌴

[@MrJamesIreland]

Looks good. I build with Logix blocks but there is a lot to like about those Nudura blocks. Interesting to see the difference between the systems.

[@DirtPerfect]

Yup have used both like Nudura better

[@efreitorhabibulin238]

no link in the description :(

[@mathtime4578]

Nicely done. Definitely difference in the way we pour walls. I understand why you pour in lifts but does that give you problems on really hot days? Pretty sure it is super that the concrete plant is adding to mix, if so you have right at 30 minutes before it goes back to the slump it originally was. Curious if that gave ya any problems. I didnt see you guys vibrate much this time. Did I miss it or did you not need to? There is quite a difference between icfs and aluminum forms. Liked your video and learned a few things as well.

[@briangardiner1015]

If you pour that tall of a wall in one lift it has a real good chance of blowing out especially with ICF forms. I can see how you can do it with metal or plywood forms, then use a pencil vibrator to make it flow around the rebar. They also sometimes ad fly ash for flowability also reduces the amount of cement needed.

[@mathtime4578]

@@briangardiner1015 yeah I would never try that with icfs. We do pour ours to the top but they are aluminum and pins and ties are double checked every time. Have had great luck of not using a vibrator. We usually pour around a 5.5 to 6 inch slump and works very well. I like the idea of icfs for homeowners and certain other jobs. Very rare to see one in my area though.

[@CaptainKleeman]

math time when I poured ICF with Mike back in the day I ran 6 to 7 slump depending on the walls we were pouring. Never stiffer than 6 though. Our supplier uses what they call a “wall mix”. It’s round aggregate that has exceptional flow rate compared to traditional crushed stone.

[@mathtime4578]

@@CaptainKleeman yep, pea gravel mix it also has higher compression strength than crushed stone. Only issue I've ever heard was with a smooth surface the cement doesn't bond to it as well as crushed stone. My opinion I doubt that makes much difference. If they arent adding super plastisizer to your mix it is something you might be interested in. You dont lose strength and you can gain 3 inches of slump during a pour. It is expensive about 4$ a yard here but it could help you in certain instances.

[@briangardiner1015]

@@mathtime4578 ICF's really are a good option for homebuilders because before it was concrete block or poured walls with aluminum forms, which is what is still used in your area from what it sounds like. I think it just depends on how it is done in a certain area. And some are slower to use the newer methods then others. There isn't anything wrong with that though.

[@michaelkoop6731]

Thanks Mike for explaining more on that if wall and what u and how u do the poor. Great video. Hope u have a good holiday season.

[@lennelonge2626]

Very nice job!

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@DALTray16]

Looks good Mr. perfect!

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@cliff7634]

where is the link to the rafter/ Eves footage pour?

[@ournewcountryhome3018]

Once again - Love the ICF videos Learn something with each one. Really looking forward to my build (need to retire first). Any chance on a video of the Garage footing's. Curious to see how the Poured (I'm assuming not ICF) footing/stem walls of the garage are attached to the ICF Walls & pad placement. I realize this was shoot in September, maybe with the next ICF. I'll keep watching til then . . .

[@DirtPerfect]

I did at this time the gc did all that work will try to get some on the next one thanks for watching

[@emilysbluegrass]

Hi Mike how much $ does it cost to dig $ and pore $ a basement like this ?

[@DirtPerfect]

25 go 30 ish

[@emilysbluegrass]

@@DirtPerfect I'll be sure to look into this type of basement if we decide to build - Thanks Mike love your videos !

[@MJ-ge6jz]

It is cool how you can adjust the plumb on the fly... how much time is safe before you can't adjust anymore?

[@abelincoln95]

Great camera angle from the dozier on top of the dirt mound!!!

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@mlhrepairsllc6942]

Nice to see something that you don't see everyday 😉

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks for watching buddy

[@learnmore5247]

Could you do you explain the pockets and how the beams are attached to the wall in one of your videos...... Thanks for this great video.

[@DirtPerfect]

Yes will try to cover that one the next one but it might be a while

[@CaptKirk1701]

Another pour well done, great job!

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@luckyl.6429]

Hey there, love the videos and the knowledge. I've been binging on these videos all winter because I am going to be building an ICF home this spring. It's going to be a 28 x 42 with a walkout basement and a loft. I noticed though that you don't use a needle vibrator, just a solid one at specific spots during the pour. What are your thoughts on vibrating these pours/forms? Some say it's essential and others say it can cause blowouts. I just want to make sure I do it right. You wouldn't be interested in coming to the U.P. of Michigan for a job soon eh?? lol

[@DirtPerfect]

Cover that in the icf 101 video and good luck

[@luckyl.6429]

@@DirtPerfect Ya I found it after I sent you this. Great info Thanks!

[@rusty1121]

How wide is your footer with 8in thick walls plus foam? How deep? Thanks man love this channel! Also what’s the slope on your basement to drain water out? Do you use French drains? This is awesome stuff. Interesting possibilities here. Me and my dad are about to do this I think! Can we hire you as our consultant lol? How can I do the cement roof/ first floor? Are there ICF beams

[@DirtPerfect]

Footers are 24x10 and email me with any ? Will do my best to answer Mike@dirtperfect1com

[@BrianBriCurInTheOC]

I have seen some manufacturers of ICF say to remove LEGO Block numbs on the Top Coarse of ICF Blocks to have a smooth surface to attach the structure’s framing (Sill Plate)... ah, you just mentioned it at the end. So are you saying there at the end, The General Contractor on that build just did not desire for you to spend the necessary time to remove the Inter-Locking Nubs, he wanted your bid to be the lowest price possible?

[@DirtPerfect]

No he wanted the extra height

[@BrianBriCurInTheOC]

Dirt Perfect Now would that be acceptable in all jurisdictions under the building code??? I would think most jurisdictions WOULD require the top of the Foundation to be solid flat, cleanly finished. I’m not saying you did anything incorrect, and obviously Code in the area it was built, it was acceptable. I live and work in Metropolitan SoCal and the Code and Inspectors are not Lenient at all. Thank You for taking your time to answer and for being reasonable in your answer! I like how you operate, like how you do quality work and you’ve got a great attitude!

[@tomfields2700]

PERFECT job

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@jock364]

I'm a psychotherapist in the UK, but wonder how you manage cold joints.

[@DirtPerfect]

Rebar and vibration

[@TrevorDennis100]

i loved the view at about 9:00 with the dozer up on the hill behind the building. Then a bit later we saw that cool time lapse, and I'm guessing that camera was somewhere on the dozer? The house builds are always interesting. It surprised me that those walls needed three truck loads to fill. That would have come to some dollars I'm thinking. Convenient and fast, but probably not a whole lot cheaper. I've never seem this sort of construction outside of your videos Mike. One more wee point... As I type this you have a 500:1 like/dislike ratio. That is unusually good, and really quite impressive.

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks and yes the time lapse was from dozer on the pile. As far as the channel it’s been going crazy since I stated not for sure way but all good 😁

[@dannykennedy1259]

Hi this is Danny with Kennedy Electric from Atlanta Georgia. How do you install electrical outlets in this insulating concrete forms, do you frame wood walls inside or what. Thanks for the videos and keep them coming.

[@DirtPerfect]

Hot knife and install in the foam and we did not do the framing

[@richardheinen1126]

I wonder if you could use the brick ledge blocks on the inside to rest your floor joists on instead of the metal hangers?

[@DirtPerfect]

Could but no need hangers work great

[@garywest8901]

Magic Mike rides again . Jack of all trades perfect at some. Good job guys. Thanks for showing.

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks and thanks for watching

[@chrishelms1967]

Great system

[@DirtPerfect]

Yup love it

[@jeanmi974caterpillar3]

bonjour,super job bravo a toute l 'équipe ,cool interieur truck Mack.

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@siduramaxde]

Is there anything special that has to be done to add a garage footer?

[@DirtPerfect]

Will drill pins

[@inmyimage1081]

What were the dimensions of this basement? You responsed to another comment that you are willing to consult, do you mean you will work with an owner to help them reduce labor costs by assembling the walls themselves? Do you do multiple levels with ICF, meaning basement to rafters? Do you do ICF roofs?

[@DirtPerfect]

60 x 34 and will help answer any questions I can email me and yes footer to rafter is what I like it do have not poured a icf roof but have done a few icf floors

[@inmyimage1081]

Dirt Perfect Thx, I subbed you to keep you essentially in my contacts because we are in IN also and plan to buy some land in a year or two but a bit further North than you most likely, up in the Brown or Monroe county areas. I'm strongly considering ICF and it will be good having a contact here who can at a minimum consult on the design and build or be able to do some referrals since I assume we will most likely be out of your build area.

[@mathtime4578]

Was meaning to ask why do you put rock in your footing. Never seen that done and I'm not sure inspectors in this area would allow it.

[@DirtPerfect]

It add a buffer between concrete and dirt and make up for imperfects in grade

[@andrewzavasky8370]

i still enjoy watchin...

[@DirtPerfect]

Awesome

[@joeschlotthauer840]

On the top row of the ICF's, why don't you remove the keys/nubs for easier trowling...

[@DirtPerfect]

It dose make it a lot easier it contractor what the external height 🤷‍♂️

[@joeschlotthauer840]

@@DirtPerfect Take the keys off of the last/top row before you set them, a portable table saw would zing em off...

[@thebaldman72]

I'm interested in installing in floor heating system, also made by Nudura. Have you come across this system before? Any videos?

[@DirtPerfect]

Yes but no videos

[@JasonWorksAlot]

DONT TELL ME HOW TO LIVE MY LIFE WOM- oh sorry. Read the thumbnail jumped to conclusions. Man that guy handled his hose well! So how long until you start on worksalotmanor?

[@jerrydyke2291]

Great video and also a lot easier build!👍too bad its isn't going up to the rafters.

[@DirtPerfect]

Yup and I know

[@edlawton1260]

Have you used any icf deck systems for poured floors? I'm sold on icf for walls but haven't seen much content on poured flooring systems.

[@DirtPerfect]

One small pour not much

[@machinemoverman4614]

Mike is that you playing the pie-anner and the git-tar? lol 😆

[@DirtPerfect]

lol no can’t strum a lick

[@joeschlotthauer840]

At 3:00, I thought he was walking on air...

[@DirtPerfect]

Lol

[@jaybloggs8699]

Good informative ICF video again.. nice to see all the little steps involved that dont really get talked about, especially how to level it properly. Speaking of steps, 1 wrong step on your bracing walkway could be your last... why no handrail, and only a 10" maybe walkway. The walkway boards didnt look secured to the bracing either.

[@VideosByAl]

Do you have a high Slag content in your mix ? Our mix will be that color when we ad extra Slag. High Slag content is a pain to finish flat work .

[@DirtPerfect]

Not much around here

[@oscarbostan1029]

Nice video. What is that vibrator called on your drill?

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks external concrete vibrator

[@ADexcavating]

Great videos. Probably a dumb question but do you always pump that style of foundation system .

[@briangardiner1015]

That is the way it is done now, I'm sure if there weren't pumps available they could have just used the chute, but that is a lot more work.

[@CaptainKleeman]

ADexcavating Brian is right, 9 times out of ten we pump, it always seems there is that one random corner we can’t reach with a truck, not to mention we can run a truck out faster through a pump than down a chute. There have been jobs that we have run two trucks out at the same time, down each side, but that takes more manpower, I guess the short answer is pumps are easier.

[@DirtPerfect]

Yup

[@rayeoh91]

This looks like the Midwest. Do you guys do Iowa?

[@DirtPerfect]

No sorry

[@bruceleonard81]

I like it a lot but it is work lol. You all make it look easy snicker.

[@DirtPerfect]

Lol thanks

[@duncanpope5020]

I really appreciate your informative videos about this subject. What is your opinion about a DIY set up of the forms and then having a pro do the pour?

[@DirtPerfect]

Yes it can me done for sure

[@duncanpope5020]

I have concrete placement experience, but 35 years ago. I sure know I don't want to try to do it all by myself!!!

[@azwrenchmaster5334]

Good job Mike. Gettin pretty good on the cameras also!👍 That job took about 40 yards?

[@DirtPerfect]

lol thanks buddy and I think 34

[@charlesserong2161]

@dirtperfect @captainkleeman .... did you sign the concrete ?? mike in your case it would be as a guarentee of workmanship lol

[@DirtPerfect]

Lol 😂

[@charlesserong2161]

@@DirtPerfect on your next pour you should write jimmy hoffa is buried herein one corner and it another jason works a lot is buried here ... in another capt kleemans final resting place ..... and finally SOT metalworks is enturned here lol then call hoover and leave him a "tip" lol

[@jamesgreen5422]

How much does a home like that cost. How much to put up a wall 8 ft tall say 40x80

[@DirtPerfect]

Depends on the location and plan

[@joshandamyturner9917]

Nice job. Who do I call for a quote for basement in NC 27312? Someone as good as you and your team! :)

[@DirtPerfect]

Would call The block Distributor and ask

[@jamesw6484]

Question: How many yards of concrete for a 1600 square foot house? Thanks

[@DirtPerfect]

Not for sure would have to do the math

[@matthiasbitterwolf1354]

Are the metal adjusters to straighten out the wall expensive? We are about to build a house in the us Virgin island and need to do it the most cost effective way. Thanks

[@DirtPerfect]

About a 150 a pice but most places you can rent them

[@matthiasbitterwolf1354]

Dirt Perfect where did you buy them and where they new?

[@papaw5405]

I want to be the guy that gets to stand there and play with his joy stick !

[@DirtPerfect]

Lol

[@zacharyziskowski6710]

get the drivers license required to drive a pump truck and you can be

[@forevergreyJV]

Just curious, is it absolutely necessary to use the pump truck? I’m doing an icf wall in about a month and the truck should be able to reach all the walls with the chute

[@DirtPerfect]

No but get a much better job and takes about 1/2 the time to pour

[@forevergreyJV]

Dirt Perfect thanks brother, nice work btw

[@LongRidgeFarmer]

How far is it practical for you to travel for a residential ICF job? Can I email you?

[@DirtPerfect]

1 hr 1/2 but willing to consult

[@DirtPerfect]

And yes [e-mail]

[@mikemuniak4711]

Smooth ,that time I was on job and seen it done it was nothing like that lol,nice job ,,I stay to digging gas mains lol

[@DirtPerfect]

lol

[@mikenixon9164]

Nice

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@SuperCarlcrazy]

I know I’ve asked before but where did you get that concrete vibrator that hooks up to the cordless drill

[@DirtPerfect]

Block suppler hold fast technology s

[@colinbateman8233]

Have you done the i for roof system or floor system

[@DirtPerfect]

Floor yes roof no

[@barryhansen6854]

Since the last video I have found they do have that system over here just another name same company product.

[@DirtPerfect]

Awesome

[@barryhansen6854]

@@DirtPerfect called Dura

[@bondobuilt386]

Mike nice job on the pour. We're pouring one this Monday. I'm gonna try and get some video footage. Do you guys vibrate? We have had good luck with a pencil vibrator in and out quick. Check out some of my videos. Bondo 👍

[@DirtPerfect]

Will do we use external vibration

[@DC-1]

Looked great Mike 👍🇺🇸

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@blackdogexcavator21]

Is Kleeman related to the concrete truck driver? Neither of them are camera shy. Lol

[@CaptainKleeman]

Blackdog Tractor/Excavator he and I worked together for 5 years pouring ICF for Mike before we both went our separate ways. Hell of a guy. Hard worker and always had my back.

[@blackdogexcavator21]

@@CaptainKleeman I could see where you and he would click. I'm sure the jobsite would be a lot of fun. Keep up the good work on the vids brother. Btw, I too was a paid FF, I retired after 39 years of service last December. Now I dig holes and dish out stupid puns for a living.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Blackdog Tractor/Excavator congratulations on your retirement! I have to believe you were also paid for the last 39 years to dish out puns at the station as well! I hope so anyway.

[@richwielechowski5191]

Who put the cat on the top of the dirt pile?

[@DirtPerfect]

Possibly me 😬

[@richardhedrick5601]

Do u ever block a basement or they all pourd basement

[@DirtPerfect]

We just do poured

[@av1204]

Do you have the link to that other video you mentioned?

[@DirtPerfect]

Will get it but somebody posed them a few comment down

[@triplecranks]

Is the stuff that makes it flow plastisizer?

[@DirtPerfect]

We call it easy flow

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Normally, I have to be watching Victoria’s Secret fashion show to pay much attention to someone on a catwalk... but I have to admit, I hit pause and ogled what was being displayed more often here than I ever remember doing it there. Tell me Mike; was it because it is just that interesting? Or, am I just getting old?

[@DirtPerfect]

lol good ? It either way I love your comments and always look forward to them thanks for watching buddy

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Dirt Perfect ditto your vids! Thnx

[@CMDSR]

👍

[@paulbetka2966]

You don't vibrate the concrete. 😜🤔🤪

[@pcranebmw]

👍👍

[@DirtPerfect]

😁

[@awd3264]

This might be the video he was talking about: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWabpGRurNpkbNk Next: kzbin.info/www/bejne/baDPpouef9Bko6c

[@exotictones1054]

You figured out early that you don't want to do concrete when you get older hey.

[@denikeiderling9624]

You need to say why you poor in 3 ft lifts it,s kind of neat

[@DirtPerfect]

Easier on the forms

[@rk22cc]

so tell me again, why is this BS better than forms

[@DirtPerfect]

It’s all in the video buddy