Frequently Asked Questions

The R-value of Polycrete Standard is R21; Premium is R24; and the R-value of Polycrete 1.75” is R14. We can boost the R-value of any block by adding R-stak insulation inserts.

Standard Polycrete EPS foam is 2.5” thick on each side, meaning 5” of total insulation on each form. Foam 1.75” thick on each side (3.5” total) is also available, and R-stak insulation inserts can be added onto any block to increase insulation.

Polycrete offers four standard core widths: 5-5/8”, 7-5/8”, 9-5/8” and 11-5/8”. Custom sizes also are available in 1/8” increments, from 5-5/8” up to 24”.

The STC rating of a 6” Polycrete concrete wall is 57, which is considered Excellent with loud noises hardly audible at all. Increased wall thickness - and therefore increased STC ratings - can be achieved with custom form widths of up to 24".

Any architect can design with Polycrete, as we provide CAD files of all our products. But we are also happy to provide a list of experienced Polycrete architects across the United States.

Certainly. Polycrete meets or exceeds the requirements of all International Building Codes, including the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and NFPA 285. Documentation is available for download on our website.

In most cases, building officials are familiar with Polycrete. We are also happy to speak with local personnel.

Polycrete products are made from Expanded Polystyrene Styrofoam.

A 6-inch Polycrete wall has a 4-hour fire rating.

Typically you'll only need to waterproof below grade, but this ultimately will depend on local building code.

We use a specialized, proprietary process to manufacture our forms at our factory in Quebec, Canada. Polycrete products are never outsourced.

Install electric wiring by using a hot knife to cut a channel into the foam, or alternatively you can put a conduit in the cavity before pouring the concrete.

Absolutely. We actually encourage architects to contact us in order to ensure the best ICF design experience possible.

You can certainly install Polycrete ICF yourself. We do recommend hiring a professional though if you don't have prior construction experience.

At Polycrete, a technical ICF representative is assigned to every job to ensure the best experience possible.

Yes. In addition to being a distributor of ICF blocks, we are commercial construction experts with over 45 years’ experience, avalaible to help with planning, installation, on-site support and anything else to help increase efficiency and profitability on your project. Please call us to discuss.

Polycrete products were designed to eliminate typical ICF problems like deformation, snaking and breakage. If a problem does occur, however, just document it with photos and if we created it, we will correct it.

Costs will vary from job to job but range from $12 - $20 per square foot of wall area. Please send us your plans or sketches with dimensions for a personalized quote.

Yes. We work with installers across the country who are seasoned Polycrete professionals that will help make your job go smoothly. We also can provide training and onsite support for your preferred contractor.

Delivery is typically 4 to 6 weeks after your order is placed.

Absolutely! Contact us today for an appointment and to learn how Polycrete can help make your next project faster, easier and built better.

Yes. We will create all of the installation drawings specific to the Polycrete ICF components of your job.

Yes. We can engineer your job using contract engineers at an additional charge.