Built to Withstand: How ICFs Play a Critical Role in Fire Resilient Construction
In 2023, Oklahoma City faced a devastating wildfire season, with 97 recorded blazes destroying 76 structures and winds reaching 50-60 MPH. Amidst this destruction, one home stood resilient: BuildBlock Founder Mike Garrett’s ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) home.
Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) for Commercial Construction: Fast, Efficient, & Cost-Effective
Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) deliver energy efficiency, disaster resilience, and cost-effectiveness all in one material, and the Sherwin-Williams retail store in Oklahoma City stands as a testament. Constructed using BuildBlock ICFs, this 4,400-square-foot facility exemplifies the advantages that ICFs offer for commercial projects.
Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF) Swimming Pools: Getting the Most Splash for Your Cash
Insulating Concrete Forms are frequently used for many structures around homes and commercial buildings. BuildBlock customers have constructed retaining walls, fences and gates, fire pits and more. We've had an increase in request for information around ICF swimming pools. ICFs in swimming pools not only speed up construction, but the…
BuildBlock ICF Above Ground Safe Rooms
Tornado season is upon us, and once again, we in the Midwest and Southeast will see thunderstorms forming and rolling across the plains, and we will look up and wonder if that is just a low hanging cloud, or something more ominous.Safety is of primary concern during a tornado. It…
ICFs and the Net Zero Design Push
The Building Science community continues to push for more stringent energy codes. Increases in insulation requirements and airtightness have become the primary mechanism to achieve higher performance. Buildings are required to use less overall energy, and where they require energy are asked to supply it themselves. Net-zero compliance is a…
Natural Disasters, Construction, and the Importance of Predictability
An honest comparison of major construction materials and their ability to protect during natural disasters. A Growing Threat In the wake of the dramatic destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey and Irma, it’s important to have a frank conversation about disaster resilience in home construction. No matter your opinion on climate…
Get to Know Bobby
Meet Bobby Louviere!Bobby Louviere has spent over 20 years in the construction and woodworking industries, combining craftsmanship, innovation, and a passion for learning. His journey is defined by a commitment to excellence, whether in drafting, building homes, crafting custom furniture, or now, as ICF Pool Specialist and providing technical support…
2025 Tariff Imposition and Its Impact
BuildBlock Building Systems proudly Manufactures in the USA at 14 locations across the country to meet market demand, deliver insulated concrete form products on time, and ensure that pricing remains relatively stable, as it has been for the past two years. We understand that the recent imposition of tariffs on…
How to Install Electrical Wiring Into ICF Walls
https://youtu.be/9P9_AieEFEI Join BuildBlock COO Micah Garrett as he shows you a few quick and easy strategies for installing electrical wiring into ICF walls. Video Transcript: Hi, I'm Micah Garrett with BuildBlock Building Systems and today we're going to show you how to mount electrical boxes. We're going to go over…
ICFs Aren’t Just for Basements
ICFs Aren’t Just for Basements Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) are often used in below-grade applications. The insulation properties of ICFs make them an excellent solution for finished basements but over the past 20 years, ICFs have been growing in popularity as an above-grade construction solution. The same benefits apply for…