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When it comes to building with insulated concrete forms (ICFs), one of the biggest challenges is keeping the walls straight and secure during the concrete pour. Many systems on the market require a mix of exterior bracing—strapping, plywood, vertical supports, and other materials that add time, cost, and clutter to the job site.

Quad-Lock has taken a different approach.

Quad-Lock’s corner brackets are a game changer!  Designed exclusively for use with Quad-Lock ICF, they eliminate the need for exterior reinforcement altogether. Instead, Quad-Lock uses an outside corner bracket and an inside corner bracket that work together to provide exceptional strength and alignment during the pour. It’s efficient, easy to use, and built right into the wall structure.

So, what makes this such a big deal?

Less Labour, Lower Cost

Because there’s no need to build temporary support structures with lumber and strapping, the amount of labour required on-site drops dramatically. You’re not hauling materials around, making custom cuts, or taking time to remove it all after the pour. With these corner brackets, you’re ready to pour faster—and you’re spending less on extra materials and manpower.

Clean and Uncluttered

External bracing can be bulky and awkward, especially when space is tight or access is limited. When used for internal bracing, the corner brackets keep the worksite clean and organized. They also reduce the risk of damage to insulation panels or the exterior face of the wall, which can sometimes occur when using traditional wood bracing methods.

Strong, Straight Walls—Every Time

The inside and outside brackets lock the ICF panels firmly in place, ensuring the wall holds its shape throughout the pour. This means fewer blowouts, fewer surprises, and less stress on pour day. It also ensures the walls come out straight and true, making your finish work easier and more precise.

Built for Quad-Lock

The corner brackets are exclusive to Quad-Lock. They been engineered specifically for Quad-Lock’s ICF forms and integrate seamlessly with the rest of the Quad-Lock system. It’s not an add-on or afterthought—it’s part of the reason Quad-Lock is known for durable, high-performance builds.

Smarter Building Starts Here

Quad-Lock is always looking for ways to make the building process faster, easier, and more efficient. Corner brackets are just one more way to help builders deliver top-quality work without unnecessary hassle or expense.

Looking to simplify your next ICF project? Go with the system that’s built to brace from the inside out.  Contact us at Performance ICF today!

Building energy-efficient homes is more important than ever, and one of the most effective construction methods for meeting these demands is Quad-Lock Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF). ICF construction not only offers durability and structural strength but also plays a significant role in achieving the rigorous energy performance targets set by the BC Energy Step Code.

Benefits of ICF for Step Code Compliance

         1.   High Thermal Insulation: Quad-Lock ICF walls are designed to provide high R-values, which are crucial for reducing energy consumption in both heating and cooling seasons. The combination of insulation and thermal mass ensures that the home retains heat in the winter and stays cool in the summer, helping meet Step Code energy targets.

         2.   Airtightness: One of the key requirements of the Step Code is minimizing air leakage in new homes. ICF construction naturally reduces gaps and cracks that contribute to air infiltration, helping achieve the airtightness needed for higher steps of the code. This reduces energy waste and improves the effectiveness of ventilation systems.

         3.   Thermal Mass Effect: The concrete core in Quad-Lock ICF walls acts as a thermal mass, storing heat and releasing it slowly over time. This thermal mass effect stabilizes indoor temperatures, reducing the demand on heating and cooling systems and contributing to better overall energy efficiency.

         4.   Durability and Resilience: Beyond energy performance, Quad-Lock ICF construction adds significant durability to buildings. The concrete core provides strength against natural forces like earthquakes and extreme weather, while the insulation offers soundproofing and moisture resistance. This leads to a longer-lasting, low-maintenance building that aligns with sustainable building practices.

How ICF Helps Meet Step Code Levels

The BC Energy Step Code outlines progressive performance steps that new buildings must meet, from lower steps that involve moderate improvements in energy efficiency to higher steps that aim for near net-zero energy use. ICF can be a critical component in reaching these higher levels.

    •         Step 3-4: These intermediate levels focus on increased insulation and reduced air leakage. ICF walls provide superior thermal insulation and airtightness, helping to achieve these standards without needing excessive additional measures.

    •         Step 5 (Net-Zero Ready): At the highest Step Code level, homes must be nearly energy neutral, meaning they consume as much energy as they produce. The airtightness, insulation, and thermal mass provided by ICF construction can play a key role in minimizing energy needs, making it easier to integrate renewable energy sources like solar power to meet the home’s reduced energy demand.

Conclusion

Quad-Lock ICF construction is an ideal method for builders and homeowners looking to achieve Step Code compliance while also creating homes that are durable, comfortable, and energy-efficient. By using Quad-Lock ICF, builders can meet the growing demand for sustainable, high-performance homes that are not only compliant with energy codes but also built to last for generations. 

Want to know more?  Contact Performance ICF today at (604) 607-8600 or contact us through our website!

Ever heard of Quad-Deck by Quad-Lock? If not, imagine building a house that’s strong, safe, and comfortable. That’s what Quad-Deck can do! Let’s dive in and find out why using Quad-Deck is a great idea for building new homes.

What is Quad-Deck, Anyway?

Think of Quad-Deck as a superhero material for building houses. It’s a floor system made of special foam and concrete. Foam keeps the house warm and cozy, while concrete makes it strong and sturdy. Put them together, and you get Quad-Deck—a material that’s ready to take on any challenge!

Why Should We Use Quad-Deck?

Here are some performance based reasons why using Quad-Deck is a game changer:

1. Super Strong!
   Quad-Deck is like the Hulk of building materials. It’s very strong, which means it can handle a lot of weight and won’t break easily. This makes it perfect for floors and roofs that need to support lots of stuff, like furniture or large groups of people.
2. Keeps Your House Cozy
   Ever been in a house that’s too hot in summer or too cold in winter? Not cool, right? Quad-Deck helps keep your house at just the right temperature. The foam inside acts like a warm blanket in the winter and a cool shade in the summer, so you don’t have to crank up the heater or air conditioner all the time. That’s great news for your comfort and your wallets!
3. Safe and Sound
   Quad-Deck is also like a shield—it’s fire-resistant! If a fire starts, the Quad-Deck can help stop the fire from spreading too quickly. It’s like having a firefighter on standby all the time. Plus, it makes your house quieter by blocking out a lot of the noise from outside. Imagine being able to focus without hearing cars honking or dogs barking!
4. Good for the Planet
   Who doesn’t want to be a hero for the Earth? Quad-Deck helps you do just that! It uses less energy to keep your house warm or cool, which means less electricity and a smaller carbon footprint!
5. Fast and Fun to Build With
   Building with Quad-Deck is like putting together a giant LEGO set. The pieces fit together easily, which means the builders can put up the floors and roofs quickly. Less time building means more time enjoying your awesome new home!

Imagine the Possibilities!

Think about it: A house built with Quad-Deck is like a fort that’s super safe, warm, quiet, and strong. Whether you’re entertaining your friends, reading your favorite book, or just hanging out, your home will be the perfect place to be. Plus, knowing that your house is good for the planet makes it even cooler!

So, next time you hear about building a new home, remember the name Quad-Deck. It’s the superhero of building materials, and it’s here to make homes stronger, safer, and just plain awesome!

Performance ICF recently delivered an order of Quad-Lock ICF to a project in Saanichton, BC for Fayze Contracting.   The Quad-Lock materials will be used to build a stunning modern style home with Hardie Panel and metal siding.  Fayze Contracting is based in Victoria and takes pride in the quality work they do.  We are excited to see this home come together!

Today’s well informed homeowners are looking for newer, more efficient and responsible ways to build and maintain their homes.  A place that’s safe for families, comfortable, quiet, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly.  The Quad-Lock ICF system is flexible enough that you can build pretty much any home design.  As an added bonus, a well built ICF home requires minimal maintenance. 

Are you interested in building an ICF home?  Please contact us today through our website or give Ryan a call at (604) 607-8600. 

Building with concrete is affordable for builders and homeowners as it offers savings that other materials cannot match. Whether you are searching for better comfort, energy-efficiency, or best value over time.

Consider some of these points when deciding between building with Quad-Lock Insulated Concrete Forms over a traditional wood-framed structure.

TIME

Quad-Lock ICF wall systems save time and money by lessening labor and reducing construction risks – this allows for faster, simpler construction.  Concrete does not need maintenance to protect it from natural elements – with no upkeep required and longer life cycles, you’ll be saving loads of time.

STRENGTH AND DURABILITY

When seeking the ideal construction material, strength and durability are elementary requirements to keep your structure standing firm for years. Whether you are building a commercial, residential, or industrial project – insulated concrete forms are a reliable option.

INCREDIBLE WATER AND TEMPERATURE RESISTANCE

Compared to wood, concrete is better at resisting the detrimental effects of water. It is important to note that concrete is quite fire-resistant; it stores heat from the environment while withstanding against it for around 4 hours.

THE VALUE OF SILENCE

Insulated concrete walls have impeccable soundproofing properties that reduce sound by more than 50% over wood walls – all at no additional cost.

IDEAL FOR COASTAL REGIONS

Mother Nature will always be the greatest test on building structures, even ones built with high-performance wall systems. Choosing the right materials for coastal conditions which yield moist air yearlong is essential. Concrete and Quad-Lock ICF panels (which are made from expanded polystyrene), do not have any adverse reactions when battling wet air.

Building a concrete home with Quad-Lock Insulated Concrete Forms saves you time and money. While you make have a marginal rise in initial building costs, ICF homes save on energy costs, have little to zero maintenance, and may help with lower insurance costs.

Contact Ryan at Performance ICF today!  Call (604) 607-8600 or contact us through our website.

Project Update – this Abbotsford ICF home is approaching lock up and we are excited to see construction approaching the finish line! These ICF walls will be the ideal sound proof option for the future homeowners as this home backs onto an often used road.

Contact us Today for more information and to give you a quote on your upcoming home!