Frequently Asked Questions
Precut Framing Questions
Pre-cut house framing is a method of constructing the framing components of a house, such as studs, joists, and rafters, off-site in a controlled environment. These components are then delivered to the construction site ready for assembly.
In pre-cut framing, the building plans are carefully analyzed, and the framing components are precisely cut according to these plans using specialized equipment. This ensures accuracy and efficiency in the construction process. Once cut, the components are labeled and packaged for delivery to the construction site.
Some of the benefits of pre-cut house framing include:
Increased efficiency: Pre-cut framing reduces on-site labor time and waste, resulting in faster construction.
Precision: Components are cut with precision equipment, reducing errors and ensuring a better fit during assembly.
Cost savings: While there may be initial costs for manufacturing the pre-cut components, the savings in labor and time can often outweigh these costs.
Quality control: Pre-cut framing allows for better quality control as components are manufactured in a controlled environment.
Accelefrmae pre-cut framing can be used for various types of building, including single-family homes, multi-family dwellings, and even commercial buildings. Pre-cut framing offers simplicity and efficiency for projects featuring standardized designs and repetitive framing elements. However, its advantages extend to complex projects as well, providing a valuable opportunity to comprehend framing elements and their integration with mechanical systems.
While pre-cut framing offers many benefits, there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind:
Design complexity: Complex designs may require additional customization and coordination.
Transportation and logistics: Delivery of pre-cut components requires careful planning and coordination to ensure timely arrival and efficient assembly.
Site preparation: The construction site must be adequately prepared to receive the pre-cut components, including storage space and access for delivery vehicles.
Acceleframe was established with the DIY building community at its core. We understand that constructing your own house is the ultimate project for a DIYer, and framing, particularly in the context of high-performance, net-zero passive houses, can present unique complexities. That's where we come in. Our goal is to ensure that you have everything you need to tackle your project with confidence. From providing comprehensive framing solutions to offering expert guidance and support, we're here to simplify the process and empower you to bring your vision to life — all you need to do is put it together.
We offer delivery to most of New England and parts of New York state from our facility in North Central Massachusetts. While we are able to freight ship to anywhere in the United States, it's important to note that the cost-effectiveness of our service may vary significantly depending on the distance and logistics involved. In such cases, we will provide an estimate of the shipping cost early in the quoting process to ensure transparency and help you make informed decisions.
Currently, Acceleframe does not produce trusses.
For optimal results, we recommend contacting Acceleframe during the estimating and team building phase. We understand that the plans may not be fully finalized at this stage, but involving us early on allows us to grasp the project's scope. This early engagement enables us to assess potential opportunities for saving both time and money on the project. Quote Request Form
Insulated Concrete Form Questions
Fox Blocks stands out among ICF blocks with 30 years of expertise in product development, documentation, testing, and training. They offer a versatile product line tailored to diverse applications. What sets Fox Blocks apart is their leadership in insulated concrete form construction, proven in over 100,000 projects across North America. They provide extensive resources and support systems ensuring project success from inception to completion. For more information, visit www.FoxBlocks.com to explore our project gallery and detailed product documentation.
No, ICFs in general are covered in the building code and Fox Blocks ICF has a product evaluation report that confirms the product and applications meet the requirements of the respective building codes in the USA. These reports are available on the Fox Block website.
The concrete must cure for a minimum of 7 days and the foundation wall must be laterally supported, meaning the floor system is installed supporting the top of the wall. All below grade waterproofing / dampproofing must be installed.
The concrete mix is a high slump 5″- 6.5″ with a smaller aggregate size so the concrete flows easily. The person in charge of placing the concrete should watch the concrete flow throughout the whole wall to ensure there are no void pockets. Internal vibrating provides good consolidation, eliminating voids.
Fox Blocks walls are designed as reinforced concrete walls, with steel reinforcement bars specified to be installed vertically and horizontally, as the walls are built. Typical reinforcement bar sizes used are #4 or #5.
The clear R‑Value of an Fox Blocks is R22, however current Energy codes recognize the lack of thermal bridging in an ICF and the contribution of the mass concrete on the influence of the thermal performance. Whole wall calculations indicate a Fox blocks wall assembly provides an R24 rating.
The continuous double layer (inside and outside) of insulation, the elimination of thermal bridging and minimal air infiltration through the mass concrete wall assembly, allows Fox Blocks walls to performance in the high performance wall assembly category. Completing the envelope with energy efficient windows and doors and roof insulation, Fox Blocks homes can easily meet and exceed energy code requirements and exceed the minimum requirements for Energy Star and Enery Guide. A Fox Blocks structure requires 44% less energy to heat and 32% less energy to cool.
The continuous double layer (inside and outside) of insulation, the elimination of thermal bridging and minimal air infiltration through the mass concrete wall assembly, allows Fox Blocks walls to performance in the high performance wall assembly category. Completing the envelope with energy efficient windows and doors and roof insulation, Fox Blocks homes can easily meet and exceed energy code requirements and exceed the minimum requirements for Energy Star and Enery Guide. A Fox Blocks structure requires 44% less energy to heat and 32% less energy to cool.
All building codes in the USA specify that plastic insulation (EPS) must be covered by a thermal barrier equivalent to 15 minutes of fire protection in habitable spaces. If the basement is classified as habitable space, then gypsum board must be applied but does have to taped and filled. Check with your local building official.
Fox Blocks are listed in the building codes (IRC- Sections R404, R611 or NBCC Part 9) with specific applicability limits for residential construction. If the project meets the applicability limits within the building code, a Professional Engineer may not be required (dependent on local building department requirements). A building official has the right to request engineering and in some regions all projects require a professional’s stamp. For any projects that exceed the applicability limits, a Professional Engineer is required for the structural design. Check with your local building department.
Taper Top forms are specifically designed to provide a larger bearing surface along the top of the wall. Typically, the increased bearing suface may be used to support masonry, floor or roof loads. Taper top forms are used in the transition from ICF to wood frame construction and the taper top form would be the top form on the wall.
All ICF walls below grade, that have habitable space on one side (basement), must have a waterproofing / dampproofing membrane installed. For walls that do not have habitable space on one side (crawl space, frost walls, etc.) the EPS can be left exposed to the earth. The EPS will not deteriorate when exposed to the earth.
We hope this FAQ has provided helpful information about Acceleframe. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more, please don't hesitate to contact us.
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