::Advantage Wall Systems - reward insulated Concrete Forms ICF Construction::

As an authorized education and training distributor, Advantage Wall Systems offers the training and education needed to help you build better structures. ICF construction is gaining popularity nationwide as the public becomes more informed of the wealth of benefits in Insulated Concrete Form construction.

Advantage Wall Systems offers on-site training and education in 2 ways:

On Your Jobsite - For a fee Advantage Wall Systems will provide an ICF Training Technician to work on your jobsite, providing education and hands-on training to your entire crew on the proper preparation and installation of the Reward ICF building system.
On Our Jobsite - Advantage Wall Systems does more than distribute Reward ICF products. We actually build with our ICF system. This creates the unique opportunity for you to receive on-site education and training on one of our jobsites. The Builder will report to work on our jobsite and work with the product in a hands-on environment. Benefits of working on our jobsite includes qualifying as a Reward ICF builder prior to building your first ICF structure and getting paid for your work on the project while being educated an trained.

If you would like more information on qualifying as a Reward ICF builder, please take a moment and contact us by completing the form on our contact page.

Below you will find a brief construction overview of the Reward ICF building process.

	First Things First. Step One The key to quick and accurate installation of Reward walls is properly installed footings. Footings should be smooth, square and level. Refer to your local building code for specifics. Step Two Strike a chalk line on the inside and outside edge of the walls. Placement of vertical reinforcement is critical to the strength of the Reward wall.
	Step Three Place light gauge metal guides to hold the first course of Reward forms straight. Step Four Tie vertical rebar to reinforcement dowels.
	Step Five Start in a corner and work to the middle of each wall. Continue to meet at this point for the remainder of wall construction until you reach desired wall height. Step Six Although minimal bracing is required with Reward forms, proper bracing is essential for keeping walls straight and plumb. Brace or tape corners according to code and type of form used.
	Step Seven Add horizontal and vertical rebar according to project specifications. Step Eight Bracing should be placed every 6' of wall space where there are no windows or doors. Proper bracing helps ensure straight, level and plumb walls.
	Step Nine Construct all door and window bucks. Place all door and window bucks making sure they are braced straight, level and plumb.
	Step Ten The installation of a ledger board allows framers to correctly lay out the floor joists as required. Several methods and products are available for installing floor ledger boards.
	Place concrete in multiple lifts of approximately 4 feet in height. Ensure proper consolidation of concrete. Brace brick ledge every 6' and check bracing for proper alignment.
	To easily install utilities, cut a channel into the foam with a hot knife or router to the depth required by local code. Insert the electrical and plumbing into the channel and spot glue into place using an EPS compatible foam adhesive. As with any below-grade structure, it is important for Reward walls to receive waterproofing protection. Any approved basement exterior sealant that is compatible with expanded polystyrene is acceptable provided it is installed in accordance with the sealant manufacturer’s instructions.
	Interiors The ties within Reward forms provide a flat continuous attachment surface. You can install interior finishes directly to the furring strips with regular drywall screws. Exteriors You can apply stucco directly to the Reward wall exteriors. The recessed fastening strips are clearly marked by raised beads to attach wood, vinyl or metal siding.
	Materials and Tools. Chalk-line 2 Levels (2' and 4', 7' if available) 1 Framing Square 100' Measuring Tape Rebar Bender/Cutter 2 Keyhole Saws Foam Gun Cordless Screw Gun (Heavy-Duty, 18 Volt) Reciprocating Saw (Preferably Cordless 18 Volt) Circular Saw ICF Hot Knife Transit or String/Laser Level Anchor Tunnels w/Bolts 3in Wide Fiber Strapping Tape Anchor Bolts for Rim Joist (if applicable) (3) 25' Tape Measure Hand Saw (2) 100' Extension Cords (1) 6' and (1) 8' Ladder 8# Sledge Hammer 3 Claw Hammers Other Materials. Brick Ledge Material (if needed) Foam for Foam Gun (1 can per 1000 sq ft of wall) 5# 3-1/2'' Coarse Thread Deck Screws 5# 1-1/4'' Drywall Screws, Coarse Threads String (enough to go around building twice) Bracing and Scaffolding Stakes Rebar Wire or Plastic Ties Treated Lumber or Vinyl Buck Material for Rough Openings