ICF construction is gaining popularity because of its strength and the energy efficiency of structures. It’s becoming a big part of sustainable construction. However, some builders might not get everything possible from their blocks. You could throw away many useful ICF materials if you’re not careful. That results in more waste in landfills and can also increase project costs. This post will provide some tips for reducing waste on ICF projects.
Getting the Most from Blocks on Your ICF Projects
Take Your Time and Plan Ahead
A little planning and preparation can go a long way toward conserving materials. Take the time to plan cuts and map out placements. The old saying, “Measure twice, cut once” applies here. A missed cut can waste a significant portion of a foam block. Look ahead on the project for areas where off-cuts might fit. Common places for using off-cuts include near doors and windows.
Ensure Clean, Straight Cuts
The next point is the quality of your cuts. If the cuts aren’t good, you can’t use the piece. Workers should ensure the cuts are precise, straight, and clean. That starts with cutting with the right tools. To cut blocks short, use a sharp, fine-toothed saw. Mark your cuts accurately with a straightedge or template. Take your time and ensure a straight cut. You don’t want the off-cut to have an angle at the end.
Keep the Small Pieces
Workers often overlook the value in leftover pieces. They might think it is useless if it is just a couple of inches long. In many cases, these little pieces could serve a purpose. Even a small piece with a few inches of foam and a single tie could fill a gap. You might even use it in a corner or somewhere else.
Treat Your Cuts Like Useful Material
Another mistake is treating the off-cuts like an afterthought. Think of both the piece you’re cutting for use at the time and the off-cut as useful. Don’t just cut it and toss it aside, only to look for it later. That’s how potentially valuable pieces end up as trash. Someone else might throw it away, or it could suffer damage. Pick the piece up and put it aside somewhere for later use. Teach workers to view every piece as potentially useful material rather than scraps.
Save Pieces for the Next Job
When the project ends, you might have leftover off-cuts. Just because the project is over doesn’t mean those pieces won’t be useful for the next job. Collect all the useful pieces and save them. If you handle and store them properly, they will be perfectly suitable for future projects.
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