Greetings -

I am thinking about using Durisol forms to build a small two story house.  On the Durisol site they have a page about a Simpson tie which screws on to hold a rim joist.

I also looked at the Faswall manual, which recommends an anchor bolt through the form, with concrete poured around it.

Anybody have experience with either of these methods?

Doug,

Yes, these two methods are most popular accross the contintent. Simple really. Here's some technical information.

Here's the Simpson way:
http://www.strongtie.com/ftp/fliers/F-ICFVL08.pdf

And here's the bolt way:
http://www.huduser.org/Publications/PDF/icf_2ed.pdf
I think it can be found on I-65 and I-67

Regards,

Baldwin

Thanks much -

Any thoughts on differences between the Faswall and Durisol products?

I usually go with the Simpson Strong Tie method. It is easier and faster. I know that Durisol has been around a lot longer with a larger network of manufacturing, R&D, etc. I have seen their blocks and each year, their tolerances and quality get better and better. Regarding Faswall, I have not seen their most recent product out of Oregon (i.e over the past 8 months or so), but I personally think that Durisol is better and I have more faith in their history and experience. They have more product options as well. I think that each new Faswall operation essentially is starting on their own figuring out the best way to create a tight tolerance product. I saw Faswall product from Oregon in the late 90s and from Faswall from South Carolina a few years back and each of these operations shut down eventually - not sure why, but I would guess it is either due to lack of support, expertise, market development, etc. I am certainly not knocking Faswall and think it is a better option over EPS, but I do think that Durisol has a better track record.