ICF projects throughout North America are getting bigger and more complex than ever before as the use of ICF grows along with Green Building such as LEED, Passive House and ZNE, which has prompted ICF bracing companies like Giraffe Bracing to develop innovative solutions making it easier and faster than ever to ensure workers stay protected and that ICF walls stay straight, level and plumb for the concrete pour.

Giraffe ICF Bracing 101

Giraffe’s Turnbuckle ICF bracing was developed in the early 2000’s, and is now an industry icon, available across North America & the World. Every major ICF manufacturer strongly recommends turnbuckle bracing, and some even sell ICF Bracing Systems at a cost that hopefully encourages ICF Contractors to use it systematically.

 

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The Giraffe ICF bracing system includes a straightback (A), adjustable leg with internal screw (B), stamped footplate (C), platform bracket (D), safety rail (E) and self- locking gravity pins (F).

 

 

The Standard 8', 10' or 12' Giraffe ICF Bracing and Wall Alignment System comes with:

1 – 8', 10' or 12' stackable straight back

1 – Removable straight back foot plate

1 – Adjustable diagonal brace with double connector foot plate

1 – Foldable platform bracket

1 – Guard rail post

2 – 18" steel anchor stakes (may not be suitable for all soils)

2 – Self-locking gravity pins

 

Additional Features Include:

• Stamped (not welded) foot plates for long life allows for a 2nd tall wall diagonal brace
• Bracing components are made with heavy walled steel painted with epoxy powder coated paint (bright yellow for safety)
• 14 ga. steel used for Straight-Backs up to 10' tall and 13ga. steel for 12' straight backs
• Folding platform brackets have a unique snap-open alignment mechanism
• Optional Straight-Back coupler lock to increase the bracing height for tall wall set-ups
• Self-locking gravity pins for simple assembly
• ¾" zinc plated internal threaded adjustment rod never needs cleaning

 

Mastering the basics of a cost-effective ICF Bracing System like Giraffe Bracing is essential for any ICF installer. “A cost-effective wall alignment bracing system is as much a standard tool for a successful build with ICFs as a Saw to a Framer,” says Gregory Steiffes “When you’re starting out, renting ICF Bracing to reduce cost is the most sensible option”.

 

For smaller ICF Contractors that build only two or three houses a year or regular Building Contractors doing their first few ICF builds or even do-it-yourselfers building their own home, the cost of many turnbuckle bracing systems may seem cost-prohibitive, but there are lower cost options for your ICF Bracing needs.

 

ICF Bracing Cost, and How to Reduce it!

There are low-cost, adjustable wooden bracing system out there – let’s face it, the Romans used wood for bracing concrete over 2000 years ago! But as these cheap wooden ICF bracing systems require significant onsite fabrication, whilst the initial cost may look lower than all-metal-systems, the builder must factor in supplying his own wood and the time taken to source, cut and fasten it all together. Here’s hoping that those who use wooden ICF Bracing don’t either have it warp or get full of termites before they get around to pouring the concrete either!

 

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The best way to reduce the cost of a strong, straight, safe, Steel ICF Bracing System for smaller projects or Contractors is to Rent ICF Bracing  from one of Giraffe Bracing’s Rental Locations.

 

To check for an ICF Rental location near to you:

 

​FIND AN ICF BRACING RENTAL LOCATION HERE

 

Or  get an ICF Bracing Rental Cost:

 

​GET AN ICF BRACING QUOTE HERE