Mounting fixtures like TVs, cabinets, mirrors, and artwork in homes with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) requires a tailored approach to suit their unique structure. Nudura ICF walls come equipped with built-in fastening strips that provide internal studs, to secure interior finishes. These fastening strips differ from traditional wood studs, so understanding the nuances is essential to ensure safe and effective mounting.

Here’s our guide to securing interior finishes in ICF homes, helping you provide clients with a reliable and efficient installation process. Learn more by reviewing the Nudura Installation Manuals or attending our Basic ICF Installer Training. 

Preparing ICF Walls for Drywall and Mounting

After the concrete has been placed within the Nudura ICF blocks, and the roof, windows, and doors have been installed, the walls will be ready for drywall installation. Nudura ICFs feature vertically embedded fastening strips every 8 inches, which provide anchor points for coarse-thread screws, providing a stable connection for both drywall and other wall-mounted items. Marking these fastening strips during installation can reduce additional work by simplifying the process of identifying their location after drywall is installed.

Tips for Securing Interior Finishes in an ICF Home

1. Collaborate with Clients to Plan Ahead

Effective planning during the initial design and construction phases can save time and minimize rework. Identifying and reinforcing areas where heavy items like cabinetry, heavy artwork and handrails are to be installed will ensure the most secure connection. Marking the drywall where the fastening strips are located can help when attaching anything through the drywall.

2. Locating the Built-In Fastening Strips

Once the drywall is installed, finding the built-in fastening strips is crucial for hanging items. Standard stud finders don’t work with ICF walls, but there are reliable alternatives:

• Strong Magnets: Useful for locating screws used to install drywall, which indicates fastening strip locations.
  
  
• Advanced Wall Scanners: Some scanners detect density differences in materials, identifying plastic fastening strips within the surrounding foam.
  
  
• Measurement Method: Starting from an inside corner, fastening strips will be located in 8-inch increments. Confirm the location by drilling a small test screw.
  
  

3. Lightweight Attachments

For lightweight items, such as picture frames or towel racks, using an appropriate length coarse thread screw to attach directly through the drywall to the fastening strips can ensure a strong connection. When using this approach, avoid relying solely on the drywall or foam, as these materials alone will not support even a small load. Utilizing drywall anchors can also prove to work well when connecting through to a fastening strip is unavailable.

4. Mounting Heavier Fixtures

When mounting heavier items, such as unsupported upper cabinets or large televisions, additional support is often necessary. Here are two methods for reinforcing these materials on ICF structures:

• Concrete Anchoring: Drilling through the drywall, foam, and into the concrete core of the Nudura wall provides the strongest anchoring solution. Identifying anchor size and spacing is critical to eliminate any future challenges with sagging.
  
  
• Plywood Backing: Using a hot knife tool, rake back 5/8” of foam to expose the plastic fastening strips. Attach a piece of plywood of the same size and thickness, which can then serve as a mounting backer for materials that require more strength, spreading the load across a larger area with multiple anchor points.
  
  

Ensuring Optimal Interior Finishes in ICF Homes

By mastering these techniques, you can transform an ICF wall into the perfect canvas for any design vision, combining strength with style for a truly durable and polished interior.