Next to block design and quality, Blue Star's hold-down system is key to the success of building a true, straight, plumb, craftsmanlike wall. This hold-down system is made up of 2 x 4 strongback angles, supplied by the builder, the Blue Star Hold-Down Kit and vertical bracing at 7' - 8' intervals. This can be accomplished by building 2 x 4 strongback braces or by choosing to use one of the many bracing systems on the market. Blue Star ICF Supply has chosen Reechcraft® Bracing as their bracing supplier. Impressed with Reechcraft's quality and features, this bracing can also dual purpose as scaffolding, which is very helpful in the placement of concrete. If your choice is going to be something other than Reechcraft®, this is the place to figure that budget number. If Reechcraft® bracing is going to be your choice, the following line items are where you will account for your bracing needs.

ReechCraft™ 10' Pro Blue Bracing Systems offer optimal quality, flexibility, and economy to Blue Star customers. Each system includes one (1) 10' aluminum strongback, two (2) base clips and hardware, one (1) 10-16' turnbuckle, one (1) platform bracket, one (1) platform pin, and one (1) pin clip. This system expands easily into a 16' system with the addition of components of the extension system below. ReechCraft™ typically recommends 6-7' O.C. spacing of it's systems for best control and alignment of most ICF walls. Because Blue Star blocks and top course guide systems exceed the strength and quality of other systems, brace spacing can easily be extended to 8' O.C. if desired. Wall bracing of some type is required to ensure quality construction.

One brace system = $299.00

ReechCraft™ 6' Pro Blue Extension Systems quickly convert a ReechCraft™ 10' Pro Blue System into a 16' system. Included in this extension system are one (1) 6' aluminum strongback, two (2) strongback couplers, one (1) guardrail post, one (1) post pin, and coupling hardware.

One extension system = $69.00

Grapplers™ are rectangles of steel mesh (approximately 4" x 8") which can be used under drywall for fastening light objects and trim in areas where Blue Anchor™ Fastening inserts may not exist. For the same purpose, it is not uncommon for builders to install conventional wood furring on the block surface, or recessed into the EPS to be flush with the surface.

Pkg of 90 = $320.00

Trade Wire is used for heavy tying applications, or for securing bracing material on each side of a wall section. Trade wire sticks are eleven gauge (11 ga), black annealed, measure nominally eight feet (8') in length and have a preformed loop at one end.

Package of 50 = $25.00

OSHA rebar safety caps are OSHA-compliant, steel-reinforced, plastic safety caps for the exposed ends of rebar. The number required depends upon the rebar schedule in project plans. OHSA caps are durable and reusable.

Package of 10 = $30.00
Package of 100 = $250.00

Foam2Foam® is a professional-grade, low expansion foam adhesive which can be used for a multitude of ICF jobsite tasks including filling gaps in footers, sealing bucks, "gluing" blocks together and repairing block damage. This adhesive will not degrade the EPS surface and it adheres to most construction materials in addition to EPS. While foam adhesive is used extensively in the ICF industry, it is NOT required with Blue Star blocks. Many builders still opt to use it for convenience however, and find that one case is sufficient for most residential projects. Requires foam applicator gun.

Case of 12 = $130.00

Foam Applicator Gun is a quality, metal applicator gun with needle valve construction for smooth, precise delivery of foam adhesive. This gun is far superior to plastic "economy" guns for only a few dollars more. Many builders who use foam adhesive have one gun per jobsite.

Package of 1 = $37.00

Foam2Foam® Cleaner is occasionally used to maintain or restore proper function of the foam applicator gun. When replacing cans of adhesive, it is best to remove one can and immediately replace it with the next can. Cleaner is not needed in these situations. Cleaner should be used, however after removing an empty can of adhesive if a new can of adhesive will not be installed on the gun within a few seconds. One can of cleaner typically lasts through several cases of foam adhesive and has a long shelf life.

Single can = $12.00

Economy Ratchet Strap - Blue Clamp™ Kits come with the ratchet straps needed for each Blue Clamp™. These are additional ratchet straps available for purchase.

Pkg of 10 = $50.00

Metal wire dispensers hold and conveniently dispense spool wire. Unit has a rugged metal housing and can be worn on a belt. Wire has a square denter to allow recoil as needed.

Pkg of 1 = $35.00

Tie Wire - Spools fit wire dispenser as sold above. Black annealed, fourteen gauge (14 ga) spools have a square center to allow recoil and have 117.16 lin. ft.

Pkg of 1 = $4.50

Hex Washer Head Tapcons - 1/4" x 3 1/4". Includes one (1) properly sized drill bit. Most commonly used for securing lag screw eyebolt assemblies to footings.

Box of 100 = $25.00

Simpson Acrylic-Tie Fast-PAC - Acrylic-based anchoring adhesive often used for anchoring rebar in concrete. Cures rapidly and requires only a standard caulking gun. Each tube contains 5 fl. oz./9.02 cu. in.

1 tube = $14.00

Touch 'n Seal® All Seasons polyurethane foam sealant is a low expansion foam adhesive product used in more extreme temperature environments. This product cures in temperatures as low as 20˚F, and as high as temperatures of 120˚F. Requires foam applicator gun.

Case of 12 cans = $180.00

Fiber Tape can be used for any number of jobsite tasks, including, providing additional support to block ends or other areas where field modification may have altered a block to less than a full cell length or height, such as around door and window openings. Rolls are 2" x 60 yards.

Pkg of 1 roll = $7.00