In this episode of Beers with Contractors, host Will and Terry recap their fifth Construction Camp for Kids event and welcome longtime friend Alfonso Nieves of Fox Blocks (Airelite Plastics), an insulated concrete form (ICF) expert who trains contractors nationwide and with the National Home Builders Association. Alfonso explains how he entered the ICF industry, the technology’s origins in Canada in the 1960s, and why above-grade ICF excels for energy efficiency. They discuss ICF benefits including continuous insulation, fire rating, sound attenuation, storm resilience, fewer foundation issues, and faster construction (about 15% faster than finished CMU), plus typical cost premiums (about 7–10%) with a 5–10 year payback. Alfonso addresses myths (termites, “double the cost,” lack of installers, “houses don’t breathe”), covers rebar options and additives, outlines training availability via foxblocks.com, and shares contact info.

00:00 Introduction

01:23 Meet Alfonso Nieves

03:11 How Alfonso Nieves Found ICF

05:18 ICF Across Climates

07:16 ICF History Evolution

09:06 Beyond Homes Use Cases

10:37 Cost ROI Payback

12:36 Storm Safety Foundation

14:25 Speed Scheduling Cashflow

16:42 Myths Termites Cost

18:33 Affordable Housing Example

19:29 Tight Envelope HVAC Downsizing

20:42 Rebar Alternatives Logistics

25:33 FRP Rebar Availability

26:01 Thin Brick With ICF

27:54 Finding Fox Blocks Training

29:16 Construction Camp Stories

31:44 Lintels And Big Openings

34:04 Floor Systems On ICF

35:27 Fastening Strips Deep Dive

39:52 DIY Vs Pro Install Reality

42:36 Materials And Recycling Ties

45:07 How To Reach Alfonso

46:21 Final Wrap And Disclaimers

Contact Alfonso Nieves at:

Website: https://www.foxblocks.com/

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfonso-nieves-27113a49/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foxblocks_icf/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foxblocks/

Twitter: https://x.com/FoxBlocksICF

Check Out Greenbaum Stiers Strategic Marketing Group: https://www.greenbaumstiers.com/

Foundation Rescue Supply Link:

https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/

Contractors Kick Ass!

Podcast Store Link:

https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1

The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours