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ICF Bracing Installation Guide

The bracing system fulfills two functions: first to align the ICF wall and second, to provide a walkway for building the top of the wall and placing the concrete. WorkSafe BC requires a 20" wide walkway (two 2x10s) and a guard rail when the catwalk height is greater than 6'.

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Click on each image below for a printable PDF installation guide

  1. Attach first row of block to the slab or footing as per ICF manufacturer's instructions. Install about 5 courses of ICF block (as high as possible without walkway).
  2. Starting 16” from inside corners, and using courses of ICF as a guide, install the first Zont at roughly 4’6” from the footing using two 1-½” #8 flat head screws. Space Zonts @ 5'4" max horizontal.
  3. Nail minimum 12” 2x4 to top of footing or slab flush up against ICF, directly below where the first Zont bracket is.
  4. Place horizontal 2x4 walers into the Zont saddle. Scab 4’ lengths of 2x4 over each joint and screw attach from below.
  5. Place straight vertical 2x4 strongbacks to the right side of the Zont. Tighten cam counterclockwise to lock waler and strongback to wall. Toenail base of strongback into 2x4 nailed to the footing.
  6. Cut 2x6s 20” long as supports for catwalk, and 2x4s about a foot longer than the catwalk height. Nail or screw the strongback, 2x6 and 2x4 diagonal as shown to support the catwalk.
  7. Screw Zuckle to end of diagonal 2x4 and attach near where the top of ICF wall will be.
  8. Solidly drive two stakes into ground at different angles and screw stakes to base of kicker. For slabs use two 24” 2x6 joined to form an “L”, foamed to the slab. Adjust Zuckle to plumb strongback.
  9. Place 2x10s for walkway. Ensure both ends are completely supported.
  10. Build rest of ICF wall. Attach top row of Zonts at top of wall on the left side of the strongback. Use an 8” extension on drill. Place 2x4 walers and lock with cam.
  11. Align wall by plumbing corners with 6’ level. Run string line and adjust Zuckle. Replumb before, during, and after concrete pour.


  1. Attach first row of block to the slab or footing as per ICF manufacturer's instructions. Install about 5 courses of ICF block (as high as possible without walkway).
  2. Starting 16” from inside corners, install the first Zont at the bottom of the second block and the second Zont at the bottom of the fifth block using two 1-½” #8 flat head screws per Zont. Space Zonts @ 5'4" max horizontal.
  3. Place horizontal 2x4 walers into the Zont saddles. Scab 4’ lengths of 2x4 over each joint and screw attach from below.
  4. Place straight vertical 2x4 strongbacks to the right side of the Zonts and tighten cam counter-clockwise to lock waler and strongback to wall.
  5. Unfold Zat bracket and screw to strongback about 3’ below full height of wall using six 1-½” #8 flat head screws.
  6. Install 2x10s around perimeter to create walkway. Screw Zat to 2x10s loosely to allow wall adjustment. Slide 52” 2x4s into Zat post holder and attach with two screws.
  7. Screw Zuckle to end of diagonal kicker 2x4 and attach to bottom of post.
  8. Solidly drive two stakes into ground at different angles and screw stakes to base of kicker. For slabs use two 24” 2x6s joined to form an “L”, nailed or foamed to slab.
  9. Screw 2x4 handrail 42” above catwalk. Handrail is not required if catwalk height is less than 6’.
  10. Build top of ICF wall using walkway. Attach top row of Zonts using an 8” drill extension. Place walers and lock with cam.
  11. Screw 2x4 blocks on corners and run stringlines. Adjust Zuckle so top of ICF is exactly 1½” from stringline. Replumb during and after pour.