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1. What is the R-Value of PolySteel?
Walls made of PolySteel perform, on an
average, like a stick frame wall constructed for R-30
insulation. But that's not the whole story. The
effective R-Value performance of PolySteel consists of three
factors: (1) the R-Value of the expanded polystyrene, (2) the
thermal stability of massive concrete walls reduces the
temperature fluctuations, and, consequently, the heat load
requirements, so common to
stick-frame buildings. (3) air leakage
(infiltration) can account for
20% to 40% of the heat load
requirements of a stick-framed building. PolySteel reduces
this air infiltration by 75%! As a result, with the combined
performance of the R-Value of the expanded polystyrene, the stabilizing
effects of the thermal mass of the concrete, and the reduced air
infiltration, PolySteel walls actually perform as high as R-50, or
more, in some areas of the country. We even guarantee,
in writing, that a homeowner will save at least 33% of their energy
costs over 2 X 6 construction with R-19 insulation throughout the
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2. How much does it cost to build with
PolySteel?
The best way to
answer this question is to compare building with PolySteel with
the alternative construction you are considering.
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A PolySteel home will cost, on average 2% to
4% more than building the exterior walls of a home with 2 X 6
frame construction. If the alternative is 2 X 4
construction, the difference would be slightly higher.
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A PolySteel basement will cost about the
same, or even less, than a poured wall or concrete block
basement that is insulated and finished with equivalent
insulation. If your alternative is a completely
unfinished basement, PolySteel will cost a bit more.
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A PolySteel home will cost about 5% to 6% more
than building the home out of concrete block.
In comparing costs, it is important to
remember that a PolySteel wall is far superior in strength,
comfort, and energy efficiency than even the best insulated
stick-framed or masonry wall. In all cases, you will get more
than you pay for in energy savings alone!
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3. What
kind of footings are required for
PolySteel walls?
Footings are
generally determined by local building codes and specific soil
conditions. You may use a standard size footing for a
PolySteel wall, however, if you build all the way to the roof, you
might need to build your footing about two inches wider than the
standard for your area.
We offer footing design tables to assist you or your builder in determining the proper sizing for your project.
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4. How high
of a PolySteel wall can you pour
at one time?
Generally
speaking, you can pour one story at a time (8 to 10 feet).
Our recommended pour rate is four vertical feet per
hour around the entire perimeter of the building.
PolySteel has been used for many multi-story residential and commercial applications, including a 7 and 9 story project in Missouri.
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5. How do I attach stucco, siding or brick
to PolySteel walls?
PolySteel features recessed steel furring strips (attachment studs) every 12" on center. NEW PolyPro features composite studs every 6" on center with the largest attachment area in the industry. These attachment studs are designed to receive self-tapping screws for the
attachment of stucco lath, brick ties, and/or siding. PolySteel and PolyPro's attachment studs provide an
excellent, uniform anchor for virtually any interior or exterior
wall covering you desire.
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6. What makes PolySteel better than other
EPS forms?
Having been in the
business longer than anyone else in the industry, we can tell you
that EPS forms are an excellent way to build. Our knowledgeable and experienced distributors provide the critical support necessary to achieve the best results on your project. Together with our Staff Engineer, Staff Architect, and other technical support people the PolySteel Distributors are a vital part of the team involved in your project. We believe
that our extensive experience, superior technical support, and
leadership in obtaining nationwide code approvals, help set us
apart from our direct competition. The patented design and
construction of PolySteel forms allows them to withstand greater
concrete pressure than other EPS forms, and the steel ties and
furring strips are completely fire resistant. Our periodic
market and field surveys continue to show that we are among the
least expensive, most reliable, and easiest EPS forms to use --
adding to the overall cost effectiveness of building with
PolySteel. Finally, and most importantly, we pride ourselves
on our continuing commitment to provide the best customer service
in the industry.
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7. How
can I learn more?
Complete answers to these and many more
questions can be found in our comprehensive PolySteel Users
Manual, Training Video, and other technical support materials
which are readily available. We want you to build with
PolySteel, and we offer you, your builder, architect, and/or
engineer the best technical support in the industry.
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8. What about mold and termites?
American PolySteel has licensed the patented termite-resistant technology, Perform Guard® AFM Corporation, becoming the only major insulating concrete form (ICF) block manufacturer in the industry to incorporate this technology into its product. PerformGuard is the only code-recognized method that allows foam plastic insulation to be installed below grade in the heavily infested termite areas of the country.
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