|
In a PolySteel wall, there is a
balance created by the heat
being emitted from your concrete
wall and your body heat loss.
This balance creates a
stabilizing effect on the
interior environment,
leaving you with an unequaled
sense of comfort in summer or
winter.
Another factor related to
comfort is the temperature
difference between the floor and
ceiling. In buildings
constructed of conventional
materials, the temperature
difference between the floor and
ceiling will range from 5 to 10
degrees Fahrenheit. By
comparison, the temperature
difference from floor to ceiling
in a PolySteel home is typically
less than 2 degrees Fahrenheit.
top of page
The combination of concrete
encapsulated within high density
expanded polystyrene provides a
superior barrier to the sounds
and noises of the outside
environment. This creates a
cocoon of peacefulness in which
to live.
Finished with standard 1/2"
drywall, PolySteel walls have a
laboratory tested minimum Sound
Class Rating of 48.
top of page
A reduction in reactions to
respiratory allergies is another
comfort factor in a PolySteel
structure. The effects of hay
fever, asthma and other airborne
allergies can be greatly
alleviated as a direct result of
the reduced leakage of outside
air, which brings dust, pollens
and other pollutants. Tests
have shown that the infiltration
and leakage into a PolySteel
building is one fourth (1/4)
that of conventional walls. In
fact, the reduced air leakage of
a PolySteel home, used in
conjunction with properly
installed fresh air exchangers
and electrostatic air filters,
can result in the best possible
living environment available for
respiratory allergy sufferers.
top of page
A feeling of physical security
results from being sheltered by
impenetrable steel-reinforced
concrete walls, and the peace of
mind that comes from knowing
that you are living or working
in the most energy efficient and
environmentally favorable
structure.
PolySteel walls are 2 to 4 times
stronger than the maximum design
wind load required by the
Uniform Building Code. PolySteel
walls are bullet resistant and
have been independently tested
to withstand flying debris
driven by a 250 mph wind.
PolySteel walls are 4 to 9 times
stronger than the maximum design
earthquake load required by the
Uniform Building Code.
PolySteel is the first
insulating concrete wall system
to
pass the rigors of a 4-hour
fire test
without the addition of any wall
coverings required to assist in
its performance. PolySteel's
unique steel ties hold the EPS
foam together, further
insulating the walls and
providing added protection on
the side unexposed to the flame.
PolySteel's extremely low
toxicity, smoke development, and
flame spread, make our walls
safer from the hazards of fire.
The air tightness of PolySteel
structures also inhibits the
oxygen needed to allow a fire to
spread rapidly.
top of page
|
You will appreciate that your new
project is protected from the danger and
destruction of mold and termites.
|
|
American PolySteel
has licensed the patented
termite-resistant technology,
Perform Guard®, from AFM
Corporation, becoming the only
major insulating concrete
form (ICF) block manufacturer in the
industry to incorporate this
technology into its product.
Perform Guard 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. |
 |
|
|
Common Black Mold |
|
 |
Mold requires an organic
material, such as wood on which to grow.
PolySteel forms contain NO organic
material.
Hollow cavities can trap moisture,
making traditionally constructed
structures vulnerable to mold. PolySteel
walls are made of solid concrete and
have NO cavities which trap moisture. |
|
Properly ventilated PolySteel structures
guarantee low humidity, greatly decreasing the
opportunity for mold growth because mold
requires a relative humidity of 50% or higher to
grow. |
|
top of page
Reference: 1989 ASHRAE Handbook
of Fundamentals
Chapter 8 - Physiological
Principles |
