Contractor Top Tips: Concrete wall technology is superior - and faster
Thursday, February 08 2007 @ 11:43 MST
Views: 3,983
By J.C. Carroll
(NC)-This year's hot topic in the construction world surrounds a new technique for erecting far superior structures. A building method that consists of reinforced concrete sandwiched between two layers of polystyrene from Nudura Corporation takes the already lauded "polystyrene form" to the next level.
"These Lego like forms take all the labour out of assembling the wall connections from scratch," says Todd Blyth of Nudura. "The forms are pre-assembled and designed in a variety of sizes allowing for limitless design capabilities. These hollow polystyrene blocks or panels are connected with polypropylene webs and are steel reinforced and filled with concrete. The left-in-place forms," he explained, "provide a continuous monolithic insulation and sound barrier - and they provide a fastening strip for drywall on the interior and for all types of exterior cladding such as, stucco, siding, or brick on the outside. Our research shows that concrete homes generate less construction waste, are made from 100% recyclable material, are quiet and comfortable to live in, and require far less maintenance."
Additional data by Nudura (nudura.com) may interest you. Compared to a typical wood-framed wall, the highly insulated wall delivers:
. Up to 2x more energy efficiency with no air spaces or studs - and technology that evens out the effect of external temperature swings.
. Up to 3x more sound resistant since its double-foam, insulated concrete core acts as an effective sound barrier.
. Up to 4x more fire resistant since the walls are built with steel reinforced concrete and expanded fire retardant-treated polystyrene foam.
. Up to 9x stronger because they allow nine times more axial load resistance, a superior feature in high-wind, tornado, or hurricane areas.
. Up to 9x more resistant to thermal bridging, where outside cold travels easily through walls to create uncomfortable cold spots, drafts, and mustiness inside the home.
