... and our web-site will be updated to reflect corresponding product name changes, etc., as well. "PolySteel" products will now be known as ARXX Steel products. The "PolyPro" product is being replaced by the ARXX Edge product. (See www.arxx.com for more details at this time.)

Please, pardon our "e-dust" as we update our website. Stay tuned for further enhancements and thank you for visiting Performance Building Systems Of West Central Indiana.

FAQ's

So many questions, so valuable time wisely spent! Here's a synopsis about...

  1. What is the R-value of PolySteel?
  2. How much does it cost to build with PolySteel?
  3. What kind of footings are required for PolySteel walls?
  4. How high a PolySteel wall can you pour at one time?
  5. How do I attach stucco, siding or brick to PolySteel walls?
  6. What makes PolySteel better than other EPS forms?
  7. How can I learn more?
  8. What about mold and termites?
  9. How do you build a project with PolySteel forms?

1.  What is the R-value of PolySteel?

Walls built of PolySteel perform, on average, like a wood frame or concrete block wall constructed with R-40 insulation. The effective R-value of the PolySteel form system has three factored components:

[1]  the inherent R-value of the EPS,
[2]  the thermal mass of the concrete and
[3]  the enormous reduction in air leakage.

First, the EPS foam alone has an R-value of R-20 to R-25. Second, the high thermal mass of a PolySteel wall system buffers temperature fluctuations so there are no "hot" or "cold" spots from wall to wall or from floor to ceiling. Third, tests have shown the air infiltration through a PolySteel wall to be one-fourth that of conventional frame wall systems. (Air infiltration accounts for as much as 40% of the heat load requirements in a frame structure!) This effective R-value of PolySteel ranges from R-30+ in northern Indiana to R-37 in southern Indiana for residential and R-50 in northern Indiana to well over R-50 in southern Indiana for commercial applications. As a result, PolySteel structures use 50-80% less energy to heat and cool as compared to traditional framed above-grade construction. American PolySteel guarantees, in writing, that a home-owner will save at least 33% of their energy costs over 2x6 construction with R-19 insulation throughout the United States. (Note: A 2x6, R-19 fiberglass insulated wall only has an effective R-value of 13.7 due to low mass and higher air infiltration considerations.)

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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 to the alternative construction method you are considering.

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-frame 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.

PolySteel offers design tables to assist you or your builder in determining the proper size of footer(s) for your project.

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4.  How high 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 seven and a nine-story project in Missouri.

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5.  How do I attach drywall, stucco, siding or masonry to PolySteel walls?

The PS-3000 and PS-4000 form series feature 1½" wide galvanized 22-gauge steel attachment strips welded to steel ties embedded in the concrete. These steel stud strips provide for the secure attachment of interior and exterior wall cladding. They are located on 12" and 6" centers respectively, recessed ½" below the surface of the EPS foam and denoted by a pair of marker grooves along each side of the stud strip.

The PolyPro-4000 KD forms feature 1½" wide composite attachment strips connected to 6" on center ties embedded in the concrete. These stud strips are also recessed ½" below the surface of the EPS foam and denoted by a pair of marker grooves along each side of the stud strip.

Both types of stud strips are designed to receive self-tapping screws for the attachment of virtually any desired interior or exterior wall cladding.

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6.  What makes PolySteel better than other EPS forms?