... 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.

ICF Wall Systems

PS-3000 Waffle-grid

The PS-3000 waffle-grid wall form has been the hallmark of the PolySteel line-up for nearly three decades! From the beginning, the PS-3000 was engineered to perform more and utilize less than traditional construction practices framed or formed.

  1. More efficient design
  2. More form strength
  3. More effective R-value
  4. More fire resistance
  5. More comfortable
  6. More sound attenuation
  7. More environmentally responsible
  8. More choices for more applications

1.  More efficient design

PolySteel PS-3000 forms are used to create a reinforced monolithic concrete wall sandwiched between two layers of expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation. This wall design, based on traditional post and beam construction, has 12" on center vertical columns and 16" on center horizontal beams with solid webs of concrete between the columns and beams. The EPS insulation provides an ideal curing environment for the concrete yielding up to 50% more compressive strength than traditional formed and stripped systems of similar size while utilizing 25% less concrete! Properly designed and constructed, PolySteel walls have the capability of withstanding winds in excess of 300 mph and the impact of airborne debris from an F-5 tornado. As reinforcing shear walls, PolySteel provides design strengths of 3,000 to 10,000 pounds per linear foot offering significant advantages in severe-weather and high-seismic areas.

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2.  More form strength

PS-3000 forms are held together with five unique attachment and reinforcement members (ties) made of galvanized 11-gauge welded steel wire for maximum strength and long term durability. Each tie is further reinforced on both sides with a 1½"x13" galvanized 22-gauge steel attachment strip. These steel stud strips deliver superior strength and fire resistance for the secure attachment of wall coverings. They are 12 inches on center, recessed ½" below the surface of the EPS foam and are denoted by a pair of marker grooves along each side of the stud strip.

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3.  More effective R-value

It means more energy efficiency. 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. PolySteel structures use 50-80% less energy to heat and cool as compared to traditional framed above-grade construction. This effective R-value 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. (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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4.  More fire resistance

PolySteel was the first and continues to be the only ICF to achieve a full 4-hour fire rating with no additional cladding.

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5.  More comfortable

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. Tests have shown the air infiltration through a PolySteel wall to be one-fourth that of conventional frame wall systems. For asthma and allergy sufferers, this means a cleaner, more controllable indoor air quality.

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6.  More sound attenuation

A sound transmission classification (STC) of 48+ versus an STC of 37 for frame wall construction means a quieter (6 times quieter), more peaceful indoor living environment by virtually eliminating outdoor noise.

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7.  More environmentally responsible

PolySteel forms are one of the most environmentally friendly, sustainable, "green" building products that you can use today. For every unit of energy (derived from petroleum) used to produce the expanded polystyrene (EPS), 30 units of energy are conserved every year, for decades and even centuries to come when used as insulation. The steel ties in PolySteel forms are made from recycled steel products and both the EPS and steel tie scraps are recyclable! Furthermore, there are no CFC's or HCFC's used or emitted during the manufacturing process.

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8.  More choices for more applications

Currently, the PS-3000 series is offered in three core sizes: 6", 8", and 10" with outside dimensions of 9¼", 11" and 14" respectively. All three sizes have both 90° and 45° corners, an integral tongue and groove design and are left / right reversible.

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