PolyBloks by PolySteel
SIMPLE.
PolyBloks are simple to use Insulated Concrete Forms that do not need steel reinforcing bars when used in the construction of residential property.
STURDY.
PolyBloks uniquely uses steel ties to create walls that are virtually indestructible and less likely to leak concrete during filling.
METRIC.
The 1200 x 600 mm modular size of PolyBloks makes setting out in accordance with metric drawings much easier – especially floor levels and cill heights etc.
1200mm (L) x 600mm (H)
150mm concrete cores: 280mm (W)
Ideal for above ground dwellings, pool halls and garages without reinforcement.
1200mm (L) x 600mm (H)
200mm concrete cores: 330mm (W)
Can be used in basements and retaining walls with appropriate steel reinforcing bars.
ICF Made Simple.
PolybBlok ICF concrete forms have precision made vertical/horizontal tongue and groove joints. These facilitate easy and accurate installation of every ICF block wall and stop water penetration. The tongue and groove joints are simple to use and easily cleaned after concreting with a paint brush and water. Many ICF systems incorporate square indentation in the horizontal joints that are difficult to clean of concrete to ensure that the next course fits properly.
The materials used in the EPS panels of our ICF block is Grey Neopor. This consists of many small pockets of air in a polymer matrix containing graphite. Graphite reflects radiant heat energy like a mirror, increasing the material’s resistance to the flow of heat. Most foams slow the movement of heat more as the temperature differential decreases. However, Neopor is unique because it reduces heat loss more as the temperature outside drops.
PolyBlok ICF insulated concrete forms do not transmit moisture by capillary action leading to minimal risk of condensation or mould. Our ICF block incorporates closed-cell foam that offers higher resistance to moisture infiltration and does not lose its insulating properties when drying out after being wet. The insulation and reduced air movement reduces moisture accumulation due to temperature differentials and actually acts like a vapour barrier.
ICF PolyBloks use 3mm high tensile wire spaced 150mm apart. Many ICF systems use plastic ties spaced 200mm apart, allowing more movement of the ICF blocks during concreting. The welded steel wire grids in our insulated concrete blocks provide:
• extreme rigidity
• minimal resistance to flow of concrete (resulting in better compaction & high quality concrete)
• minimise shrinkage cracking in the concrete
• increase effective U value by 11% (see more on Thermal Mass)
The vertical ferrule strips lie 10mm below the surface of our ICF insulated concrete forms, allowing the easy fixing of both propping timbers and any interior or exterior wall finishes with self-tapping screws. The 3mm thick steel plate provides a far stronger fixing than a plastic system so that heavy items such as kitchen cabinets can be fixed to them and propping timbers are more securely fixed to the wall during concreting.
The steel ties (or webs) allow our ICF concrete forms to be fixed together with steel clips at each corner, holding each ICF block rigidly against its neighbour. This reduces the risk of “blow out” when being filled with concrete. The clips are installed by reaching down inside the joint between adjacent icf blocks and pushing one clip over the bottom ties and another over the top ties at the ends of the adjacent blocks.
This is particularly effective at the corners of building as this is where most problems occur during the concreting of ICF walls.
Metric Measurements.
ICF PolyBloks use metric measurements which makes setting out much easier. The UK and European sales of the North American ICF manufacturers is not large enough to justify making their forms in metric module sizes.
When forms are longer than 1200mm, more cutting is required to fit the doors and windows and more costly ICF waste is generated. Furthermore, when the block height is less, the retained parts are shorter and less easy to stabilise for concreting.
As a result, we believe the ICF Polyblok module size of 1200mm x 600mm is at the “sweet spot” for minimising site cutting of ICF formwork and providing maximum flexibility for Architects to develop their designs.
Strength.
ICF PolyBlok walls provide a continuous, monolithic structure without joints or gaps. This seamless construction enhances the overall strength and integrity of the walls, making them highly resistant to external forces and impacts. Our insulated concrete blocks carry vertical and horizontal loads very effectively and to easily withstand the loads from floors and roofs and can act as spectacular cantilevers at low cost.
They provide excellent support for the entire building structure and are resilient to environmental stresses such as high winds, seismic activity and temperature fluctuations. Insulated Concrete Forms are ideal for basement and retaining walls because they do not require highly skilled carpenters for construction and so provide great strength at low cost.
Water Resistance.
All ICF walls are far more resistant to water penetration than walls built in concrete blocks. They are also more resistant than traditional concrete walls built by carpenters using shutters.
Polybloks also have the advantage of the 3 dimensional wire tie system that really minimises the amount of cracking in the concrete. However, if the ground water level is a high, an ICF basement can leak no matter what waterproofing or tanking is provided.
The only completely reliable system when high water levels are probable is to dewater the ground using land drainage and pumps. When necessary this can be backed up by an internal drainage system below the basement floor. During wet periods the pumps may run for long periods but this will cost far less than the damage that can be caused by water ingress.
PolySteel Construction System.
Propping
The PolySteel Installation manual provides illustrated details showing how to prop and concrete ICF blocks during construction. It uses scaffolding to brace the ICF blocks during concreting and provide a completely safe concreting access platform. This avoids the need for temporary propping systems that are potentially unsafe for inexperienced users and may not comply with the HSE rules for working platforms.
Reinforced Concrete
The rigidity, precision tongue and groove vertical/horizontal joints, steel ties and interlocking clips make our ICF PolyBloks particularly suitable where ICF concrete forms need to be reinforced. They allow the concrete to be vibrated by a “poker” to ensure that adequate bonding occurs between the concrete and the steel bars to ensure structural integrity and eliminate the risk of corrosion.
Support
PolySteel provide support by telephone, email and on-line meetings throughout the construction process. The simplicity of our insulated concrete blocks and the available support ensures that your Local Builder will be able to construct your ICF home – or you can self-build it.
Design
The simplicity of PolySteel’s system allows it to be used by ICF newcomers but it is essential that they have ICF construction details that will meet Building Regulation requirements. The Design Services we provide will ensure the Builder has all the information required to provide a high quality insulated concrete form house.
Quality Controlled UK Manufacture.
The PolySteel ICF formwork is provided with a BBA (British Board of Agrément) certificate that ensures all buildings incorporating our ICF concrete forms will be accepted by the NHBC (National House Building Council) and similar building insurance schemes.
BBA is the primary organisation for products used in the UK building industry and regularly carries out rigorous inspection and quality control of all products they certify. Building Inspectors may also require to see the certificate before allowing their use.
ICF PolyBloks are also certified for use in basement retaining walls. If you are planning a basement this is fundamentally important as not all ICF Building systems are certified for this type of use.
Although insulated concrete form materials are not heavy, their large volume makes them relatively costly to transport, particularly if coming from abroad. ICF PolyBloks are manufactured in Newport, Wales, which maintains low cost and limits their carbon footprint.
ICF Construction
Call us if you need more detailed information for your ICF project, browse our technical library and FAQs for construction details using Polybloks.
