Energy Efficient – The Fold-Form systems uses high density rigid polystyrene to contain the monolithic concrete wall. Unlike framed construction, there are no bridges or cold spots in this permanent blanket of insulation. Fold-Form blocks have an insulating value of R-18 by test. The insulating value of finished walls can be in excess of R-23, depending on the concrete wall thickness and finishing materials selected.

It gets Better! Fold-Form’s insulating value is enhanced by stabilizing the temperature of the high-mass solid concrete walls inside the form. Independent studies show that a typical framed wall would need an R-50 insulating value*, to equal the protection of a Fold-Form wall. insulating value

* Required for the majority of North American cities analyzed. Study is available upon request.

It gets Better! Fold-Form’s total insulation blanket and the monolithic concrete wall virtually eliminates air-infiltration and drafts in above-grade structures. As with all high-efficiency structures, Fold-Form buildings should be equipped with an air exchange system to control inside humidity and insure a controlled supply of fresh air within the structure.

It gets Better! Because of Fold-Form’s superior efficiency, heating and air conditioning equipment can often be safely downsized by 20% (compared to equipment needed in ordinary framed structures) for homes or commercial structures.

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Solid Strength – For above-grade structures, industry studies show that, under wind loads, a 4-inch Fold-Form concrete wall is 2 to 8 times stronger than a typical framed wall.



It get Better! Concrete is created through the chemical reaction of cement powder and water. This reaction is called hydration and it begins as soon as the cement and water are combined. Hydration stops when the moisture has been chemically changed or has been lost through evaporation. In conventional concrete construction, 100% of the concrete’s Design Strength is reached in about 28 days…that’s the time when wood or metal forms are removed and hydration stops. In a Fold-Form wall, hydration continues until all moisture is chemically changed. The result is that the concrete is approx. 125% stronger than the Design Strength. Core tests reveal that the hydration process in a Fold-Form wall is speeded up and concrete reaches its’ Design Strength in a matter of hours instead of days!

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Quiet – Solid concrete is regularly used as an economical barrier to sound pollution. A structure’s resistance to sound penetration is described as an STC (Sound Transmission Class) Rating. Higher STC Ratings mean better resistance to sound penetration and pollution. Industry tests show that 4-inch Fold-Form walls have an STC Rating of 47…typical framed structures have an STC Rating of 34.

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Secure – In university tests, Fold-Form’s solid concrete walls was proven to be the best protection against flying debris created by winds as high as 200 miles per hour, when compared to conventional framed walls or hollow concrete block walls. Fold-Form has been specified for structures which require bullet-proof and impact resistant walls. Recent tests conducted by the Department of Defense demonstrate that solid concrete walls can even withstand the destructive forces of explosive devices.

SAFE ROOM INFORMATION

It gets Better! FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) acknowledges that Fold-Form’s solid concrete walls are an effective system for the construction of Safe Rooms and Safe Buildings. Fold-Form is more economical than “hardening” techniques which are necessary for frame construction
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Mold - A national laboratory has confirmed that the expanded polystyrene insulation in the Fold-Form system does not support the growth of Aspergillus versicolor, Aspergillus niger and Stachybotrys chartarum strains of mold. Complete test report is available upon request.


Concrete Homes Magazine Hotline Report on Mold

Fire Resistance – The solid concrete in a Fold-Form wall makes it the most affordable choice for permanent resistance to fire and its deadly destruction. Interior concrete “fire walls” have long been recognized for the protection they provide to adjacent rooms. Outside perimeter walls offer that same resistance to natural wildfires. Engineer’s studies confirm that the addition of the insulating forms does not affect a concrete wall’s Fire Ratings.

Information coutesy of Portland Cement Association.

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Best Insurance Rates – Fold-Form’s high efficiency structures are acknowledged by most insurance firms to have the lowest possible risk for major damage from winds, fire and earthquakes. As a result, many carriers award the lowest possible rates to residential and commercial buildings constructed with the Fold-Form system.

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Design Versatility – Conventional building designs and blueprints do not have to change to build with Fold-Form. All types of window and door schedules can be incorporated into the building’s design. Most building codes allow for 4-inch concrete perimeter walls in one and two story residential and light commercial buildings. Including the insulating forms, these walls are slightly thicker (8-inches) than ordinary framed walls. Fold-Form’s special feature hardware allows contractors to build all types of special angles and appointments.