|
 Frequently Asked Questions - Design Professional
|
|
| |
Paving Stone Questions |
| |
|
| |
<back to top> |
|
| |
Keystone Product Questions |
| |
|
| |
<back to top> |
|
| |
Marble Face / Marble Face Polished Questions |
| |
|
| |
<back to top> |
|
| |
NRG Block Questions |
| |
|
| |
<back to top> |
|
| |
Paving Stone Questions & Answers |
| |
| Q1: |
Why do Anchor Paving Stones make a better pavement than asphalt or concrete? |
| A1: |
Properly installed Anchor Concrete paving stones provide a superior pavement to asphalt and concrete in a freeze/thaw environment. Paving stones provide a rigid yet flexible pavement that will expand and contract with the freeze/thaw cycles. Each paving stone provides an expansion joint to allow for this movement, unlike concrete slabs that have expansion joints formed and cut into them. Paving stones can also be easily dismantled to make repairs to utilities that may be underneath the surface, and then repaired without a patch quilt look to the pavement. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q2: |
Are all paving stones interlocking? |
| A2: |
Some paving stones interlock based on their shape. Others achieve interlock by the laying pattern. When installed on a proper base with one inch of sand as a setting bed, and proper joint sand placed between the paving stones, all paving stones achieve interlock. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q3: |
Does the color fade over time? |
| A3: |
No. Color in concrete paving stones does not fade. Dirt, dust and other inert matter can mask the color in the paving stones. Anchor Concrete also uses the Anchor Guard process that will provide a higher concentration of color at the surface of the paving stone. This process will also provide a longer, more durable wearing surface than other types of paving stones available in the marketplace today. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q4: |
How much quarry process and sand do I need for my project? |
| A4: |
This will depend on the type of installation that you are doing. For a patio or sidewalk, the ICPI recommends that 4 to 6 inches of quarry process on a compacted sub base, with 1 inch of course concrete sand as the setting bed for the paving stones. For a driveway, you should use 8-12 inches of quarry process with 1 inch of course concrete sand as the setting bed. Usually 1 ton of quarry process or sand will cover 100 square feet 2 inches thick. So for a 100 square foot patio, you would need 2 tons of quarry process (4 inches thick) and Vi ton of concrete sand (1 inch thick). You will also need to have about 3 to 5% more sand for sweeping into the joints between the paving stones. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q5: |
Why should I use sand for the setting bed and sweeping into the joints between the paving stones? |
| A5: |
The sand used for the setting bed should always be of a course sand type. Concrete sand is the optimum type and gradation for this part of the project. This is a national uniform specification set forth by the Interlocking Concrete Paving Institute (ICPI). Some people like to use stone dust, and in some areas, stone dust can be an effective setting bed. The reason stone dust is not recommended is because it will not allow for drainage under the paving stone. It is also harder to get the paving stones to "seat" properly in a setting bed of stone dust. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q6: |
Should I mix some Portland cement into the sand I am going to sweep into the paving stones and the setting bed sand? |
| A6: |
No. Never mix Portland with the sweeping sand. This will cause a stain that will be permanent. As far as the setting sand is concerned, you will be defeating the purpose of a flexible system. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q7: |
How do paving stones compare in performance to stamped concrete? |
| A7: |
Stamped concrete is merely concrete slabs with a pattern stamped into the surface. They are susceptible to the same problems of a concrete slab sidewalk or patio. Cracking due to freeze/thaw cycles may happen with a stamped concrete patio. Paving stones can be dismantled and repaired with the same product being used on the surface. How do you repair a utility, such as a pool filter, that may break under a concrete slab? You would need to cut out and remove the concrete and repair it, and pour new concrete and stamp it. It will never match. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q8: |
Should I seal my concrete paving stones? Are there any advantages to doing this? |
| A8: |
There are several advantages to sealing concrete paving stones. Sealing paving stones will help them to resist staining. Sealing will also help to bind the sand in place and prevent germination of weed seeds that may collect at the surface of joint sand. In New Jersey and New York, only water-based sealers are available. One disadvantage to sealing paving stones is that it would need to be sealed every couple of years, thus increasing the maintenance of the project. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q9: |
Will weeds grow up from my paving stones? |
| A9: |
The growth of weeds or grass results from seeds blowing into, and then lodging in the joint sand. Weeds do not grow up from the bottom through the quarry process. Controlling these weeds is a simple solution. Mix a pre-emergent weed killer into the joint sand. Should weeds germinate over time, the use of a post emergence weed killer, such as Round-up, can be spot sprayed to control the problem. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q10: |
What can I do if my paving stones become damaged or badly stained? |
| A10: |
You can easily remove a paving stone and replace it. Sometimes, oil stains can be so bad that they cannot be removed with an oil stain remover. Simply remove the paving stones and replace them with clean stones. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q11: |
How do I remove snow from my paving stone driveway or walkway? |
| A11: |
Paving stones can be shoveled and plowed the same as a concrete or asphalt pavement. The chamfered edges around the paving stones help to prevent the edges of the plow from hitting the comers of the stones. A plow with a rubber edge is preferred. Rock salt and calcium chloride will melt snow and ice, but they can also harm the paving stones. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q12: |
Can I lay my new paving stones over my existing concrete driveway and patio? |
| A12: |
Yes, provided you have ample room to allow for the additional 3 inches that will be above the concrete. If this is going into a doorway, you may have a problem with clearance. Also, the concrete should be free of any major cracks. Remember, any movement in the concrete slabs that you are going over will show themselves in the surface of the paving stones. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q13: |
Can I use Anchor paving stones around my new pool? |
| A13: |
Can I use Anchor paving stones around my new pool? A: Yes. Paving stones make an attractive pool deck and provide a slip resistant walking surface. Paving stones also take on moisture, leaving a pavement cooler underfoot than the traditional poured concrete surface. Anchor Concrete Products, Inc. also has a bullnose paving stone that will make an attractive pool coping that will match the paving stones around your pool deck. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Keystone Product Questions & Answers |
| |
| Q1: |
How high can Keystone walls be built without the use of geogid? |
| A1: |
Keystone walls can be constructed between 2' (.6m) and 6' (1.8m) high depending on the type of unit, soil conditions, amount of batter used, and surcharge on top of wall. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q2: |
Are concrete footings ever necessary or required? |
| A2: |
Most Keystone walls can be built directly on 4-6" (100-150mm) of well compacted granular base. However, there may be occasion to consider the use of a concrete leveling pad. EXAMPLE: Applications in or near water, a taller wall built on soft sub-soils, or a wall that is very long and by using a concrete footing, the contractor can speed up the installation process. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q3: |
Can I use sand to help level the units? |
| A3: |
Yes. After the road base material has been leveled and compacted, a '/2" (13mm) to 1" (25mm) of sand may be used to help speed up the leveling process. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q4: |
Can adjustments be made on a concrete leveling pad? |
| A4: |
Minor inconsistencies on a concrete leveling pad will not usually create much of a problem. However, if there are noticeable differences in block height as the units are placed due to low spots in the leveling pad, a thin layer of sand or mortar may be used to help the leveling process. High point inconsistencies may require some grinding. Make all adjustments as gradual as possible. Before you begin laying the base course, be sure to check that the leveling pad is level front to back. Make corrections as needed, especially if the back of the footing is higher than the front. It is important to note, that taking the time to accurately level and finish off the concrete leveling pad will allow for minimal adjustment time and greatly speed up the installation process. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q5: |
How many Keystone units should be buried? |
| A5: |
Typically, 1" (25mm) is buried for every 8" (200mm) of wall height with a minimum of 6" (150mm) below finished grade. In most cases, other than where the grade slopes away from the wall at the base, 3 to 4 units are the maximum to be buried on tall walls. More than that does not create an added benefit. Unit burial is not a function of building below frost depth in cold climate areas like rigid wall systems, but is meant to provide resistance to base exposure from erosion to grade in front of the wall. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q6: |
Is there a way to figure how much setback there will be per course before construction of the wall begins? |
| A6: |
Yes. Level three units side by side and install the pins in the preferred set of pin holes. Set the next course of Keystone units on the three you just leveled and slide them forward toward the wall face so they are in full contact with the pins. Measure the distance the second course tails are overhanging the units below. This will give you your true setback per course. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q7: |
Should I always begin construction at one end of the wall or is it o.k. to start in the middle? |
| A7: |
Construction of the wall should begin at your lowest point whenever possible. If the wall is going to tie into a building or structure, measure the distance from the comer of the Keystone unit to the edge of the building and make sure the distance is in an increment of 18" (457mm). (Full, unit width). |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q8: |
What size rock is best suited for filling in and around the Keystone units in the drainage zone? |
| A8: |
A clean, angular W (20mm) rock is best for corefill if available. Otherwise, use a clean rock material that is '/2 - 1 '/2" (15-40mm) in diameter. Avoid aggregates that are round in nature. Angular material will provide the best interlocking strength. Also, avoid material that contains a lot of fine grains in that these fines can flow with water through the wall and possibly stain the wall face. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q9: |
How much rock do I need to use? |
| A9: |
Adequately fill all open cores and 12" (305mm) behind the unit when using a Keystone Compac unit. The additional rock behind the unit provides better drainage and eliminates the need for compaction equipment directly behind the wall. For Keystone Standard units, core filling needs only to be placed in all open cores to the back of the tail. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q10: |
What advantages are there to using a pinned system? |
| A10: |
Unlike other retaining wall products. Keystone's pinned system offers the choice of near vertical or one inch setback options. It allows you to achieve tight comers and radii automatically without having to cut units while maintaining the running bond pattern. The Keystone fiberglass pins also provide additional shear strength at the wall face and positive connection with geogrid which allows proper pre-tensioning and resistance to bulging during construction. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q11: |
How high can Keystone units be stacked before placing unit corefill and backfill? |
| A11: |
Keystone recommends adding corefill and backfill after each consecutive course for the Compac units. This insures that all voids are properly filled with rock providing maximum interlocking strength. It also aids in keeping the wall straight and reduces the amount ofwaisted rock. NOTE: Because of the depth and size of open core areas on the Keystone Standard units, Keystone recommends that the standard units can be stacked up to a maximum of 3 units before placing unit corefill and backfill. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q12: |
What type of material should be used to backfill? |
| A12: |
Granular materials such as rock and sand are best if available. These types of materials compact fairly easy and won't hold moisture than can increase the weight of the soil behind the wall. Keystone walls can be effectively built with silty material and lean clays, but these types of soils require more compaction and care should be taken not to place these materials when they are wet. High clay soils that shrink and swell rapidly as well as organic soils should be avoided. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q13: |
How often do I need to compact the fill soils? |
| A13: |
Compacting backfill material in 8" to 12" (200mm-300mm) lifts allows you to effectively compact the entire area behind the wall without putting unnecessary pressure on the units. Thick lifts of soil require more compaction effort and create a greater force at the back of the wall which may cause potential alignment and rotation problems. Consult with a geotechnical engineer for further compaction criteria based on specific site soil. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q14: |
How often should the wall's alignment be checked? |
| A14: |
Wall alignment should be checked at least every third course by visually looking down the wall or using a string line along the pin holes or tall positions. The wall should also be checked every 15-20' (4.6m-6.1m) to make sure the units are level from front to back. If the bubble on the level is high to the back, this means the wall is building to negative batter (leaning forward) and needs corrective measures. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q15: |
How can I fix units that are out of level? |
| A15: |
If the units are leaning back toward the embankment, due to geogrid thickness or units being thicker in front than back, this is generally not a problem in that the batter is increased. However, if space is limited on top of the wall, this could be a problem because the wall is setting back faster than expected. To correct this problem, you may uniformly insert shims under the tails to bring the units back to level. The best material for this would be excess geogrid, pieces of asphalt shingles or other appropriate non-deteriorating materials. Avoid using wood or materials that will deteriorate over time. Care should be taken to make adjustment in small increments. If the units are rotating outward and higher toward the back of the unit, the problem should be addressed immediately. If the tails are higher than the fronts by more than Vi" (20mm), disassembling and portion of the wall should be considered. The same guidelines and materials for shimming the back of units may be used for the fronts as well. For minor adjustment, tapping down the back of the units with a maul or dead blow hammer may also help. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q16: |
How can units that are out of alignment be fixed? |
| A16: |
To determine which units are out of alignment, run a string line across the pin holes before the pins are placed. Adjust the misaligned units by sliding back and forth until the pin holes are in alignment with the string line. If when looking down at the kidney shaped holes, you see that these units are not in full contact with the pins below due to the adjustment, don't be alarmed. The gravel fill should adequately fill in around this area to secure the unit against the pin. If the unit type you are using has the dual pin option, either position may be used if it helps the alignment process. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q17: |
When building gravity walls with terraces, what is the recommended distance between the terraced walls where the upper wall does not affect the loading condition on the lower wall? |
| A17: |
The distance between terraces (face of wall to face of wall) should be greater than or equal to two times the lower wall height. Typically this can also work for lower height soil reinforced walls. With higher reinforced walls or walls built on a slope, the issue of global stability must be considered by a qualified engineer in analyzing the terrace situation. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Marble Face / Marble Face Polished Questions and Answers |
| |
| Q1: |
How is the product made? |
| A1: |
Marble Face Ground Face masonry units are integrally colored concrete blocks with one or more faces ground to expose the variegated colors of the natural aggregates. A special additive is included in the concrete mix design to prevent efflorescence. A factory-applied, clear satin gloss acrylic accentuates and highlights each burnished face and provides moisture resistance. Marble Face Polished masonry units offer smooth terrazzo-like surfaces. After the initial grinding process, the face(s) is then polished smooth in a multi-stage process. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q2: |
Is the color on the surface or all through the blocks? |
| A2: |
The color is integral, i.e. it is uniform throughout the concrete block. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q3: |
How can I be sure it will not be chipped and scuffed in shipment and jobsite handling? |
| A3: |
Anchor takes great care in the manufacturing, packaging, and shipping of Marble Face Polished Ground Face units to protect the finished surfaces. The units are placed on sturdy wooden pallets and a layer of heavy cardboard is placed between each layer of blocks. The entire cube is then covered with a heavy gauge plastic bag and strapped with steel banding. Marble Face Polished Ground Face units should be handled as finished material on the jobsite to avoid scuffing, chipping, or other damage. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q4: |
Can I grind these blocks at the jobsite? |
| A4: |
No. Precision equipment is needed to grind and polish Marble Face Polished Ground Face units and this can only be done satisfactorily in the factory. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q5: |
Can any mason install this product? |
| A5: |
Any mason can install this product. However, we find that masons who are not highly skilled do a very poor job installing Marble Face Polished Ground Face units. Conversely, masons experienced in laying architectural blocks who are good craftsmen can lay ground face blocks very well. Unfortunately, no matter how well our blocks are manufactured, if they are not laid well, the appearance of the project is diminished. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q6: |
What is the difference between lightweight, mediumweight, and normalweight blocks? |
| A6: |
ASTM C90 specification for load-bearing concrete masonry units defines lightweight as concrete less than 105 lbs per cu. ft., mediumweight as concrete between 105 and 125 lbs per cu. ft. and normalweight as concrete of 125 lbs per cu. ft. or more. The aggregate used to make lightweight blocks is usually expanded shale, expanded clay, pumice, or some similar type of open-cell material. By its nature such aggregate is porous and will allow some moisture penetration. ASTM C90 sets the maximum rate of absorption at 18 lbs per cu. ft. for lightweight, 15 lbs per cu. ft. for mediumweight, and 13 lbs per cu. ft. for normalweight. Most Marble Face Polished Ground Face units are normalweight. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q7: |
What is the difference between Marble Face and Marble Face Polished /Trendstone Plus® Ground Face Products? |
| A7: |
Marble Face units are ground on the face or faces and an acrylic is applied to the finished surfaces. Marble Face Polished units, as the name implies, involves an extra process. After the initial grinding, the faces(s) is then polished smooth with a multi-stage process producing a naturally reflective surface. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q8: |
What is the surface coating? |
| A8: |
A clear high solids acrylic coating is applied in the factory on marble face units after the blocks are ground and polished. It is completely light stable and will not deteriorate with exterior exposure and weathering. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q9: |
What is the life expectancy of the product? |
| A9: |
50 years plus-if the building is properly designed and the Marble Face Polished Ground Face units are installed correctly. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q10: |
Can you control the color consistency? |
| A10: |
Yes. Great care is taken in the Marble Face Polished Ground Face manufacturing processes to ensure a high degree of color consistency. This includes checking incoming raw materials, use of computer controlled precision automatic color injection equipment, precise control of the moisture, the curing process, etc. As with any natural product, there are minor color variations from block to block. Final inspection includes dry stacking samples drawn from the production line every half hour and comparing to the master sample for that project. Always request a jobsite field panel to be erected prior to approval. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q11: |
Can you match colors? |
| A11: |
Yes, within the limitations of the aggregates available at each of our plants. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q12: |
If I want to put on an addition a year or more after the original installation of Marble Face Polished /Ground Face blocks, will the new Marble Face Polished /Ground Face blocks match the old? |
| A12: |
We can usually match previously manufactured colors quite well. However, we recommend that if possible, a small piece be cut or chipped from the existing wall and sent to us. If that is not possible a new sample of the color should be visually compared to the existing wall and adjustment made to the color if necessary. Aggregates are a product of "Mother Nature" however and can vary over time. Always order a full size current sample to verify color. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q13: |
Can Marble Face Polished /Ground Face units be used in flooring or paving? |
| A13: |
The distance between terraces (face of wall to face of wall) should be greater than or equal to two times the lower wall height. Typically this can also work for lower height soil reinforced walls. With higher reinforced walls or walls built on a slope, the issue of global stability must be considered by a qualified engineer in analyzing the terrace situation. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q14: |
Why should I pay a premium for Marble Face Polished /Ground Face units when there are so many other less expensive ground face blocks, split-face blocks, or bricks? |
| A14: |
Marble Face Polished /Ground Face units are the highest quality ground face or burnished blocks available. Anchor Condrete Products specializes exclusively in prefinished concrete masonry units. If quality and service are important to you - you should specify and use Marble Face Polished /Ground Face units. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q15: |
What special shapes are available? Can you provide bullnose corners? Are they available in larger sizes? |
| Q15: |
A large assortment of special shapes are available or can be made. We have numerous molds, jigs, etc. - the most in the industry. Give us a drawing or sketch of the special shapes you would like and let us show you what we can do. We offer a chamfered corner instead of a bullnose. Most designers prefer it. Bullnose corners can be provided at a higher cost. A full range of oversize units are available. See monumental brochure. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q16: |
What do I use for the washdown to remove mortar and scum? |
| A16: |
Refer to the Cleaning Instructions sheet in our product literature. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q17: |
What happens if acid is used on Marble Face Polished /Trendstone Plus® Ground Face blocks? |
| A17: |
The danger involved in using acid on Marble Face Polished /Trendstone Plus® Ground Face surfaces is that a small amount of the solution can soak behind the acrylic coating. If this is not completely removed by rinsing, over time it will degrade the concrete behind the coating causing discoloration and/or microscopic peeling of the acrylic. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q18: |
Are they UL rated? |
| A18: |
Marble Face Polished /Ground Face blocks are tested annually to Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standards by various independent testing laboratories. Therefore, they are UL rated although they are not UL listed, there being no requirement that ground faced blocks be UL listed in the United States. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q19: |
Can I return blocks I do not use? |
| A19: |
No, all Marble Face Polished /Ground Face blocks are custom made. We require a signed sales contract before we will start manufacturing any order. Since we don't make any blocks for stock, any Marble Face Polished /Ground Face blocks that are ordered in excess must be taken and cannot be returned. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q20: |
Is the score cast or cut? |
| A20: |
The score is cut into the finished side of Marble Face Polished /Ground Face blocks. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q21: |
Can I get the back side of the exposed, unfinished block scored to match the score on the finished face? |
| A21: |
Yes. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q22: |
Do I tuckpoint the scored joint? |
| A22: |
The scored joints must be tuckpointed to match the rest of the mortar joints. If they are not, the continuity between the scored joint and the mortar joint is lost. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q23: |
Is there any special mortar required? |
| A23: |
Colored mortar that matches or complements the Marble Face Polished /Ground Face colors can create a beautiful effect. For more information on mortars see Mortars in the GENERAL information sheets in our product literature. W.R. Grace DRY-BLOCK® is recommended for all exterior mortar. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
NRG Block Questions and Answers |
| |
| Q1: |
What is the R-Value of a NRG Block? |
| A1: |
For a normal weight block (125/ft3), the R-Value is 20 and 22 respectively, for 10" and 12" blocks. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q2: |
What method is used to calculate these R-Values? |
| A2: |
Values are calculated using the equivalent thickness method as recommended by the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA). |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q3: |
Is this the same as the Parallel Method? |
| A3: |
No, the Parallel method typically results in higher R-Values, but is not considered accurate to be accepted by the building industry. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q4: |
How does this R-Value compare with common block? |
| A4: |
A NRG Block is six to ten times higher in R-Value than a common block, which ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 depending upon the aggregate used. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q5: |
How does this R-Value compare to other insulated block? |
| A5: |
Other blocks using inserts or hollow core blocks with poured insulation range between 5 and 6 for a 9 and 10" block. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q6: |
How do these R-Values relate to building codes in both residential and commercial? |
| A6: |
Most residential building codes require a minimum of R-11 in the basement and R-19 in sidewalls. Most commercial codes address the energy efficiency of the building as a whole. This is known as the envelope. NRG Block's higher R-Value allows for trade offs, such as more windows or skylights. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q7: |
What type of energy dollar savings can I realize over a year? |
| A7: |
Niagara Mohawk, an electric company in upstate New York, estimated that a 10,000 sq. ft commercial building would save $500 annually. National Fuel Gas, a utility company in the same area, estimated an annual savings of $300 for gas heat in a 6,700 sq. ft. office/warehouse complex. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| Q8: |
What is your insert made of? |
| A8: |
Expanded polystyrene (EPS). |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q9: |
What is the percentage of recycled material in your inserts? |
| A9: |
We are currently using 15% to 30% but would like to use more, up to 60%. Unfortunately, it is not readily available. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q10: |
Is there any toxic material in the inserts? |
| A10: |
No. It is non-toxic and contains no formaldehyde. Expanded polystyrene is the same substance used in Styrofoam coffee cups. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q11: |
Does the process for making the insert use any CFC's or other environmentally unsafe processes? |
| A11: |
Chloroflourocarbons are not used in its production. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q12: |
How much does this block cost as compared to regular block? |
| A12: |
Compared to un-insulated common blocks, NRG Block generally costs $3.50 to $4.00 more per block. However, on a Cost/Sq.Ft./R-Value (ie. Apples to apples), NRG Block always costs less. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q13: |
How does this block compare in cost with other insulated blocks on the market? |
| A13: |
Most insulated blocks add $.70 to $1.15 to the cost of a common un-insulated block. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q14: |
Compared to non-masonry, where can I pick up savings in using this type of wall system? |
| A14: |
NRG Block, like all masonry material has high Thermal Mass and Heat Capacity, as well as, Thermal Lag - all which allow specification of smaller and less expensive heating and cooling units. Annual fire insurance premiums are lower by as much as 60% with masonry construction. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q15: |
What size NRG Blocks are available? |
| A15: |
Currently, nominal 8", 10" and 12" widths by 16" lengths and 8" height. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q16: |
Does it only come in common block or are architectural styles available? |
| A16: |
NRG Blocks can be made in all types of architectural finishes including split face, smooth face, marble face polished and weathered face finishes. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q17: |
Are the blocks available in colors and specials? |
| A17: |
Yes, the block can be made using a large variety of aggregates, added color, and added waterproofing. Specialty blocks such as corners and halves are not currently available, but common blocks can be substituted in their place. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q18: |
Is this a structural block? |
| A18: |
Yes, tests show that NRG Blocks meet or exceed the minimum standards set by ASTM C90-90. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q19: |
Can this block be used in a firewall? |
| A19: |
Yes. 10" NRG walls are rated at four (4) hours. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q20: |
Can this wall be used in below-grade applications as well as in above-grade applications? |
| A20: |
Yes, below-grade applications often must use both horizontal and vertical reinforcement depending on the size of the block used and the soil conditions and code requirements in a particular area. NRG Block can accommodate most of these situations. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q21: |
Are the test results for the block available? |
| A21: |
Yes, test results will be sent to licensed architects or engineers. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q22: |
What is the NRG Block wall system STC sound rating? |
| A22: |
The 12 " block has a Sound Transmission Class (STC) of 55. We estimate that the 10" block has an STC of 53 based on a direct interpolation. These results are better than Soundblox®, the leading sound absorbing masonry design sold in today's market. The NRG Block is the only block that has a solid façade yet still will provide a superior noise barrier to any other block on the market. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q23: |
Where are the blocks made? |
| A23: |
NRG Licenses block manufacturers to produce and service a regional area. Licensees distribute the blocks through normal channels, such as dealers and building and masonry contractors. Anchor Concrete Products is the licensed manufacturer of NRG Block in the tri-state area and Philadelphia market. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q24: |
How are the blocks made? |
| A24: |
We took great pains to minimize the differences in manufacturing NRG Block. The mold box and parts supplied as part of the license agreement retrofit into the manufacturer's machine (Besser) and the process is virtually the same. Most facades available from a licensed manufacturer are available in the NRG design. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q25: |
Do the blocks come already assembled with the insert ion them? |
| A25: |
Yes, the inserts are either hand or machine inserted as the cured blocks exit the drying kiln (min. 6 hours). They are then cubed, palletized and shrink-wrapped for shipping. Upon arrival at the job-site, the mason lays them up just like common blocks. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q26: |
How do you handle this block? |
| A26: |
Handling is a matter of preference. After a short learning curve (3-4 hours), masons are comfortable handling the block. The thumbholes should be used and the laborer should always present the blocks with the same orientation to facilitate bundling. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| Q27: |
Will the mason's charge a premium to put this block in? |
| A27: |
Our experience is that the range of up-charges are from 0 to 10%. We believe that this is reasonable and insignificant as it pertains to the cost effectiveness of a NRG wall. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q28: |
Does this block go in slower than ordinary block? |
| A28: |
The up-charge would indicate that the masons expect up to a 10% fall-off in production. However, we have observed that such a fall-off occurs during the learning curve phase but approaches zero as they continue to lay-up the block. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q29: |
What do you do for specialty block such as corners and halves? |
| A29: |
NRG Blocks are made to standard dimensions and, therefore, can be mixed for easy coursing with standard hollow core blocks. NRG Reinforcing Units can be made with one end flush for use as corner or sash blocks. |
| |
<return to questions> |
|
| |
|
| Q30: |
Are there provisions for horizontal and vertical reinforcing? |
| A30: |
Yes, the top of the | | |
