FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BuildBlock ICFs Releases BuildShield Fire Stop Protection

Oklahoma City, OK – BuildBlock Building Systems is introducing BuildShield, a barrier for firestop protection in an ICF wall. BuildShield is a combination of two materials when combined offer fire stop protection providing additional protection in fire prone areas. This product will be available in early January 2016. BuildBlock built an ASTM 814E Fire Stop.

BuildShield combines an extruded PVC plastic track with an adhesive stainless steel material applied together between near the top of the wall in an above grade course when constructing an ICF wall. The track supports the stainless steel material on both sides of the foam block extending on one side into the concrete core and other edge of the track extends outward to the edge of the wall finish. The track is scored to allow easy trimming depending on finish options to allow adjustments for most applications.

“ICF walls offer superior protection from fire because of the insulation combined with a solid concrete core. In a serious fire situation where the exterior is compromised an intense fire can melt EPS foam up the wall creating a chimney effect, venting hot gasses into the attic or roof system”, says Mike Garrett, BuildBlock CEO. “As an engineer, I look for simple ways to solve problems before they start. BuildShield does that by placing a stainless steel barrier initially held in place by a PVC track that extends from the concrete core outward to the edge of the finish. This prevents hot gases and sparks from moving up the foam insulation into the attic or upper floors of a structure.”

The BuildShield extrusion combined with the stainless steel creates a physical barrier to flames, hot gasses, and sparks. The protection comes from the stainless steel material which has a melting point of 1535°C. The PVC track ensures a form fit to the ICF block both inward to the concrete core and outward to the finish which greatly reduces the chances of penetration by hot gasses or fire. This solution is quick to install, cost-effective, and adds additional protection to ICFs in fire prone areas.

BuildShield Fire Stop Protection Gallery

About BuildBlock

BuildBlock^® Building Systems is the manufacturer of BuildBlock Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) the most environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient and disaster resistant method of residential and commercial construction. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, BuildBlock serves North America through 14 manufacturing facilities in North America including locations in Mexico and Canada.

About ICFs

Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) are hollow foam blocks which are stacked into the shape of the exterior walls of a building, reinforced with steel rebar, and then filled with concrete. Insulated concrete forms combine one of the finest insulating materials, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), with one of the strongest structural building materials, steel reinforced concrete. The result is a wall system of unmatched comfort, energy efficiency, strength, and noise reduction.

More information about BuildBlock® Insulating Concrete Forms can be found online at buildblock.com or by calling 866-222-2575.

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