Click here to learn more about the physical attributes of the KORE ICF product. 

Fire Safe 

Building Regulations state that a building shall be designed and constructed so that in the event of fire, its stability will be maintained for a reasonable period. The fire resistance of an ICF wall is achieved by the central continuous concrete core of the wall.

Homes built with the KORE System will exceed regulatory requirements for fire and provide enhanced resistance up to four times longer than the basic requirements. A typical KORE wall in a dwelling is constructed using 150mm of concrete which can achieve a fire resistance of more than 60 minutes, while thicker KORE walls can provide fire resistance far in excess of this.

The in-built fire resistance of concrete also means that it will not burn, produce smoke, contribute to the fire load or produce poisonous gasses.

The fire resistance properties of concrete will help to ensure that the structure remains secure until the fire can be controlled. This means that a KORE home would be more structurally sound after a fire and could be efficiently repaired, unlike lightweight framed systems, which may need to be demolished.

The polystyrene the forms the KORE System contains an additive that prevents them from allowing combustion. In other words, you cannot light them. If you were to hold a flame to polystyrene it will not ignite but melt. As soon as the flame source is removed, the melting will stop and the polystyrene will not burn.

Durability

Concrete is incredibly durable, it can withstand the most hostile of environments and will not warp, rust, rot or burn. For this reason a KORE building can be expected to last with minimum maintenance far in excess of lightweight construction.

The permanent formwork provides excellent protection for the concrete and enables it to cure properly under controlled temperature conditions. This ensures that the concrete achieves the required design strength. Where extra strength is required steel reinforcing can easily be installed prior to the pour.

The KORE System can be constructed in all weathers and the concrete poured in the coolest of weathers. The KORE panels promote the rapid moist curing of concrete producing a higher strength structure that will protect and withstand the elements.

Acoustics

Especially as developments get more and more dense in our citeis, towns and villages the amount of noise that enters from the outside is a growing concern. 

ICF walls have excellent sound absorption qualities as the KORE panel reduces impact sound while at the same time the concrete core will absorb airborne sound. The KORE System is suitable for installation for both internal and external wall structures as the KORE Bridge is available in various lengths depending on the thickness of concrete specificed.

Indoor Air Quality

The trend throughout the construction industry is to build airtight buildings to minimise the entry of unwanted pollutants and moisture and then introduce fresh air through a controlled ventilation system. This approach is made easier with the KORE structure as it forms a monolithic concrete wall structure which is highly impermeable to the passage of air, and this performance is further enhanced by the application of render finishes and lining systems. However it is important to remember that having an airtight wall structure is only going to be one hundred percent successful once the other key aspects of the building, such as the roof, are handled in the appropriate manner.

Unlike wood, which is an organic material, a KORE ICF wall does not provide a food source for mold, ensuring a healthy internal environment for all occupants.

Resisting the Elements

With changing weather patterns in recent years many areas of the country have been badly affected by wind, rain and flood damage, and consequently high costs to repair the damage.

The materials that form KORE Walls, polystyrene and concrete, do not deteriorate when wet and cope well with flooding and accidental spillage. For the ultimate flood resistance couple your KORE ICF walls with a suitable internal wall finish such as cement-based boards, robust ground floor finishes, service routed down from the ceiling and switches and sockets positioned above flood height.

The structural strength offered by a KORE wall ensures superior wind resistance, which is especially important in all coastal regions.

Sustainability

The area in which ICF makes the biggest contribution to a sustainable future is in the production of durable, energy efficient homes. The flexibility that the KORE System affords to designers means that optimum use can be made of glazing to capture natural light and solar gains, while the airtight nature reduces loss of energy.

To further enhance the sustainability of the KORE System we recommend that GGBS concrete is poured into the wall structure. During GGBS production there is no quarrying involved and results in zero CO2 emissions. In addition GGBS cement has a higher strength and lower air permeability.

During the production of polystyrene a small amount of hydrocarbon blowing agent is used but is readily decomposes in the atmosphere and as a result does not have any adverse impact in the ozone layer. Polystyrene does not contain CFCs or HCFCs.

It is important to note the life cycle of an ICF building greatly exceeds the 60 year period often taken in comparison exercises. Overall throughout its life a KORE building consumes lower levels of energy and therefore produces much less carbon dioxide.

Comfort

The very components of a KORE building that ensures energy efficiency also keeps the interior environment more comfortable. There are fewer cold and hot spot differentials, fewer drafts and a more temperature stable environment.

In many timber framed houses the locations of the wall containing wood do not have insulation coverage, resulting in large areas of thermal bridging. These create large uninsulated areas throughout the property, where the wall will be warmer in summer and colder in winter. This is not the case with ICF.

The thermal mass of the concrete walls helps to even out the highs and lows of temperature differentials as the walls heats up and cools down slowly.