A leader in foundation products, CertainTeed Corporation, has made an investment in ARXX to further develop the growing market for ARXX’s innovative Apex Block(TM), a naturally insulating cement-foam building material used for both above- and below-grade walls. Terms of the investment were not disclosed.
CertainTeed will market and sell this unique product under the company’s brand name and include it as part of its pioneering foundations product line.
Apex Block is an Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) building system made from 100 percent post-industrial/pre-consumer expanded polystyrene (EPS) and cement. Apex units are assembled like Lego(R) blocks and form a strong skeletal-type post & beam structure of reinforced concrete, capable of supporting multi-story structures.
“The Apex Block benefits contractors, architects, owners and occupants of both residential and commercial properties,” says Steve Gross, Director of Marketing for CertainTeed’s Foundation business. “Apex is a system that truly aligns with CertainTeed’s strategy to effectively promote innovative, green building materials.
The Apex Block has a four-hour fire resistance rating in accordance with ASTM E84-05, and is resistant to mold and mildew, as well as insect and termite infestation. Apex promotes healthy indoor air quality and boasts exceptional energy efficiency, saving owners and occupants of residential and commercial properties up to 50 percent on their energy bills. Contractors benefit by building more quickly and efficiently with less materials and waste, and architects are better able to balance weather resistance, energy efficiency, and eye-appealing beauty into their creative visions.
“CertainTeed’s investment perfectly validates our green envelope solutions,” says Gloria Tuck, Director of Marketing for ARXX. “It will further develop the strength and knowledge of ARXX, and allow our customers to more fully utilize sustainable building principles in their projects.”
The Apex Block joins CertainTeed’s line of premium foundation products, which also includes Form-A-Drain(R), ThermaEZE(R) and Platon. Form-A-Drain is a patented three-in-one concrete footing form system, foundation drainage system and sub-slab perimeter radon reduction system. ThermaEZE is an innovative technology that provides a cost-effective means for building thermally efficient above-and below-grade poured concrete walls. Platon is a unique air-gap polyethylene waterproofing membrane that provides superior wall, flooring and underslab moisture control protection for all types of foundations, and isolates living spaces from damp concrete walls and floors.
For more information, visit www.certainteed.com or www.apexblock.com .
About CertainTeed
Through innovation and creative product design, CertainTeed has helped shape the building products industry for more than 100 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Company, the firm made its slogan “Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed,” which quickly inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed is North America’s leading brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, windows, fence, decking, railing, trim, foundations, pipe, insulation, gypsum, ceilings and access covers.
Headquartered in Valley Forge, Pa., CertainTeed and its affiliates have more than 7,000 employees and more than 70 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. In 2007 the group had consolidated sales of more than $3 billion. www.certainteed.com
ARXX(R) Corporation is a provider of green building envelope solutions that includes tested and certified Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) for building walls and foundations. ARXX green building systems consist of ARXX(R) forms, APEX(TM) recycled block, scaffold and alignment systems, waterproofing and accessories. ARXX products are used in commercial, residential and institutional building applications to construct high-performance, sustainable buildings that are safe, healthy, comfortable and energy efficient.
The future of concrete is green.
Green buildings are so much more than today’s predominant architectural trend. They are the beginning of a brighter future. But, until now, they haven’t had a green concrete foundation to stand on. Introducing EF Technology™, U.S. Concrete companies’ commitment to produce an environmentally superior concrete product. These environmentally friendly concrete products conserve natural resources, reduce pollutants, and bring green foundations to all types of concrete construction that are good for you, your environment, your community, your project and, indeed, the world.
“Pour” over these facts:
• Reduces greenhouse gasses by replacing Portland cement, which is responsible for 6-8% of
human-generated CO2 in the environment
• Reduces landfill space consumption by using fly ash and slag
• Reduces raw material consumption by replacing a portion of Portland cement with fly ash and slag
• EF Technology products are readily available and cost-effective alternatives to traditional Portland cement concrete
• Increases a building’s environmental performance rating, benefi ting LEED credit qualification
Better environment.
Better foundation.
As the premier provider of superior concrete products, it’s only natural that we would pave the way for a greener future. Developed by the U.S. Concrete team, EF Technology’s ecosmart process replaces Portland cement with reclaimed fly ash and slag (by-products of coal-fired industrial plants or steel mills). This resource saving process cuts down on greenhouse gasses and reduces landfill. An environmentally superior concrete that allows you to breathe easier about your choice. Whatever your building requirements, from foundations, walls and driveways to pavements, bridges, high-rise structures and more, adding green concrete to your designs can increase environmental performance and even provide cost savings. EF Technology product attributes qualify for credits under Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits. So, as you can see, you get a superior product choice, and it’s friendly to both the environment and your budget.
A concrete future.
A cleaner world for today. A brighter future for our children. Not only does our EF Technology provide a safer environment now and well into the future, it also produces a stronger-performing, more durable product – one that you can truly feel good about, for years to come. And it just might turn others green with envy. The best concrete for the job is also the best concrete for the environment.
• High fly ash concrete results in less bleeding and shrinkage than traditional concrete mixes
• Replacement of Portland cement with EF Technology improves the strength of concrete, increasing chemical resistance and durability
• Lower hydration and heat rates improve the integrity of mass concrete structures such as large foundations and bridges
• EF Technology saves between 100 and 300 pounds of mined natural resources for each cubic yard of concrete produced.
www.us-concrete.com
