Frequently Asked Questions

> How hard is it to use?
> Is it approved?
> What about Electrical?
> Where can you buy it?
> What about windows and doors?
> What else can you use it for?
> How long does it last?
> Is it waterproof?
> How strong is it?
> Can it support a wall?
> How do you finish it?
> What about wind?
> Who is experienced with installing Polycore building systems?

How hard is it to use?

Our wall systems are:
1. Easily handled, often without the use of heavy equipment.
2. There are no special skills or tools required to set up the wall system, and don't require heavy equipment other systems require; simple hand tools can assemble an entire structure quickly and easily.
3. Modular wall system, ready to install.

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Is it Approved?

We've put together an engineered system that uses fully approved common building materials. Custom panels can be produced to meet your rigorous building requirements. The Engineer's stamp for your project with our system is usually all that is required to meet or pass all approval requirements for typical residential or commercial projects.

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What about Electrical?

Our wall sections utilize vertical electrical feed channels (raceways) cut in at the production stage, typically spaced at 2 to 5 feet on center to allow circuits to be pulled into the wall runs. Additional horizontal channels precut on all flat sections "around your building interior" at standard wiring height are also provided, with all steel studs pre-punched and grommeted for use with standard residential wiring products.

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Where can you buy it?

Polycore products are currently only available direct from Polycore Canada Inc, though we are currently assessing potential distributors for areas across Canada and the US. Contact our head office for information on any distributors near your location.

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What about windows and doors?

Our wall system design easily accommodates doors and all shapes of windows. With your drawings and window size data, the system comes direct to your site with all openings pre-fabricated, No cutting or trimming on site, just assemble as designed and your windows and doors are ready to install.

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What else can you use it for?

There are many uses for our system, including commercial, industrial, residential, farming structures, signs, moldings, modular structures and more.

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How long does it last?

Expanded polystyrene has been subjected to extensive testing, research and evaluation during its use as a building material for over 40 years. Current data shows it is one of the most respected insulation and building materials used in today's construction fields, outlasting the buildings it is used for. It also accepts a variety of finishes that can protect your investment.

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Is it waterproof?

EPS is non-hydroscopic and does not readily absorb moisture from the atmosphere. The closed-cell structure of EPS reduces absorption and/or migration of moisture. With a single layer of poly and traditional damproofing in the case of our foundation systems, the product provides equal or better waterproofing than traditional building materials such as concrete or wood. A waterproof vinyl peel and stick membrane is always provided to apply to the outside of foundation walls that are below grade. Additionally, EPS has no nutritional value and thus will not support mold, mildew, or draw the interest of termites and other damaging insects.

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How strong is it?

The strength of the wall system is dependent on the steel within the system sections, which can be engineered for most applications. We can increase or decrease the strength of the walls by changing steel to match your application, and every product engineered by Polycore is over designed to meet all required building codes and practices. Its stronger in every case than your project requires.

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Can it support a wall?

Yes. The steel content of our basic wall systems can support more than a wall; it can support entire houses (our foundation systems) and can be used for clear span roof systems as well. Our wall systems can be designed to meet or exceed the strength provided by traditional framing methods such as lumber, timber, insulated panels systems, and even steel modular or steel constructed buildings.

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How do you finish it?

Panels, siding, cladding, stucco and stone finishes, and more. Anything you can put on a traditional stick frame building can be applied to the Polycore system, usually in an easier and less expensive method. Many finishes do not need pre-sheeting or traditional base materials, by applying direct to the Polycore systems less materials and less labor provide direct savings to builders and their customers.

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What about wind?

Our wall system is robust and stable, and will outperform wood frame systems and other panelized styles of building. Our design team can be consulted for specific applications, if it can be built any other way it can be built the Polycore way.

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Who is experienced with installing Polycore building systems?

Yes, Click Here to view a list of Experienced Polycore Builders / Installers.

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