Koreteck - FAQs

Q 1: Is Koreteck a Butler Product or Company?
Koreteck is a BlueScope Steel Company. The Koreteck® panelized building system is part of BlueScope Steel's North American family of brands that also includes Butler and Vistawall.
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Q 2: Can the system be used in residential applications?
Yes it can. Koreteck's focus, however, is on the commercial market. For residential applications contact Acsys, Inc. at www.acsys.net or 208-772-6422.
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Q 3: How long has this system been around?
The system has been used both in residential and commercial buildings for more than 6 years, with over 200 projects completed.
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Q 4: Why the name change from R-Steel?
The change was made to more easily and naturally associate the features and benefits of the Koreteck® system with the name, and our testing bore this out.

"Kore" providing images of "inner strength, the fundamental component, integrity," and "teck" depicting the themes of "innovation, technically sound, proven."
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Q 5: Can anyone buy this system?
Currently the system is available only through Butler Builders. We realize that this system is completely different from anything on the market and requires education and training, so we're giving Butler Builders the first opportunity to use the system.
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Q 6: What is the typical weight of a panel?
Approximately 2 to 3 psf, a typical panel 6" thick x 4' wide x 18' long would weigh about 180 pounds, excluding any embedded reinforcements.
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Q 7: What is the Sound Transmission Coefficient (STC) rating for a typical panel?
A standard 6" panel with 1/2" gypsum wallboard has an STC rating of 33.
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Q 8: Where can I find architectural details and design guidance?
Our standard details, design guidance and installation manual can be found in our Product Binder. Some of our most commonly requested details are located in the Specs/Details section.
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Q 9: What panel sizes are available?
The panels come in a standard 4' width. Since this is not strictly a 4' world, panels are detailed and manufactured to size in 2' to 4' widths, but optimization occurs when standard panels are utilized. Panel heights are up to 18', and the panels easily stack for heights greater than that.
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Q 10: Do the panels come pre-finished?
No. The solid thinking behind the Koreteck system is that we panelize the substrate, consolidating trades and materials and allowing you to add the exterior appearance you desire.
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Q 11: How about brick?
You can fasten your brick ties directly to the panel core using standard spacings.
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Q 12: What is the R-value of this system?
That varies by thickness. The 6" panel carries an R-value of 24.8 and the 8" panel an R-value of 33.1 at 25 degrees F.
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Q 13: Will insurance companies view and reject this as an EIFS system due to water infiltration and mold concerns?
Excellent question. Butler Manufacturing's insurer has classified it separately from an EIFS system. So in the case of water penetration, it will only affect the coating system and resist the formation of mold behind it. There are no nutrients for mold spores to feed on (sheathing, paper products, etc.), no air cavity for the transfer of particles and the foam itself is treated with Perform Guard™, which is ASTM tested to resist mold formation as well as insect infestation!
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Q 14: How does a Butler Builder® obtain a Koreteck system quote?
It's simple. Just fill out the quote request form on BuilderNet, and fax, mail or e-mail Butler Advantage files, architectural plans, drawings or sketches showing building dimensions (length, width, height) and elevations (for window and door locations). Also indicate panel thickness (6" or 8"). We'll take it from there, and our goal is to have a price back to you in 3 days.
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Q 15: What are rough square footage costs?
As you know, prices for building materials vary depending on the project requirements, and ours are no different. The amount and spacing of openings, load-bearing vs. non-load-bearing, the building height, parapets, etc. all affect the pricing. That being said, 6" panel cost ranges from the high $5/sq. ft. to the mid $7s/sq. ft. for non-load-bearing material, NET, delivered FOB Staunton, VA.
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Q 16: What is the scope of your quotations?
You will receive a NET price that you can combine with your Advantage file or building quotation. Our prices are FOB plant (Staunton, VA). The price should represent not only the equivalent of steel studs, sheathing, board insulation and batt insulation in the wall cavity, but also the opportunity to close in your project faster and with none of the mold concerns of a standard cavity wall construction.
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Q 17: What are you seeing as far as installation rates?
We realize that change in construction is never easy. To help ease the discomfort of change, we offer, and will soon require, installer certification courses that comprise classroom as well as hands-on system training. So, the installers know what to do before the panels arrive on-site. We will also arrive on-site for first-time builders to help you achieve the 500�2000 sq. ft. per hour that we have seen in the field.
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Q 18: How are wall accessories, such as windows and doors, accounted for?
Depending on size and spacing, windows can be located and cut in the field (< 25 sq. ft.), detailed and located in the factory or a combination of both using our new 'Hybrid' design (our most popular). Send us your drawings, and we'd be happy to advise.
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Q 19: How does the system attach to my Butler or conventional structure?
The panels are attached to a track at the base, eave and girt (when required) with self-drillers spaced one foot on center. Stitch screws are placed every two feet of panel height. Your Butler engineer will have all the connection information and will design the building accordingly. Your local engineer (in the case of conventional or load-bearing structures) will be given the appropriate information as well. Load tables are also available in our Product Application Guide.
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Q 20: Is this system load-bearing?
In certain applications, yes. We will review your project requirements, and if we can utilize the panel strength, we'll do so. Otherwise, you'll realize wall structural optimization thanks to the self-supporting nature of the panels' 20-gauge core.

The panels are load-bearing within the following guidelines: < / = 60'-0 width, < / = 12'-0 eave height and trusses spaced maximum 4'-0 C/C
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Q 21: Can I achieve firewall ratings with this system?
Yes. Attaching 5/8" gypsum board on each side will provide a 1-hour rating.
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Q 22: How about gypsum board and electrical installation?
Another benefit of the system is the ability to fasten gypsum board directly to the steel core. The locations of the nearest panel section are marked in the insulation, leaving you an extra 1 1/2" of foam to account for. Your drywall installers now have a flat area of either 6 1/2" or 9 1/4" to hit instead of typical stud thickness. Since the foam does not factor into the panels' structural elements, you can cut as much of it away as necessary. This comes in handy when installing electrical boxes and chase. Simply score out a track for wiring and fasten the box to the core.
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Q 23: Any special tools needed for installation?
You will need a foam cutter (we suggest a "Hot Rod" or "Groove Jet", available at demandproducts.com), a level, a reciprocating saw, and a screw gun (we'll send the tip extensions you'll need).
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Q 24: How many panels will fit on one truck?
We're finding that approximately 4,500 sq. ft. of 6" panels fit on one truckload, or approximately 90 panels.
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Q 25: What are the lead times for delivery?
Times can vary depending on complexity and load-bearing vs. non-load-bearing, but the standard reply is 6 to 8 weeks.
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Q 26: How do I submit an order?
Our favorite question! Simply return a signed copy of the purchase order to our office. We'll take it from there.
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