Q 1: 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. All Details can be transmitted in AutoCad format to ease the transition to designing with Koreteck.

Q 2: Help me understand the Energy Bill of 2005; does Koreteck qualify me for tax savings?
The bill passed into law in 2005 allows for a tax deduction of $1.80 per building sq. ft. if you exceed ASHRAE 2001 standards. This deduction is split up into three areas: Lighting, Building envelope and HVAC and water heating each worth $.60 per sq. ft. Koreteck will qualify your project (in both the 6” and 8” thickness), in conjunction with adequate roof insulation, for the building envelope deduction. Refer to the following websites for more details and instructions:
http://www.energystar.gov/ia/business/comm_bldg_tax_incentives.pdf
http://www.naima.org/pages/resources/library/pdf/MB304.PDF

Q 3: Is Koreteck a Green product? Is it LEED Certified?
These terms get thrown around a lot. Koreteck promotes sustainable design by using recyclable materials (Steel and EPS), reducing heating and cooling consumption of a building, eliminating much of the jobsite waste of traditional construction by panelizing and lightening the weight of a building and therefore the amount of concrete than traditional block or tilt-walls. We can contribute towards the LEED certification of a project (up to 17 points), but no product or material can be certified as LEED or ‘Green’.

Q 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: How about brick?
You can fasten your brick ties directly to the panel core using standard spacings.
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Q 9: 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 10: Will insurance companies view and reject this as an EIFS system due to water infiltration and mold concerns?
Excellent question.. Water penetration 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 11: Koreteck is not EIFS? What do you mean?
EIFS refers to a common Exterior Insulated Finish System that is applied over a cavity wall by first doing a scratch coat of base material on the exterior sheathing then applying 2' x 4' eps board of varying thicknesses and allowing it to dry in place. Rasping is then done prior to applying a second base coat with mesh and then a finish coat. It is the cavity wall and poor installation procedures of the finish system that have given this type of system a bad name.
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Q 12: How do I obtain a Koreteck system quote?
It's simple. If you’re a Butler Builder, 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 3-5 days. For the rest of you, contact our main office for your local representative who will assist you.
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Q 13: What are rough square footage costs?
As you know, prices for building materials vary depending on the project requirements, and our system isno 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 $6/sq. ft. to the mid $8s/sq. ft. for non-load-bearing material, NET, FOB Staunton, VA.
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Q 14: What is the scope of your quotations?
Our quotations account for the wall substrate only. The quote will include all fasteners needed for installation of the system (anchors for base track attachment are to be designed locally in accordance with your foundation design and not by Koreteck), base, splice and parapet cap tracks, opening framing materials and fasteners and even the screw gun extensions for structural fastener attachment.
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Q 15: What are 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. This helps 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 speed inherent in the system. Based on field measured rates we developed a KPI estimating tool to help you measure not only the cost but also the duration for installation. Inexperienced crews average between 5-6 panels per hour for 1st tier panels and we’ll be happy to help you figure the time needed for 2nd tier and beyond.
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Q 16: How does the system attach to my pre-engineered or conventional structure?
The panels are attached to a track at the base, eave, girt, angle, poor stop, etc with self-drillers spaced one foot on center. Stitch screws are placed every two feet of panel height. With pre-engineered structures we will coordinate with their designers to ensure proper attachment points. In the case of conventional or load-bearing structures, your local engineer will be given the appropriate information as well. Load tables are also available in our Product Application Guide.
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Q 17: 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 18: Can I achieve firewall ratings with this system?
Yes. Attaching 5/8" gypsum board on each side will provide a 2-hour rating.
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Q 19: What 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 20: Should I use puncture resistant conduit to ensure that nails won't penetrate?
Metal flex is most typical and is puncture resistant, but refer to your local code requirements.
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Q 21: 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 22: 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 23: Explain the difference between Koreteck and SIPS & ICF's?
Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPS) typically have the insulation on the inside and are surrounded by a solid exterior sheathing such as wafer board or plywood. Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF's) are concrete forms made out of polystyrene and are put together or stacked in position to create a concrete form where in you pour your foundation or exterior walls. Koreteck differs in that it offers faster, easier installation with more finish options than ICFs and is the inverse of standard SIPS by using a steel core (not wood) promoting a nutrient free substrate eliminating mold concerns and increasing structural and fire performance.
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Q 24: The r-values of Koreteck are impressive, but isn't the r-value in the roof much more important since the largest % of loss is thru the roof?
During the cold months, your greatest heat loss will be the roof because heat rises. During the hot months the greatest heat gain will be through the walls. The building is not trying to keep heat in, but heat out. Again, since heat rises, it cannot come "down" through the roof, but through the walls. The heat will try to equalize the inside and outside temperatures. You should be looking at heat loss as a year round roof and wall system. If roof was the only consideration, imagine what the temperature would be in a building with no walls but an R30 roof?
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Q 25: How do I submit an order?
Our favorite question! Simply return a signed copy of the purchase order to our office. We'll also need company and project information to establish credit terms before manufacture.
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