Energy Source Builder

Quad-Lock Insulated Forms

Insulated concrete form systems are usually sold as insulation, where the extra cost is justified by not having to install additional wall insulation. The makers of Quad-Lock think of their product as concrete forms that provide insulation. They claim to price the product competitively with standard forms, too.

Quad-Lock consists of 12-in. by 48-in. interlocking panels. The panels are assembled much like conventional formwork and held together with plastic ties. Wall thickness can be varied in 2 in. increments from 4 to 10 in. The expanded polystyrene panels are 2-1/4-in. thick. The actual insulating value of a 6-in. thick above-grade wall would be R-21.7. (U-0.046). For comparison, a 2x6 stud wall, framed 24-in. on-center with an R-21 batt is R-19.6 (U-0.51).

Like other insulated forms, drywall and siding can be attached with glue and screws driven into the tie ends. Quad-Lock's tie-ends slide into slots in the panel, so they aren't visible. However, the surface is grooved every 2 in., so it's not hard to keep track of the tie locations.

One unique feature of Quad-Lock is a sheet metal finish anchor that provides solid backing for hanging drywall or siding. The anchor slips into place during assembly and becomes imbedded in the concrete.

Contact:
Quad-Lock Building Systems

This article appeared in Energy Source Builder #36 December 1994
©Copyright 1994 Iris Communications, Inc.