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1. How are door and window frames fixed?
To do that we just burn or remove around 1 inch of the expanded polystyrene in the area of the door or window frame, creating a space that could later be filled with mortar, creating a thicker mix that will enable the fixing system in use to adhere better.
2. Can remodeling be done?
The Covintec system is so versatile that it is compatible with other type of materials. For instance, if your house is made of traditional materials (blocks) and you wish to do some remodeling using Covintec you just need to use anchoring systems that can connect the Covintec system to the traditional system (3/8" rebar) and then seal the joint.
3. Is it resistant to seismic movement?
According to comparative tests conducted to the Covintec system vs. the traditional block system, with the traditional system built following REP 94 regulations, the Covintec system is 30% more resistant when it comes to seismic movement.
4. Is it resistant to hurricane-like winds?
According to tests conducted to the Covintec system, it has structural capacity to withstand hurricane-like winds up to 180 km per hour.
5. Is it fire resistant?
This system can undertake fire exposure for more than one and a half hours, according to tests conducted. In most countries, housing construction safety regulations demand that materials be resistant to fire for a minimum of one hour.
6. Does it have insulation capabilities?
The expanded polystyrene in the Covintec system has an acoustic insulation capacity that is 4 times higher than the tradition block system and thermal insulation that can isolate heat 8 times more than constructions using the traditional block system. This advantage results in electrical power savings since it allows for smaller air conditioning units at an estimate of 23% to 27% according to tests. In addition, the expanded polystyrene becomes a barrier against humidity since it is capable of absorbing water.
7. What are the properties of expanded polystyrene?
Expanded polystyrene used in the manufacture of Covintec panels has self-extinguishing properties, which means that it does not disseminate fire. Whenever heat is applied to it, polystyrene consumes itself and once the heat source is eliminated it automatically puts itself out. In addition to this, the expanded polystyrene used is a tasteless material and is not digestible by animals (critters). Animals do not eat it and because of the panel's internal steel mesh they cannot inhabit it.
8. Are fumes released by the expanded polystyrene toxic?
Raw materials used in the manufacturing of expanded polystyrene do not expel toxic fumes.
9. Are plugs required to hang wall shelves?
Any element that could be attached to block walls can also be installed on Covintec walls. To avoid deterioration of the plaster it is not advisable to hammer a cement wall. However, you may drill the wall and use plugs to fix your shelves or any other item (such as television sets, air conditioners, etc.) using screws.
10. Can electrical ducts be placed within the walls?
Electrical ducts, as well as hydraulic ducts, are an essential part of any construction project. The Covintec system takes into consideration the need to incorporate all these elements inside the wall. To do so, the expanded polystyrene core is eliminated by applying a heat source in the form of open flames with a small plumber's torch. The expanded polystyrene then vaporizes leaving no residues, enabling you to install the required ducts or pipes in the empty spaces, and then covering them later with plaster.
11. Is the mortar superficial for moldings?
Correct. Moldings and other aesthetic details are not elements that can take loads besides from their own weight. Therefore, to ease their installation, save material and avoid using complicated forms or molds, you just need to tie the architectonic detail to Covintec panels an then apply the plaster.
12. How thick are the panels?
Covintec panels come in a standard 8 feet high per 4 feet wide per 3 inches thick, without plaster. With plaster the walls add up to 4 inches thick.
13. What kind of steel is used in the manufacture of Covintec panels?
We use galvanized, highly resistant, 14-caliber steel. It measures 2 mm in diameter and its fencil resistance goes up to 125,000 psi.
14. How high can walls be built using Covintec?
In the case that you do not wish to use an additional beam and column anchoring structure, Covintec walls can be built up to 6.00 meters high, providing they are anchored to a higher beam and will not have to withstand loads. If walls will be structurally used to support the roof and the roof is made of Covintec slab, the wall may be built up to 3.50 meters high. If the roof is made of corrugated or metal roof, roofing tiles, Tejalit or Panalit, the wall may be built up to 4.88 meters high.
15. How do you handle water filtrations?
In the areas where walls may be more prone to water filtration such as basement walls and roof slabs, the use of a mortar-waterproofing additive is recommended (such as Sika-1). Another option is to paint the roof slab using waterproof paint.
16. How does rain affect Covintec panel installation?
Unlike block walls, Covintec panels do not depend on a bituminous material such as cement and sand mortar for their installation. Therefore, if installation personnel are willing to work under the rain, delays may be minimized.
17. What should be applied to floor slabs where anchoring bars are installed?
Local construction practices for one-story housing units usually include the use of pure cement paste used as anchoring adhesive. It is also valid and even more resistant to use structural epoxy resin for special or more important applications.
18. Does the height level specified in the bars technical manual offer ideal support and safety?
The height of anchoring bars specified in the technical manual is oriented toward the construction of one or two story housing units, allowing the required resistance and safety for that matter.
19. What amount of mortar mix should be used for plastering?
The recommended thickness to obtain the required structural resistance of the panel is ¾ inch on each side and a minimum relation of 1:4.(one part portland cement to one part sand)
20. Are scaffolds required to level the panels going up?
The tools and equipment used in the installation of the Covintec system are the same as the ones used in conventional construction, except for the use of special pliers, and whenever needed, an air compressor with a cement gun to apply the plaster.
21. Are beams necessary when working with this system?
Construction beams are used with two purposes. First, beams are used in light one-story housing unit construction to allow wall anchoring and achieve a degree of protection against winds and seismic movement. These beams are unnecessary in light construction using the Covintec system. The structural properties of Covintec panels eliminate the need of using anchoring beams or columns. Second, beams are used in medium-weight and heavy construction to support the weight of slabs at higher levels, be they commercial or residential. In this case, beams are an essential element for the structural support of the building. The versatility of the cut and installation of Covintec panels offers an easy and quick solution while allowing the required support strength.
22. How do I open a hole on Covintec walls already plastered?
You must break the plaster in the area where you wish to open the hole and then cut the steel panel (on both sides). This hole must be reinforced with special reinforcing accessories for door and window openings.
23. What is needed to build or annex slabs?
There are several options taking in consideration the type of slab to be built. Covintec slab: To tie the Covintec slab joint with the Covintec wall we use the same reinforcement corner mesh used for perpendicular wall joints, and if necessary, we add reinforcement bars to the lower and/or upper part of the slab. Metal Deck slab: The expanded polystyrene must be eliminated and the two (or three) upper horizontal wires in the panel up at the slab joint must be cut. By doing this, we obtain an open space that can house a 2" x 6" or 2" x 8" beam. We repeat this procedure according to the spacing specified in the blueprint and we then install the beams and affix them using mortar mix at a 1:4 relation, following the same specifications established for Covintec walls. Once the beams are fixed in position, we them install the corrugated roof sheets on top of them before pouring the concrete following blueprint specifications.
24. Which additional materials must be used for housing units with two or more stories?
Covintec panels are highly structurally resistant when used in supporting walls. In light applications such as two-story housing units or offices, the Covintec system can be used as structural element working as floor structure and roof columns, beams and slab. This means that for constructions of up to two levels, anchoring columns and beams are eliminated, as well as the use of reinforced concrete or block slabs and pre-fabricated beams can be eliminated. For the construction of more than two stories, a conventional column, beam and reinforced concrete slab structure is required. You must have all plans designed by your certified structural engineer.
25. Are any type of reinforcements required when jointing slabs and upper walls?
Correct. It is necessary to maintain the structural characteristics of Covintec panels and guarantee their resistance during hurricane-like storms or seismic events. The type and amount of the reinforcements to be used vary depending on the particular design of each building.
26. Does HOPSA offer any guarantee to people who buy this product?
Empresas Hopsa guarantees all its products against manufacturing defects. It also offers the aggregate value of technical advice in the production of blueprints, as well as periodic inspections to projects during the installation process. However, Empresas Hopsa is not responsible for problems or defects a construction may have is the installation of the system is not done following the recommendations specified in the technical manual. This service is lmited to certain countries, however, we have pesrsonal avaliable (almost) to travel to any part of the world. |
