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Frequently Asked Questions
(and answers!)
This page is divided into the sections below.
Click on the section
title to jump to that area of questions and answers.
Introduction for Builders | The
Company | Using SmartBlock In the Field |
Energy &
Environment | Getting Started
| What is SmartBlock?
SmartBlock is a lightweight and insulated stay-in-place concrete form. SmartBlock replaces conventional concrete formwork or masonry block in residential and light commercial applications. |
| What is SmartBlock made of?
Expanded polystyrene (or foamed polystyrene), which is a common plastic. Expanded polystyrene is widely used in the building industry as insulating material and is noted for its safe properties for installers and consumers and the durability of its high insulating quality. |
| What are the blocks' physical dimensions?
The standard form is 40" long, 10" high, and 10" wide; it creates post and beam concrete wall. The variable form is 40" long, 12" high, and comes in 8", 10", 12", and 14" widths, which create solid concrete walls with nominal widths of 4", 6", 8”, and 10", respectively. Each SmartBlock weighs approximately 2 pounds. |
| Why do you make two different forms and which one do I use?
We make two different configuration of SmartBlock to allow for different applications. In many cases, the standard form with its column-and beam concrete structure will meet structural demands. Where a solid wall is desirable, we offer the variable form. |
| Where is SmartBlock made?
SmartBlock is made in the US. The company's principal manufacturing facilities are located in Santa Ana, California. |
| Does the SmartBlock system work?
Yes, the thousands of successful projects and satisfied customers are testament to the fact that not only does SmartBlock perform, but keeps performing in application after application. |
| What is the history of SmartBlock's performance in
the field?
Outstanding. The success of the SmartBlock system relies on strength of design, quality of manufacture, ease of use and the backing of a full line of support for the builder. This includes Company sales professionals versed in application problem solving who work with builders in the field, local distribution, a national marketing program directed at creating preference with home buyers, and engineering and technical assistance available at almost any time through our 800 number (1-800-CONFORM) or online by sending email to: info@smartblock.com. |
| Is building with SmartBlock as easy as it looks?
We are often told we don't emphasize enough how easy working with the system really is. |
| Why is SmartBlock gray?
Expanded polystyrene in its natural state is white and produces noticeable glare in the sunlight. SmartBlock is dyed gray to eliminate this glare. |
| How do walls built with SmartBlock compare structurally to walls
built conventionally?
With comparable design, SmartBlock walls are typically stronger. Concrete placed using the SmartBlock system will normally achieve compressive strength 50% greater than conventionally placed concrete because of SmartBlock's temperature-controlled and moisture-retaining environment. Use the company's recommended concrete mix also reduces the likelihood of voids and provides optimum placing consistency. |
The Company - top
| Who is American Conform Industries?
American conform Industries is a US corporation engaged in the manufacture and marketing of products for the building industry. The company's principal product is SmartBlock. The company is committed to unequaled quality in its products and employees for the benefit of its customers, and is the world leader in its major product line. |
| How many projects have been done?
Thousands of projects have been successfully completed throughout the US. These include basements, stem walls, retaining walls, decorative walls, fences, bridge abutments, entrance ways, acoustic walls, swimming pools, landscaping applications, pier and grade beams, complete homes, churches, schools and other institutional structures and commercial buildings, as well as many other project-specific applications that relied on SmartBlock's unique versatility and job effectiveness. |
| Can I see a job in progress?
Yes. Contact your local ConForm account manager. He or she will be able to direct you to jobs covering a range of applications in various stages of completion. If the company has not yet identified an account manager for your area, we'll be apply to discuss your project at 1-800-CONFORM or by sending an email message to: info@smartblock.com.. |
| What kind of guarantee is there on SmartBlock?
SmartBlock is 100% guaranteed against defects in manufacture and to perform in accordance with its technical specifications when following company recommended practices. |
| Are you a public company?
American ConForm Industries is privately held. A majority of its ownership is in the hands of its employees. |
| What can you tell me about my local ConForm manager?
Your local ConForm account manager is a company employee carefully selected and trained as a SmartBlock specialist. Each account manager has an in-depth experience with concrete and SmartBlock installation. Account managers do not act as contractors they are there to help builders in the field. Satisfying our builder customers is the account manager's first priority. If you have a problem that is unusually difficult, your account manager has access to expert assistance from the company's engineering and technical staff, who are usually unsurpassed in the industry. |
Using SmartBlock - top
| How much does it cost?
The price of SmartBlock you will pay will vary depending on the type of block, job location and size of order. Your local building materials dealer will be happy to provide you a firm quote for your job. Depending on the wall height and the difficulty of the job, comparative costs will range from competitive versus conventionally formed walls to 30% to 50% lower. In addition to any hard dollar savings, we find that jobs take from as little as a third to half the time. As you would expect, builders see tremendous increases in productivity . Contact your local ConForm account manager, who is trained in making such comparisons. |
| How much is it per lineal foot?
Lineal foot prices will vary substantially depending on application and job site. In general, the more difficult the job site and application, the greater the cost benefit from SmartBlock. Consult our SmartBlock Estimation Procedures to estimate your job labor and materials, or contact your local ConForm account manager, who will be happy to assist. |
| How does the cost compare?
Depending on the wall height and the difficulty of the job, comparative costs will range from competitive versus conventionally formed walls to 30% to 50% lower. In addition to any hard dollar savings, we find that jobs take from as little as a third to half the time. As you would expect, builders see tremendous increases in productivity . Contact your local ConForm account manager, who is trained in making such comparisons. |
| How will the homeowner save?
Savings will come in lower energy costs and fewer callbacks and repairs. In addition, SmartBlock homes carry an improved fire rating, frequently reducing insurance costs, and are normally appraised at a higher value than traditional wood frame homes; SmartBlock basements are distinctly superior to traditional basements, providing additional living space at a fraction of normal housing costs. |
| Will my lender approve the use of SmartBlock?
Yes. SmartBlock is recognized as meeting or exceeding the requirements of all US model and most state and local building codes. |
| How do I buy SmartBlock?
Right here, directly from this website. Order today, and your order will be fulfilled by your local SmartBlock dealer. If you would like the name of the distributor closest to you, please call us at 1-800-CONFORM or send an email message to: info@smartblock.com. |
In the Field - top
| Can I build a whole house out of SmartBlock?
Absolutely. Not only does a SmartBlock home offer insulating and construction advantages, it is very cost effective in the face of soaring lumber prices. Cost effectiveness will vary from area to area and you should consult with your local ConForm account manager for comparisons. Other advantages include: a home of exceptional quality able to command a premium with your customer; lower maintenance, fire insurance and energy costs; unexcelled soundproofing and wall integrity; higher appraisal and resale value; and the backing of a national marketing campaign highlighting the outstanding design of a SmartBlock home. A recent acknowledgment of these advantages was Smart Block's designation for the exterior walls of the New American Home, 1994, sponsored by the National Council of the Housing Industry, an industry advisor group within the National Association of Home Builders. |
| Can we install SmartBlock ourselves?
The SmartBlock system is designed so that the wall can be built and the concrete placed by a framing contractor, a general contractor, or an owner/builder with a working knowledge of foundation construction. |
| Do you provide on-site service?
ConForm provides free on-site service from your local account manager. The account manager's job is to train your people and to share his or her knowledge to make your experience with SmartBlock as productive as possible- whether its your first job or a new or particularly complex application. In addition, your account manager is available for on-the-job problem solving and is supported by the company's engineering and technical staff, should you require on-the-job assistance when your account manager is not available. Account managers act as advisors to either you or your subcontractor. They are not contractors. As a result, they are experts at making you an expert, leaving control and learning where it should be- with you and your subcontractors. |
| Do the local building officials accept SmartBlock?
Most building departments defer to one of the national or regional evaluation services. SmartBlock is recognized by the three major evaluation groups and by most cities states and counties that are not covered by one of these national services. In addition, the company's account managers visit each jurisdiction to answer any specific questions that building officials may have and to acquaint the inspectors with the SmartBlock system. We would be happy to send your local building official any technical or general information he or she may request. |
Energy & Environmental - top
| What is SmartBlock R-value?
The standard form has a R-22 equivalent and the variable forms an R-24 equivalent. Equivalent R-values are measurements commonly used to convert to stud-and-batt construction standards. |
| Does SmartBlock meet my energy code?
SmartBlock R-value exceeds every energy code requirement in the US. |
| Is SmartBlock harmful to the environment?
SmartBlock is highly beneficial to the environment. By incorporating both the means of construction and insulation, building with SmartBlock eliminates most waste. And because all structures are insulated, energy use in finished structures is reduced substantially. Finally, the manufacturing process is neither harmful to the environment nor to the people who make SmartBlock--CFCs, HCFCs or other toxic substances are not used in its manufacture. |
Getting Started - top
| I'm interested in buying SmartBlock. How do I proceed?
Let your building materials dealer know you'd like to get in touch with the local ConForm account manager. Call us at 1-800-CONFORM and we'll have the account manager in your area call you directly. You can also send email to info@smartblock.com. |
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