Advantages of the System
Universal Wall precast panels have several advantages over standard precast or cinder block concrete construction
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75% lighter for ease of handling.
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Infused polystyrene composition gives R value over R-32.
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Two different models allowing for multiple applications.
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Smooth exterior finish allows for faster and more diverse finishes to be applied from painting to stone or tile any finish available may be applied.
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Cost effective because conduits may be inserted to aide in roughing in utilities and save in added material or rough in stages.
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Fire resistant construction means Universal Wall is rated as a non combustible wall system and therefore may be used as partitions, party walls and demising walls keeping insurance costs to a minimum as each room or unit will be contained not allowing fire to spread through structures.
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Sound barrier quality with excellent rating as high as 40 dB, excellent for multiplex buildings such as townhomes, apartments, hotels, strip malls, hospitals, medical clinics and commercial office buildings.
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Eco friendly made from natural products with no contaminants.
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Water resistant qualities make Universal Wall resistant to mold and other contaminants due to our infused polystyrene composition.
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Extremely user friendly in that it may be cut and placed to fit any wall configuration with out heavy equipment or special tooling.
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May be used for both exterior and interior applications with utilities conduits pre-installed saving labor and material costs through rough in and finishing stages of construction.
Limitations of the System
Universal Wall limitations are only in relation to load capabilities in our current format however this may be changed to suit for specific custom orders which may include structural steel members to be installed for specific load bearing applications.
Universal Wall panels have been designed to be used as fillers for the construction of both exterior and interior wall systems.
Are the panels fire-rated and how much?
Universal Wall panels have a Class A rating with certified tests at 3092 degrees Fahrenheit (1700 degrees Celsius) for more than 3 hours per side.
Are the precast panels load bearing. Can they build two stories, and can they build underground basements and retaining walls?
Universal Wall load bearing ratings are available under Certifications.
Universal Wall can offer panels with steel channels, this will offer more load bearing capability however they will have some limitations and final tests will allow us to offer minimum and maximum load rating for future projects.
What is floor and roof made of? Precast panels as well?
Floors may be constructed as the engineers for each project dictate so a simple, single family home may still use Universal Wall or have open web floor joists set on built up beam with steel posts to carry loads. Other structures may include everything from steel or wooden beams with poured in place floor slabs made of concrete which is more of a European or Mediterranean style of construction.
Roofs may be constructed of many different materials from standard wooden truss systems to flat built up membranes covered with asphalt or gravel. The standards for North America have been mostly asphalt however with the move toward more fire resistant materials more concrete or tile roof systems may be seen as these construction methods change and codes require safer or more sustainable construction methods. Universal Wall panels may be used for these applications as long as the structure has been designed to carry the weight of the panels and account for snow loads where applicable.
In case of two stories or underground what is the stair case?
Stair cases may be left again to the discretion of the builder or owner and may be wooden or concrete depending on the specific needs or finish of the structure. Code may require a metal stair with poured concrete treads, these would be determined by those individuals as they acquire permits from their local authorities. Should someone be building with Universal Wall panels and expecting all other structural members to be similar we would expect to see more concrete and steel employed.
How are the roof and the underground if possible treated for water proofing?
Universal Wall panels have excellent resistance to moisture, however all materials require some form of sealant or coating to resist penetration due to specific changes in weather or environment. Most concrete surfaces would require a membrane or coating to seal as would our panels. On a roof it may be everything from tar to tile or metal panel system depending on slope or style of building. For foundation walls it would be a wrap currently used in the industry. As to all builders, no one may guarantee that water will not penetrate a wall or surface. The main deterrent is the use of drainage systems like sump pumps and weeping tile systems around the perimeter of a building to keep moisture away. 100% water proof wall do not exist, however Universal Wall has very strong characteristics that make it extremely difficult for moisture to penetrate it.
Any limitations for spans and heights?
Currently the overall height of the individual panel is approximately 8 feet. Larger walls can be available on a project-to-project basis if needed. Spans are only limited to the supports or structural members used for the frame or floor system of each structure.
What is the production capacity and the timeline for delivery?
Universal Wall panels are available on a custom order basis so, the most efficient way to insure timely delivery is to confirm dimensions and order at the time of start up or as permits are issued. Typical delivery time is approximately 6 to 8 weeks from the time order and deposit have been received.
Do they do full design and shop drawings?
Drawings are the responsibility of the purchaser and Universal Wall may assist in producing a shop drawing or overlay to help determine the exact square footage and number of panels required for each project.
What is included in the scope? Does it include the foundation as well?
Universal Wall is the manufacturer and supplier only of the wall panels and is not the contractor who would construct or complete the proposed structure. Universal Wall does have certified journeymen who are qualified to assist in the construction or installation of the panels and may train others to do the same for a fee not included in the cost of our panels.
What about electrical and mechanical rough ins?
Universal Wall panels may be ordered with conduit installed at time of manufacturing for an added cost on a project-by-project basis as every building will have specific needs. While some standards may apply, these are still custom orders. The actual rough in may be carried out by the same contractors for typical structures and no special training is required, they simply don’t have to run conduit into the walls saving time for installers. The conduit can also be installed into the wall on site if necessary.
What are the type of finishes available inside and out?
Universal Wall panels may be taped at seams and then finished with any or all materials currently used in North America or the world. The surface is clean and smooth and will accept all hardware, adhesives, tile, paint, plaster, paneling or even drywall should you want finishes currently being used. Popular options include wall treatments that may be applied with all available tools and or finishes allowing for endless possibilities. This applies to both interior and exterior finishes and means you may create finishes that suit your specific environment or architectural guidelines where required.
Is there anything else needed to be done on site?
Universal Wall panels are designed to be placed on the wall sections they were intended for and the specific alterations or cutting if needed would all be done on site by qualified journeymen. Universal Wall panels are extremely easy to use and the method of construction does not differ from any other concrete product. We simply have less panels than cinder block and are much easier to manage than our solid concrete precast competitors. Our Universal Wall panels are joined with mortar joints and may have both steel or wooden plates applied to secure either top or bottom of each wall section depending on what may be attached next (i.e.: roof structures, floor joists and beams). Openings may be created on site by using panels or other structural members depending on the spans or loads.