iForm, a New Flat Wall Forming System for Concrete Homebuilding

Reward's iForm System Granted US Patent

While a patent in today's competitive business environment can seem more like a formality, Reward Wall Systems' patent for the iForm building system represents a significant product innovation. For building professionals, the system provides dramatic time-savings throughout construction – from speeding reinforcement to subcontractor finishing. That can translate into the ability to complete jobs more quickly at costs that can make projects more profitable.

"So often patents are granted for such seemingly small differentiations in insulating concrete forms," said Hank Pfeiffer, chief operating officer for Reward. "However, our patent for the building system recognizes the uniqueness of Reward's configuration of the EPS panels, together with the interior ties. It's a distinction that delivers superior performance and flexibility in the reinforcement of the product during construction."

At the heart of the patent (#6,820,384 of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office) is an innovation pioneered by Reward. It features a recessed tie, which runs from the top to the bottom of each form. The ties are designed with loose-fit, snap-in rebar chairs that are large enough to receive two overlapping rebar – eliminating the need for time-consuming and often difficult-to-use rebar ties. And yet, it does not compromise the support of the structure.

"On the jobsite, eliminating the need to tie vertical and horizontal rebar reinforcement is an entire step saved, depending on the size of the project, that can mean a savings of just a few hours or an entire day," Pfeiffer said.

Reward's recessed interior tie configuration also creates efficiency throughout finishing. Drywall can be secured to the nearest tie – eliminating the need to locate studs. Reward saves the extra work of installing extension jams, planning and chipping. Even siding is easier with ties easily marked.

"At Reward, we don't want to just create an alternative to conventional construction. We work hard to create a brand preference for our iForm ICF products. Our ongoing innovation helps to do just that," Pfeiffer said.

With the recessed interior tie configuration the company has done just that – implementing it throughout its extensive product line. In fact, the Reward Wall product line offers one of the industry's most comprehensive ranges of products and sizes available. So regardless of the application, there is a Reward product for it. This allows Reward customers to penetrate additional construction markets, while meeting the demands of today's more stringent storm safety requirements.

Straight Forms – available in 15", 13", 11" and 9" widths, iForm easily accommodates the building and code requirements with a solution for tall structural walls, single stories and below grade, including 10", 8", 6" and 4" wall forms.

90º and 45º Corner Forms – Available in all widths, these forms eliminate in-field cutting and fit as either left or right corners to easily accommodate virtually any floor plan or design feature.

Ledge Form, Taper Top Form and xLerator™ Reinforcement System – Use separately or together, these two-piece systems offer an additional level of ease and efficiency ideal for supporting exterior finishes, as well as other structural features. xLerator is the only ledge and taper top reinforcement system covered by ACI guidelines.

"We continue to make the investments in our building systems and products to ensure that our customers continue to be competitive in existing and emerging markets," Pfeiffer said.

To learn more about Reward Wall Systems, Inc. visit www.rewardwalls.com.

Reward Wall Systems
4115 South 87th Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68127
Toll Free 1.800.468.6344
Ph: 402.592.7077
Fax: 402.592.7969
www.rewardwalls.com

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