With the storms and strong winds commonly endured on the coast. The area began to see the need for something new, better, and stronger than conventional building materials. We needed something that would allow our homes to stand up to the extreme stormy environmental conditions, something that could withstand a category 5 hurricane, something that would address the new height and insurance requirements. and something that was affordable. Because there was nothing suitable on the market, the owner of CBC started experimenting with different materials and methods to create such a structure. The goal was to find a manufacturing alternative that could help to build strong homes for our customers that would not only save time, but also save money. The solution came in the form of a pre-cast concrete panel known as the Guardian Wall System.
The basic idea behind Guardian Wall was ambitious but clear. The aim to make a dramatic improvement in both the quality and the strength of conventional building materials. The result was a wall product that would not deteriorate due to natural causes including hurricane winds, fire, and termite damage. This fundamental concept continues to be our main focus today, whether we’re building a home, a school, an office, or a commercial building.
Lower energy bills – Due to the structural nature of The Guardian Wall System our homes virtually eliminate air transfer through the walls thus making the building envelope tighter and more energy efficient. . The recessed windows in the panel also provide a tighter construction thus also contributing to the elimination of air and thermal transfer. Lowering your energy bill dramatically.
Greater comfort and quiet - Those who live in Guardian Wall System homes say the absence of cold drafts and unwanted noise are the biggest pluses, even topping the energy-saving benefits. Houses built with concrete walls have more even air temperatures and are far less drafty. The barrier formed by the foam and concrete cuts air infiltration when compared with a typical framed house. The high thermal mass of the concrete also buffers the home’s interior from extreme outdoor temperatures, while the layer of foam insulation minimizes temperature fluctuations inside the home by eliminating the cold spots that can occur in frame wall along the studs or at gaps in the insulation.
Concrete walls are equally effective at keeping out loud noises. The greater mass of concrete walls can reduce sound penetrating through a wall by more than 80% when compared to stick-built construction. Although some sound will still penetrate the windows, a concrete home is often two-thirds quieter than a wood-frame home.
Pest Proof - Concrete is an unappealing food source for termite, carpenter ants or rodents that often dine on or reside in wood-framed walls. The nature of our wall to foundation connection virtually eliminates the opportunity for unwanted intruders to enter the home. There are no voids or places for them to travel within the walls.
Healthier indoor environment - Guardian Wall System contains no organic material, so they won’t support the growth of mold, mildew and other potentially harmful microorganisms. They also reduce the infiltration of air that can bring in outside allergens. The polystyrene foam used in the concrete walls is completely nontoxic and free of formaldehyde, asbestos and fiberglass.
Safe Haven from high winds - Homeowners and builders in hurricane-and tornado-prone areas, including those rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina, are increasingly turning to concrete structural walls to stand up to fierce storms that would otherwise level a wood-framed home. Tests have shown that Guardian walls can withstand flying debris from tornadoes and hurricanes.
Fire resistant - Insurance companies recognize concrete as being safer than any other form of construction when fire threatens a home. The polystyrene foam is treated with flame retardants to prevent them from burning.
Less repair and maintenance - Because concrete walls use non-biodegradable materials, they are not vulnerable to rot or deterioration as is untreated lumber. The reinforcing steel buried and protected by concrete won’t rust or corrode.