What is the proper way to install Core-Fill 500™?
Core-Fill 500 is installed after all masonry and structural work is in place. A 7/8" hole is drilled in each vertical column of block cells 4' +/- above the floor level. The foam is pressure injected into the cells at over 100 pounds per square inch. This procedure is repeated every 10' +/- (i.e. 14', 24', 34',...) of wall height until the void is completely full. The installer then patches the holes with mortar and scores it to resemble the existing surface.

Why is the masonry foam insulation not installed from the top, before the beam is poured?
If Core-Fill 500 is installed from the top and encounters an obstacle (i.e. excess mortar, debris,...), it may not have enough force to flow downward. Also, general contractors' and masons' work is not interrupted; thereby, reducing construction time and cost.

How do the installers know if they have completely filled the void?
The installers are trained to count as the foam is installed in the wall. If the count differs from others, the crews have been instructed to drill above and/or below the original hole. This ensures that the remainder of each vertical column of block cells is filled with insulation.
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What happens to the air in the cell of the blocks?
Because block and mortar are porous materials, the pressure at which we install Core-Fill 500 insulation forces the air out. The air also escapes through the hole directly ahead of the one being filled.

Can foam be used with drywall and/or stud walls?
No. The manufacturer of Core-Fill 500 states that it sets up cold within a minute. But, in its initial stages the foam is moist. Despite the claims of other foam installation companies, common sense construction practices tell us that moisture could possibly damage the drywall and/or studs. Since the foam is pressure injected at over 100 p.s.i., the wall might sustain minor damage. Therefore, we will not place our foam against these materials.

Is Core-Fill 500™ more efficient than other masonry wall insulators?
An independent report shows Core-Fill 500™ lets less heat be gained or lost through the wall than 1" or 2" rigid board insulation, loose fill and foam inserts. (Source: Duke Power Company)

Like any insulation, rigid board is effective only if properly installed. As you can see in this photograph, the company responsible for installing the rigid board in this project left several areas uninsulated (this picture is not intended to imply that all firms installing rigid board do such poor quality workmanship).
Another problem that can occur with rigid board insulation is that water can become trapped between it and the concrete masonry units. Regardless of the insulation specified, architects and engineers typically specify that a vapor barrier be applied to the exterior walls of their projects.

Does Core-Fill 500™ cost less to install than other masonry wall insulators?
Contractors repeatedly tell us that Core-Fill 500™ averages less than installing rigid board (1" or thicker), loose fill or foam inserts.

Will Core-Fill 500™ help me obtain a four hour fire wall rating?
A two hour fire rated 8" or 12" c.m.u. can achieve a four hour fire rating by installing Core-Fill 500™. The c.m.u. wall assemblies were constructed in accordance with UL Design Nos. U901 and U907. (Source: Southwest Research Institute)

Does Core-Fill 500™ contain fluorocarbons?
No. Compressed air is used as a blowing agent. (Source: Tailored Chemical Products, Inc.)

Can Core-Fill 500™ help reduce noise?
Core-Fill 500™ has a Sound Transmission Class Rating of 53 in 8" concrete block. (Source: Acoustic Systems)

Does Core-Fill 500™ shrink?
The shrinkage is less than 1%. (Source: Southwestern Laboratories)

Is Core-Fill 500™ expandable?
No. Therefore, Core-Fill 500™ will not crack your concrete masonry units or mortar due to excessive pressure.

Does the resin come from the manufacturer premixed?
Yes. This insures consistency of the Core-Fill 500™.

Can Core-Fill 500™ seal cracks and holes in the block and/or mortar?
Due to the high air pressure in which Core-Fill 500™ is injected into the walls, the majority of the cracks and holes will be filled with our foam.

Can Core-Fill 500™ be used in new or retrofit applications?
The installation method will be similar for either application.

Is Core-Fill 500™ flammable or hazardous?
Core-Fill 500™ is neither. (Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Material Safety Data Sheet). The E.P.A. classifies Core-Fill 500™ as a solid inert material.