Greenblock Worldwide Corporation, a leading manufacturer and installer of Insulated Concrete Forms, announced their 6-inch core ICF wall assembly has received a 4-hour fire resistance rating from the internationally recognized testing agency, Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc.

Greenblock had previously completed evaluation testing on its 4-inch core ICF wall system and achieved a two hour fire resistance evaluation. With that in mind, the company fully expected the evaluation for its 6-inch core to be at least 3 hours.

"We were confident that we would get a 3-hour with our 6" block," said Steve Reiter, who handles building code issues for Greenblock. "However, the 4-hour rating was a pleasant surprise."

With a 4-hour fire resistance evaluation, Greenblock's 6-inch core ICFs are well-suited to meet the strictest of commercial building designs. Educational, government, hospitality, motion picture worship and healthcare facilities are looking for wall system designs that provide the maximum protection against weather, fire, indoor pollutants, and outdoor noise. Greenblock's 6-inch core ICF wall system easily exceeds these requirements and still offers excellent design flexibility. "We've now effectively brought together the two most important aspects of structural design for the architects and engineers of these projects," said Reiter. "Maximum protection and structural integrity along with design flexibility and appearance."

In addition to their fire resistant properties, ICFs are an environmentally responsible building choice. The bulk of a commercial building's environmental footprint is caused by the energy consumed in the heating and cooling of the structure over its lifetime. The high performance thermal envelope provided by Greenblock ICF construction can offer significant contribution towards reducing the energy consumption needed to control the interior climate of the building. Additionally, the lack of air infiltration and the resistance to moisture through the exterior walls eliminates the growth of mold and pests penetration thus creating a healthy indoor environment that promotes increased employee productivity due to the reduction of sick days.

As members of the United States Green Building Council, (USGBC), Green Building Initiative, (GBI) and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Greenblock is well positioned to assist commercial contractors who are considering obtaining "green certifications" from one of these organizations.

To review the complete fire resistance evaluation report, and learn more about Insulated Concrete Form construction, please go to www.greenblock.com.