FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
In the long term, building with the Therml Impac system will provide structures that are more cost effective, stronger, possess greater seismic force resistance, and high wind load resistance in the region of 160 mph so designed.
The panel is created using two key materials: a core of expanded polystyrene or EPS which serves as an insulator, and a three-dimensional high tensile steel cage enveloped with a Portland cement mixture and/or a cement plaster.
This building system has been in existence for over 35 years, in countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and in the United States.
The Therml Impac Group of Companies has been in existence for over 35 years.
No, they are not. They are constructed of the panels, which are designed from a high tensile three-dimensional steel cage giving superior strength and durability.
Electrical and plumbing conduits and pipes are either pre-installed at the factory, or installed on site before construction and/or plastering. They are inserted by removing the polystyrene creating a space within the wire cage to fit the components.
Windows and doors are installed conventionally either by crabbing or grouting, or they are screwed into place.
For maximum efficiency and speed, the conventional method for applying concrete is used. Concrete is shotcreted or sprayed onto the surfaces, and then manually smoothened. Manual concrete application via conventional plastering methods is used for flat houses and for irregular situations.
This system has shown itself to be one of the most resilient in withstanding such weather conditions. This has been proven many times, more recently with Hurricanes Andrew, David and Ivan, each with wind speeds in excess of 160 mph, and seismic forces in excess of 7.0 on the Richter scale.
Any analysis of cost should also include costs against time, and the quantity of materials used.
The cost of the panels is relative and comparable to conventional building blocks.
At present, panels are only available direct from our factory headquarters. However, they can be sourced ex-factory, and soon, they can be purchased at select hardware stores.
If an approved plan for your structure exists, we provide and then supply to the site: complete engineering layouts, a prefabricated building system, and a building kit which includes all components after the foundation is constructed. The layouts, building system and components are corporately called the Therml Impac Building Kit.
Yes, other systems exist. However, the Therml Impac system is the only one with proven success records against hurricanes and seismic forces. The panels can withstand strong earthquakes and are capable of enduring hurricanes with winds up to 160 miles/hr.
It is difficult to make a general statement about costs. The cost of a house depends on what is required. The best way to get an idea of cost is to examine the construction of a conventional building. When you compare the Therml Impac system against conventional building systems, our system is more economical, more effective, and makes more efficient use of construction time.
Based on the laws of Trinidad and Tobago, statutory approvals are necessary for any building to be erected on any portion of land. The process of building on your own land is as follows:
• Provide ownership title for the land
• Provide an approved drawing, or one that is to be approved
Therml Impac can assist you in all these areas at competitively low costs.
Therml Impac has a track record for on-time delivery, but has also allowed builders to move at their own pace, which may at times prove longer than anticipated. The Therml Impac system inherently allows for speed and construction by virtue of its strength to weight ratio, and by the size of its components.
Yes, conventional blocks can be added, and conversely (i.e. the Therml Impac system can be added on to an existing foundation.
Our company has built locally in Trinidad. We’ve also built regionally in the Caribbean and internationally.
Trinidad – Oropune; Barataria; St. James; Chaguanas; Couva; Cascade; Diego Martin; Valsayn; Golconda; Penco; Cascade; San Raphael.
We do not provide financing solutions, as this is not our area of expertise. However, the Therml Impac system is highly regarded by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, major banks, and insurance companies.
We will be pleased to ‘point you in the right direction’ to those who are better able to assist you in providing financing.
Contact us! Call or e-mail us and then come in for a visit to see how we can help you.