Many recent advancements in how concrete is poured have resulted in a better performance, improved aesthetics, and sound blocking and thermal properties. If you currently use plywood or plank forms when pouring concrete that is going to be used to construct reinforced walls, compare your normal method to an insulated concrete form installation.
Current Materials
Any material that is used as a concrete form acts as a stabilizer. Plywood and wooden plank forms are the most commonly used materials during heavy construction projects. Drawbacks that are associated with these materials, however, include moisture absorption and the breakdown of materials.
The moisture content in concrete can alter the strength of both plywood and plank forms. Although forms that are made out of wooden products may seem cost-effective, you may ultimately be required to replace these materials, and this can make a project more expensive than you initially planned on.
Insulated Forms
Insulated forms are constructed of expanded polystyrene. Rigid blocks are separated by plastic webbing. The shape of insulated forms will provide airflow on both sides of a wall where concrete will be poured. Due to the chemical makeup of insulated forms, moisture will not compromise the strength of a form. Forms maintain a high load-bearing capacity.
Each form is shaped like the letter H. This means there is enough room on either side of a form to provide an adequate place to conceal plumbing, wiring, or other components that will be installed behind a wall. When insulated forms are installed along the exterior walls of a building, they provide thermal properties that can help a home or business retain heated or cooled air. The thermal properties will aid with ensuring that new construction projects provide your clients with investments that are energy efficient.
Due to the composition of an insulated concrete form, many sounds that are produced outdoors may be muffled. Many older homes or commercial buildings lack acoustical properties that reduce loud noises from interfering with an indoor environment. When subpar materials are used to insulate a home or building, the owner of either structure may be inclined to invest a lot of money in soundproofing materials that will make the indoor atmosphere more pleasant.
If you decide to switch from the forms you usually use to insulated ones, let your current and prospective clients know about the upgraded form products. This information may be one of the deciding factors they use when hiring you and your construction crew.
Share13 September 2021
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