Home Improvement

Types of Concrete Wall Forms and How to Select Them?

Published

2 years ago

August 21, 2021

Concrete wall forms are one of the most important things needed for the construction of a building. These forms act as a solid mold and a barrier that keeps the cement fluid in place until it becomes hard and takes a desirable shape. When the concrete is contained in a mold, it takes its shape, which makes it easy for construction workers to build walls and roofs.

The types and qualities of concrete wall forms vary, and some even contain additional characteristics, such as insulation, surface designs and patterns, and more. While it is a matter of preference whether you want to go for insulated or designer concrete wall form, it is necessary for you to be careful about the quality and type.

Luckily for you, we are going to discuss different types of concrete forms and explain the criteria for their selection during a construction project.

Types of Concrete Wall Forms

There are 5 basic types of concrete wall form used in casting: insulated, wooden, steel, concrete, and foam. Each of them is explained in detail below. Keep on reading.

Insulated Concrete Forms

Insulated concrete form (ICF) is relatively a new kind of concrete form, which contains hollow blocks made of the material responsible for insulation. The material is fitted so closely together in the blocks, which makes insulation more possible.

Insulated concrete form systems are constructed over a foundation slab, which becomes a part of the foundation for the project, including the wall system. When the insulated concrete form is to be used, the reinforcements are placed within the blocks, and then it is filled with the concrete.

To understand better, it can be said that the insulated form and the concrete take an image similar to a sandwich. The insulated form system is energy-efficient. And one of its great advantages is that the forms don’t have to be removed through the implementation of ICFs. Once the concrete is filled in the system, it doesn’t need removal.

Wooden Concrete Forms

Wooden forms are one of the most common and convenient types of concrete forms. It is basic and doesn’t cost a lot of money, that’s why it’s most conventional. The wooden concrete form is usually used in projects where concrete casting is not to exceed the height of 6 inches. As its name suggests, the wooden concrete forms are made of wooden boards which are nailed or screwed together to form a required shape of mold or frame for the concrete to fill in.

If the form is to be sloped or tilted, workers use special leveling equipment. If the desired shape of concrete requires curves or different freestyle designs, workers employ thinner cross-sections to make it happen.

The wood can easily stick to the concrete forever. Therefore, workers apply a kind of releasing agent or a low-grade oil to the inner surface of the wooden concrete form, so the concrete doesn’t stick to the surfaces and the framework easily comes off when the concrete inside is hardened.

If kept maintained and cleaned, wooden concrete forms can be used multiple times, which is icing on the cake, considering how they are already pretty cost-effective.

Steel Concrete Forms

Steel concrete forms are made of steel, which makes them more durable and strong. If steel concrete forms are kept properly maintained, they can even be used up to 2000 work cycles. Thus, it is definitely more durable than wooden forms and provides a better long-term solution in construction projects.

Another thing that precedes steel forms over wooden ones is that steel forms don’t absorb moisture from the concrete that is placed inside its frame. Thus, there is a lesser chance of observing errors and mishaps after the steel-concrete is removed.

Concrete Wall Forms

Concrete wall forms are much different than other wall forms. The concrete wall form is a pre-manufactured forming system used in the casting of walls of a large area – or foundations and piers. This system is different than wooden form or steel form; however, concrete wall forms are a mixture of wood and steel. The engineering of these forms involves wooden panels with steel framing. Columns of wood connect with each other to form a wall or a panel, having separate steel frames and support. But in some cases, these forms are totally made of steel.

The individual elements in concrete wall forms are held together with the help of large pins and latches. To hold the reinforcements in place during the pouring of concrete cement, high-grade ties are used.

These systems are manufactured in different sizes, widths, and shapes, but similar to other kinds of wall forms, they can also be customized according to a specific wall size or any other project requirement.

One great thing about these concrete wall forms is that they are reusable, which makes them cost-effective.

Foam Concrete Forms

Foam concrete forms are the most non-traditional and uncommon type of concrete forms. It is used rarely, only in special projects. Foam concrete forms also work in an untraditional way, having concrete cement being poured from upside down. That way, the desired finish of concrete becomes possible.

Foam concrete cement isn’t literally made of foam. They are either built from acrylic glass, laminated board, or melamine. Foam concrete forms create negative spaces between the hardened concrete, but it brings an artistic look to the final cast.

How to Select a Concrete Form

Selecting a concrete wall form for your construction project is a tedious task, especially if you aren’t experienced much. The selection of a concrete form system depends on the use of it – how and where it would be used.

And to answer these questions, you need to consider concrete pour size, pressure on the form, type of compaction, weight on the form, and the amount of concrete to retain.

A few key elements to take care of when choosing a concrete form are:

You can either own a concrete form or rent it. Only own it if you have long-term use of it. If not, it is better to rent it – and if you are renting it, choose the one that is more economical and fits your needs.
Where aesthetics matter, steel form takes precedence because of its ability to provide a finer finish with little-to-none holes on the cast, as compared to wooden forms.
If you are looking for tolerance and durability in the concrete form, we’d suggest steel concrete forms. They are stiffer, provide a cleaner finish, and do not absorb any moisture from the concrete, unlike wooden ones.
The familiarity of the workers also matters. A loss is likely to occur if the workers have no experience with the chosen concrete form type.
If the concrete is to be curved, turned, and have offsets, steel-concrete forms would work best. If cost is an issue, thin wood forms can also be used.
If the structure you are building is of a low height, wooden forms might be the best choice. Steel forms usually work best when the structure is at least 20-feet tall – it would require support and extra bracing which would work better with steel forms instead of wooden.

Home Improvement

Reasons to hire an expert to get pipe repair done.

Published

4 days ago

March 28, 2023

Michael Caine

Introduction

At times, the water flow in your home can be affected due to a broken pipe. When this happens, you need to hire a professional who has the expertise of executing pipe relining in Eastern Suburbs. A professional plumber can get the job done more efficiently than you could do it on your own. They are also aware of any potential problems that may arise with DIY projects and can take pre-emptive steps to avoid them from happening.

Expense

While some may think hiring a professional is unnecessary; it’s important to remember that the cost of doing it yourself can be far higher. In most cases, it costs more than hiring a plumber or HVAC technician.

You need the right tools for the job and you might not be familiar with how they work. You might also be unaware of exactly how the repair should be done. Then, you can end up causing more harm than good by trying to fix them yourself. As such, hiring an expert who knows what he’s doing is usually worth every penny spent on his services.

Avoiding local plumbers.

The first reason to hire a professional plumbing company for your repair is to avoid the local plumber. Many people think they can save money by hiring someone in their area, but they’re often wrong. Local plumbers often have no experience with the issues that arise in your home and will charge you more than necessary to fix them. They also tend to be less reliable because they are less likely to show up on time or at all.

This doesn’t mean that all local plumbers are bad—there are some excellent ones! However, when it comes down to it, experts have the skills and equipment necessary to fix and prevent problems from occurring again.

To get a substantial and long-term repair.

You can be sure that expert plumbers will perform the job using quality materials and tools. They follow industry best practices and have years of experience in their field. With this, you can be assured that your plumbing system will be repaired in a way that won’t cause problems for months to come, even years ahead.

To avoid a DIY disaster.

If you can’t handle the repair independently, hiring a local trustworthy agency for pipe relining in Eastern Suburbs is the best thing to do. While DIY repairs may seem easy, they are often dangerous and can cause more damage than good. These repairs done incorrectly or without proper training can lead to costly leaks and other issues that will require even more expensive repairs later.

For the most part, the repair is not a complicated process. If you have basic plumbing skills, you can handle most repairs yourself. However, if you need help with what to do or how to do it, it’s best to hire a professional plumber to take care of the job.

No chance of leakage.

Many leaks are very dangerous and costly to repair. A leak can be tough to find, and if not detected in time, it can cause damage to your property as well as other people’s property as well.

If you do not detect the leakage in time, mould or mildew can develop inside your walls and the basement area where water collects. This can lead to serious health problems for anyone exposed to this environment for long periods. In addition, seepage may come from the wall, which will cause dampness on your walls and floors, making them slippery at times.

Conclusion

If you have a leaky one at home, it is vital to get it fixed before it causes any damage. You can call an expert for this job, who will come to your house and fix the problem in no time.

Home Improvement

Maximising Energy Efficiency with Double Roller Blinds

Published

2 weeks ago

March 20, 2023

Michael Caine

Window treatments are essential to any home, providing privacy, light control, and a touch of style to any room. They add a decorative element to your home and can also enhance privacy, control light, and increase energy efficiency. Countless options are available, but choosing the right one can make all the difference in your home’s overall design and functionality.

Most importantly, they can significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency. Select the right window treatments, and you can reduce your energy bills and help to conserve natural resources. One such option is double roller blinds, which offer style and function. In this article, you’ll explore the benefits of these blinds and how they can help to maximise your home’s energy efficiency.

What are Dual Roller Blinds?

Dual roller blinds, or double or day/night blinds, are a type of window covering consisting of two separate roller blinds mounted on a single bracket. One blind is typically made from a light-filtering fabric that allows natural light to enter the room while providing privacy.

In contrast, the other is made from a block-out fabric that offers complete privacy and light control. This unique design allows you to adjust the blinds to your desired light and privacy throughout the day.

Benefits of Dual Roller Blinds

Dual roller blinds offer several benefits beyond their energy efficiency. For one, they provide a sleek, modern look that complements any interior design style. They are also easy to operate and can be customised to fit your window dimensions.

Sleek and modern look

Double roller blinds provide a modern and stylish appearance that can complement any interior design style. They offer a clean and minimalistic look that can enhance the aesthetics of any room. They come in various colours and patterns, allowing you to choose the perfect style to match your décor.

Versatility in light control

One of the most significant advantages of dual roller blinds is their versatility in light control. They consist of two layers of fabric, one a block-out material and the other a sheer material.

This means that you can adjust the amount of natural light entering the room by choosing which layer of fabric to use. The sheer layer allows for filtered light, while the block-out layer blocks all light. This versatility allows you to create the perfect ambience in your room at any time of day.

Customisable to fit your window dimensions

Dual roller blinds are available in various sizes, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your windows. You can also customise the width and length to fit specific window dimensions. This means you can get an ideal fit for any window in your home, whether large or small.

Customisation Options

Dual roller blinds come in various colours, patterns, and fabrics, allowing you to customise them to fit your unique style and needs. Some popular fabric options include linen, polyester, and PVC. You can also choose between different levels of light filtering and block out to fit your specific needs. Additionally, these can be motorised for added convenience and ease of use.

Wrapping up

Dual roller blinds offer a stylish and functional solution for maximising your home’s energy efficiency. By providing added insulation to your windows, they can help to reduce your energy bills and lower your carbon footprint. With various customisation options, they can fit any interior design style and provide versatile light control throughout the day. If you want to upgrade your window treatments, these are great options.

Home Improvement

Everything about Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning

Published

2 weeks ago

March 20, 2023

Michael Caine

Reverse-cycle AC is a popular cooling and heating solution in many homes and businesses. It is a highly efficient and effective way to regulate indoor temperatures, providing warmth and coolness. Reverse cycle ducted aircon is a popular solution for whole-home cooling and heating, allowing for temperature control throughout multiple rooms or zones via a network of ducts. But how does it work? The following section of this article will take a closer look at the inner workings of reverse-cycle AC, its benefits and factors to consider when choosing one.

How does Reverse Cycle AC work?

Reverse-cycle AC uses refrigerant to absorb heat from one area and transfer it to another. This process is achieved through two main components: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.

The indoor unit is responsible for circulating air through the building and contains the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil absorbs the heat from the air, and cools it, which is then distributed through the building via ducts or fans.

The outdoor unit contains the compressor, which pumps the refrigerant through the system, and the condenser coil, which releases the heat the refrigerant absorbs back into the outdoor environment. During cooling mode, the indoor unit absorbs heat from the indoor air, and the outdoor unit releases it outside. During the heating mode, the indoor and outdoor units swap functions, with the indoor unit absorbing heat from the outdoor air and the outdoor unit releasing it inside.

What are the benefits of Reverse Cycle AC?

Energy Efficiency: Reverse cycle AC is highly energy-efficient, using less energy to produce heat than traditional electric heating systems. This can result in savings on energy bills, particularly in colder climates where heating is required for extended periods.

Versatility: Reverse cycle air conditioning can provide cooling and heating capabilities, making it a versatile solution for homes and businesses. This eliminates the need for separate cooling and heating systems, saving space and money.

Ease of Use: Reverse-cycle air conditioning systems are easy to operate and require minimal maintenance. Many systems come with remote control, allowing users to adjust the temperature and settings from the comfort of their chairs.

Air Quality: Reverse cycle air conditioning systems can also improve indoor air quality by filtering dust, pollen, and other allergens. Many systems include built-in air filtration systems, which can improve the health and well-being of occupants.

What to consider when choosing a Reverse Cycle AC?

Size: When choosing a reverse cycle ducted aircon, it is important to consider the size of the unit in relation to the size of the space it will be used in. A unit that is too small will struggle to heat or cool the space effectively, while a unit that is too large may be inefficient and waste energy.

Efficiency: Look for a system with a high energy efficiency rating. This will ensure that the unit operates efficiently, resulting in lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact.

Installation: Proper installation of a reverse cycle air conditioning system is crucial for efficient and effective operation. Choosing a reputable installer with experience installing reverse-cycle air conditioning systems is important.

Reverse cycle AC is a versatile, energy-efficient solution for homes and businesses cooling and heating. Using a refrigerant to absorb and transfer heat can provide warmth in colder months and coolness in hotter months, all while reducing energy bills and improving indoor air quality. When choosing a reverse-cycle air conditioning system, it is important to consider factors such as size, efficiency, and proper installation to ensure optimal performance and effectiveness.