Concrete forms are the solid barrier that encases wet concrete until it cures and becomes firm. They are designed to accommodate the various demands placed on concrete in the construction process.
Sonotubes are convenient alternatives to building time-intensive concrete columns and footings. They are lightweight, cost effective, and require no exterior support to hold them in place.
Concrete Form Tubes Are Easy to Use
Using concrete form tubes is a great way to save time and money on a construction project. They can be used to make concrete columns and support footings for mailboxes, decks, fence posts, and other structures. The process is fast and easy, saving contractors both time and money.
To use a concrete forming tube, start by digging a hole in the proper dimensions for the foundation. Then, lay the form in place and pour the concrete into it. Once the concrete has set, remove the form and let the concrete cure.
If you’re using a QUIK-TUBE(tm) form for a load-bearing application, it’s a good idea to treat the forms with light bodied petroleum oil. This will help prevent the concrete from sticking to them and ensure that they’re properly braced. It’s also a good idea to use pressure-treated lumber or apply creosote equivalent to metal posts to prevent rot below ground level. This will protect the structural supports from the soil’s corrosive effects.
They Are Affordable
When compared to other formwork options, concrete tubes are extremely affordable. This is particularly true when compared to lumber formwork, which must be replaced and discarded frequently during the construction process. Additionally, the use of wood formwork is known to increase moisture content in the concrete, which can decrease its strength and durability.
Using Sonotube concrete forms allows contractors to save even more time and money by eliminating the need for costly timber frames, plywood and concrete form release agents. In addition, the patented RainGuard technology reduces the weight of the concrete forms, making them easier to handle, set, strip and discard.
Additionally, the patented StripCord stripping filament mounted inside of Finish Free tubes eliminates the time-consuming and dangerous process of cutting away form walls after the concrete sets. This is a big advantage over other concrete forms, which often require the use of hammers and pry bars. This can also lead to unnecessary damage to the finished surface of the concrete.
They Are Durable
Concrete is a heavy and dense material that requires a form to shape it into a solid structure. These forms, which are made of wood or other materials, must be durable and sturdy to handle the weight of the concrete. They also need to be able to retain their shape until the concrete is poured and hardened.
The construction of concrete forms requires a substantial amount of labor. For large projects, this can add significantly to the overall costs of a project. However, there are ways to save money when it comes to concrete forms. One option is to use Sonotubes instead of traditional wooden and plastic forms.
Cardboard concrete tubes can be cut to specific lengths, diameters and shapes to fit the needs of a project. They are also a safe choice for the environment because they do not produce harmful fumes during use. These benefits make cardboard concrete tubes an excellent alternative to wooden and steel forms.
They Are Eco-Friendly
Cardboard concrete forming tubes are eco-friendly and have many benefits over conventional concrete. They are made of recycled materials and can be used in a variety of construction applications. They are also very flexible and can be manipulated into different shapes. They are also lightweight and easily transported. This means they can be used in locations that are hard to access.
They can be used to create footings, piers, and other poured concrete structures. They can also be used to form the base for an insulated concrete foundation. They are available in a wide range of sizes and can be molded to fit the shape of the building. They can also be stacked to make taller structures.
Another advantage of using Sonotubes is that they are more environmentally friendly than cardboard forms. The fabric formwork prevents rapid hydration of the concrete, resulting in a stronger and more durable concrete. It also helps to reduce energy costs and waste.
