What Types of Concrete Forms Can I Rent?
One of the easiest ways for a construction company to lower their costs and put green, environmentally friendly practices into play is to rent concrete forms that can be used multiple times. In case if you are willing to read more about reasons why you should rent concrete instead of buying.
These concrete forms are used to hold freshly poured concrete in place while it sets. While older forms are basically just molds, today’s forms can be used to add patterns and improve insulation.
If you’re looking into concrete form rental, it’s helpful to know your options. Here are five concrete forms you could rent for your next project.
Concrete Wood Forms
Traditional concrete forms were made out of wood, and it’s still used today. However, it’s typically used only for smaller projects – ones that are less than six inches tall.
Wooden forms use boards that are screwed or nailed together to create the required shape. Once built, the forms are carefully checked to make certain they are either perfectly level or that they slope in the correct direction and grade.
Casting curved sections of concrete with wood forms does present a challenge, but it can be done by creating thin cross-sections of wood. It’s also important to add a releasing agent to the inside of the form before pouring the concrete so that the forms can be removed later.
Insulated Concrete Forms
Insulated concrete forms are made from hollow blocks that are connected together to create the mold. These blocks are made out of a special insulating material and are used to form walls.
The blocks are placed on a slab with reinforcement pieces inside the mold. They are then filled with concrete.
These forms differ from other options because they’re actually not removed—they become a part of the wall insulation.
Foam Concrete Forms
Form concrete forms are a little different from other options because the concrete is actually poured in upside down. This creates negative areas in the form for artistic purposes.
Foam concrete forms are usually made out of laminate board, acrylic glass, or melamine. This option is generally done to create a specific finish that is more decorative rather than functional.
Concrete Wall Forms
Concrete wall forms are pre-manufactured for casting large walls, piers, or foundations. They’re constructed using a steel frame and engineered wood, though some are also made completely out of steel. The forms are then connected by latches or pins to hold them in place.
These forms can be used to build walls in different shapes and sizes, though they are generally not used for curved walls due to their inflexibility. These forms can also be created in custom sizes very easily.
Concrete Steel Forms
Finally, there are steel concrete forms. These forms can be used repeatedly, making them a great option for construction crews who want to lessen their impact on the environment. Steel doesn’t absorb any moisture, either, so when it’s removed, there’s no sign the form was ever there.
Some other materials that do absorb moisture may actually result in small errors in the finished concrete surface. These forms can be created with curves, angles, and other unique features, too, so any type of concrete structure can be created from them.
Forming America Has the Concrete Forms You Need
Which concrete form is right for your next project? It depends on a number of factors, including the pour size, the weight and pressure that the form will be subjected to, and the compaction type.
While it’s possible to purchase your own concrete forms, renting them is often more economical. Here at Forming America, we offer a variety of different forms for rent and can help you select the right type of form for your project. Contact us today to get started.