How Do I Maintain Engineered Concrete Formwork?
Engineered forms made of steel or aluminum can be used thousands of times before you have to replace them. To get the most from them and extend their longevity, there are several things you can do maintenance-wise. Below are some tips to help you prolong the life of your forms and ensure they do their job well when they’re in use:
Apply a release agent before each use
You can apply it using a brush or a sprayer. It goes on the face of formwork that will be exposed to concrete. There are many popular and reliable options on the market to help you oil up your forms before they’re used.
Inspect forms carefully before and after each use
Check them for damage and for concrete residue. Make sure to pay special attention to the backs and insides of the formwork to check for buildup/residue.
Remove concrete residue
This is one of the most important ways to maintain your concrete formwork. It’s especially important after each use, but, as mentioned, it’s good to inspect your forms before use for any buildup that may have been previously overlooked. Using water or abrasive blasts is generally the best way to get rid of residue. Rotary brushes or scrapers are also useful in some circumstances.
Appy a release agent after each use
After buildup has been removed, apply another layer of release agent using a brush or sprayer to the face of the formwork that will be exposed to concrete during the form’s next use.
Apply extra release agent to forms that won’t be used for a while
Make sure it’s adequately oiled up before it goes into storage if you know it’s not going to be in use for a month or longer.
Store in a covered area
Avoid leaving steel or aluminum forms outside in uncovered areas. Excessive heat may warp forms, and excessive moisture may cause them to be subjected to corrosion. If you don’t have a covered place to store them safely, you should cover them with a tarp that is waterproof and large enough to adequately shield them from the elements.
Passive Release Agents vs. Active Release Agents
For engineered forms, passive release agents are often the better option. They will leave less dust on the forms. Passive agents usually contain paraffin, diesel oil, or motor oil. Active release agents, on the other hand, use fatty acids like vegetable oils to create a chemical reaction with concrete to make it easier to remove from formwork once the concrete sets. If you end up using a diesel-based passive agent, make sure not to apply too much, causing the oil to bead up.
Proper maintenance of your formwork can make a big difference and can help you ensure that it’s usable for the foreseeable future. And, as you can probably tell, maintaining your forms isn’t too difficult. It’s definitely worth it if you consider the price of new forms vs. being able to re-use. Additionally, if you’re looking to sell your engineered concrete forms after a project’s completion, removing concrete residue, using a releasing agent, and storing them properly until they’re sold is essential so that you deliver the highest quality product to your buyer.
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