Critical Tips for Industrial and Manufacturing Professionals and Consumers

If you are incorporating concrete columns into your building, think about using cardboard tubes such as formatubes during the construction. In general, these formatubes are beneficial because they are lightweight. This aspect makes them convenient for transportation and handling. Also, the products are environmentally-friendly because they are made of cardboard material. Additionally, the cost of purchase is low and will decrease total building costs. Here are some tips to consider if you are interested in using concrete-forming tubes for your project.

Choose the Right Tubing

You should select the correct tubes for your construction project. Keep in mind that these forming units are designed to accommodate different structural requirements for columns. However, these tubes are manufactured and sold in a range of standard sizes. Therefore, you must determine the best match for your structure, depending on your design and the building code. When shopping for the supplies, inquire about the different diameters and lengths of tubes. Consult your concrete contractor for guidance if uncertain. You should also evaluate the quality of the various products on the market. Make sure that the units are weatherproof, have low porosity and can withstand the stress of poured concrete.

Use a Plastic Insert

Cardboard tubes, like formatubes, are easy to use because they have an oil lining. This internal layer allows for the easy removal of the tubing after the concrete cures. However, cardboard can be an unforgiving material for creating a perfect finish on the concrete. In simple terms, the tubing often leaves spiral marks on the concrete because of its fabrication. This type of surface blemish is not a concern in most cases because the columns are concealed during the rest of the construction process. Unfortunately, they are problematic when dealing with columns intended for open display. Therefore, if you want to install exposed columns, consider investing in a plastic insert. This product is a liner designed for placement within the forming tubes before pouring. The plastic insert will guarantee a smooth finish for the column without the spiralling of the cardboard. Consequently, you can paint the flawless concrete surface after curing without additional modification processes.

Protect during Storage

Finally, plan for the storage of your cardboard tubes before construction. These units are highly resilient because the external surface has a water-resistant coating. However, the products can still sustain damage if placed in hostile environments. Therefore, choose a dry and cool area to keep unused concrete forming tubes. Additionally, protect from physical damage and subsequent deformation.