FORMWORK AND SERVICES

Formwork gives concrete its SHAPE.

Formwork provides a mould, into which concrete is placed. When concrete has hardened the formwork is removed.

Formwork must be:

• ACCURATE
• STRONG, and
• WELL MADE.

Formwork that is not will leak from the joints, may sag, bulge or move and, especially in large construction, will not be safe.

SERVICES Plumbing, heating or electrical services are run through a slab. These services need to be 'roughed in' before any concrete is poured. Our plumber lays out placement of trenches that slope from the furthest plumbing fixture, through the house and to the sewer at the street, all other plumbing fixtures; sinks, tubs and toilets tie into the main waste line along the way.  Once the services are in place, a vapour barrier is put in place. The Vapour barrier, is a heavy plastic covering used to minimise water vapour rising through the hardened concrete.

Planning and Site Preparation

The most important step in preparing a house slab is planning. It is necessary to plan every step before any concrete is delivered. Proper planning avoids delays, wastage, segregation and problems which develop from these.

MEASUREMENT When setting out the slab it is important to consider how thick the slab must be. The thickness of a slab will depend on the weight the concrete must carry this is assessed by the building engineer and set out in his calculations.

THE FINISHING LEVEL Once the thickness of concrete has been established, it is possible to calculate the slabs finished level. The finishing level shows how much digging or excavation must be done.

EXCAVATION The ground is excavated as deep as is required by the finishing levels. Any roots or grass are dug out until there is firm soil to place on. Excavations are prepared wider than needed to allow for the formwork.