Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Shuttering Plywood in Construction

Shuttering plywood is a critical material in the building industry, as it is used to create molds that allow concrete to set and harden into specified shapes such as walls, floors, ceilings, and columns. However, poor treatment of this material can cause structural failures, project delays, and increased expenses.

In this article, we’ll focus on the common mistakes that should be avoided while using shuttering plywood and how to avoid challenges during construction. So, let’s get started!

Prominent Mistakes to Avoid When Using Shuttering Plywood in Construction

Using the Wrong Thickness

One of the main areas for improvement in construction is the use of inadequate or excessive thickness-shuttering plywood sheets. For example, if a 12mm thick plywood sheet is recommended for light to normal weight application.

In cases of heavier weight application or intricate structures, one can make use of sheets of larger thickness. If the thickness of plywood is less than what is required, the edges may bow, and concrete may leak out due to the lack of strength in the structure. In this regard, it is important to clarify the specifics of the project on time.

Tip: Prior permission from an expert is recommended in order to avoid situations where there is a thick shuttering ply, for instance, 12mm, that is not suitable for the project. Not doing so can end up being costly and pose safety threats.

Not Paying Attention to the Quality of Plywood

It is very common for construction managers to minimize costs so that they may settle for cheaper shuttering plywood that is of a lower standard. This can be a very serious decision, as poor standard plywood may lack the center core strength necessary to withstand the load imposed by the concrete that is poured later.

Such plywood is made by gluing layers of wood together and bonding it with strong glue. It is engineered to resist tough conditions like heavy load and moisture. However, if left unattended, cheap plywood will likely collapse, shrivel, or split apart under the pressure of curing concrete – which will eventually cost more in repairs and replacement.

Tip: Buy plywood from reputable suppliers and reputable shuttering plywood manufacturers who produce high-grade plywood for concrete works for long-lasting performance.

Ignoring Moisture Resistance

Formwork during construction is always wet, which will cause the plywood to decay over a period of decay. To avoid this, some contractors make the error of not using water-resistant plywood or applying protective coatings that increase moisture resistance. The presence of moisture in the plywood creates unfavorable conditions whereby the attachment to the concrete form becomes loose due to swelling, bending, or breaking apart.

Tip: Use shuttering plywood that has been properly treated for moisture, such as film-faced plywood. Film-faced plywood includes a special coating that virtually eliminates water absorption.

Using Old Plywood for New Works

Despite the fact that shuttering plywood is reusable, many contractors irresponsibly use it for endless purposes in order to save up some money. There is a time limit for every sheet of plywood, after which its durability starts to deteriorate. Using old plywood in important construction sites may lead to overall under-performance, such as cracks, peeling of concrete, and even collapse of the formwork.

Tip: Take note of how many cycles the plywood has already undergone in use. Under the implementation of simple and mild conditions, such as spinning, sheets may be damaged and, in such cases, should be substituted promptly.

Lack of Proper Attention in Storing

An additional error in handling shuttering plywood is improper storage. This can lead to distortion as the plywood sheets are put in direct contact with the earth or in wet conditions. Wrong storage can decrease the effectiveness and duration of the plywood, thereby making it unfit for erection works.

Tip: Ensure that plywood is stored in a drier and airy place. Elevate the plywood sheets off the concrete floor and shield them from rainfall and moisture.

Ignoring the Coating and Treatment

Before the use of shuttering plywood, a coating or release agent should be applied to the surface. This ensures that at the time of stripping, the concrete will not be able to stick to the plywood. The reaction is often ingrained in many contractors, who don’t employ adequate time to finish this process or employ inferior materials for the task.

Tip: Use a release agent or a satisfactory coating. This will help improve results when taking off the plywood and the overhead time to release the formwork.

Wrong Assembly of Formwork

The use of shuttering plywood formwork that is also not assembled correctly can cause a range of problems, such as concrete being poured uncontrollably and problems with the overall structure. Plywood sheets that are supposed to be attached can become loose and shift during the pouring of concrete, resulting in a leak or bad structure.

Tip: All of the components of the formwork should be assembled accurately – there should be no using hands to hammer bolts. As a final wrap-up, always confirm the alignment of the structure before pouring concrete.

Neglecting the Credentials of the Suppliers and Manufacturers

The most crucial error among builders is the purchase of plywood without checking the credentials of manufacturers and suppliers. Sourcing materials of inappropriate quality from unreliable sources can ruin the success of the project. The wrong choice of suppliers or manufacturers may also lead to delays due to inconsistent supply, unsatisfactory services, or even unavailability of the desired goods.

Tip: Use only those shuttering plywood suppliers and manufacturers who have a proven past history of quality production and timely availability of materials. Look at the reviews and request those who are known in the field.

Forgetting to Compare Prices with Quality

In the procurement process, especially when purchasing shuttering plywood, contractors tend to look at the price of the product without concentrating on the price and quality balance. It is important to realize that while cheaper plywood is appealing, the losses in the future, which include replacements, repairs, and structural collapses, may far exceed the amount saved in the beginning.

As an illustration, suppose the cost of a 12mm shuttering ply was stated as one price by one supplier, and later by the other at a slightly higher price; that could actually be a sign of better performance capabilities of the shuttering ply. Looking only at the end and not the beginning can lead to costly errors.

Tip: Look at various vendors for the price of shuttering plywood. Additionally, the quality of the material and the reputation of the vendor should be taken into consideration.

Some Environmental Aspects are Not Considered

Environmental factors like extreme cold and heat or extreme humidity can be detrimental to the functioning of shuttering plywood as well. Contractors do not usually consider the weather when doing the actual formwork. For instance, when the sun is overly hot, plywood tends to dry up, leading to cracking, and a lot of moisture around it renders plywood susceptible to warping.

Tip: When choosing plywood, it is helpful to take into account the weather and general conditions. For temperate climates, opt for plywood that has added weather-resistant features or purchase film-faced plywood when in adverse conditions.

Conclusion

In construction, shuttering plywood is a very useful material, but if it is used improperly, it can cause bad damage and can even be dangerous. If all the common mistakes, such as wrong thickness, low quality, improper storage, and poor moisture protection, are avoided, the contractors can get durable, safe, and efficient formwork.

The customers have to make price comparisons as well; for example, the shuttering ply 12mm price, for example, only from trustworthy suppliers and manufacturers. Using high-quality materials and making regular inspections can make the construction project successful and allow controlling risks related to structural failure and improvement of the final product as a whole.