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How long to leave on the forms

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How long to leave on the forms (post #207461)

BGodfrey on Sat, 02/09/2013 - 14:06
in

I am forming up about 55 feet of 8x18 inch footing with a short wall of a few inches on top.  I was reading about form releases in an old post and it was advised that I don't need a form release if I'm just going to chuck the forms after I use them - which I am.  So how long do I leave the forms on the concrete?  Will they come off easier if I remove them next day, or wait, and how long?

Thanks,  --Brian

-A +A

BG (post #207461, reply #1 of 5)

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calvin in reply to BGodfrey [original] on Sat, 02/09/2013 - 16:22

Unless you use the most worthless material, why [JOBSITE WORD] can it.

Kid came by and "lifted" my form material after I was done from a nicely stacked pile.

The didn't cart it far enough-down the hill in the woods a couple hundred feet.   They did take it apart and bring it back and restack-and ended up being my eyes and ears at the site till we finished.

 

 

Yes, I gave them the material for their tree fort after I was done.

 

You can release the forms as soon as the concrete sets.  Easier?  the bare wood will draw out the moisture quick and adhere it good.  Oiled?  not so quick.  You don't want to bust it up-you should be able to figure out if it's too soon.  Sort of depends on how your formed it...........some comes apart easy, some not so easy.

 

 

 

These are the girls that spilled the beans on 'em.

A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.


http://www.quittintime.com/

 

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Have taken low stuff off the (post #207461, reply #2 of 5)

by junkhound in reply to BGodfrey [original] on Sat, 02/09/2013 - 17:59

Have taken low stuff off the next day, just keep it wet for a few weeks.

Other times, leave it on till convienient to strip. 

Have left some PT form material on for over 40 years,  still good .  Window frames, shop table ledgers in basement, etc..

Have taken low stuff off the (post #207461, reply #3 of 5)

by junkhound in reply to BGodfrey [original] on Sat, 02/09/2013 - 18:00

Have taken low stuff off the next day, just keep it wet for a few weeks.

Other times, leave it on till convienient to strip. 

Have left some PT form material on for over 40 years,  still good .  Window frames, shop table ledgers in basement, etc..

After 24 hours your concrete (post #207461, reply #4 of 5)

by sapwood in reply to BGodfrey [original] on Sun, 02/10/2013 - 10:30

After 24 hours your concrete is still very green. Any misplaced crowbar or hammer drop will chip it or worse. I'd wait at least 48 hours. Scrape the form boards sort of clean and put an add on craigslist for free material. Junkhound will be there soon. 

The longer you leave the (post #207461, reply #5 of 5)

by ronbudgell in reply to BGodfrey [original] on Mon, 02/11/2013 - 09:33

The longer you leave the forms, the better the concrete will retain water and the stronger it will be.

Get some thin poly and staple it into the form before you pour.

Ron