Construction industry continues to evolve in its methods and materials. Though concrete is still the most prominent material used in the construction industry. And to form a concrete form, a supporting structure is required for its support till it gains enough strength. A shuttering plywood becomes essential in the curing process of concrete. From the infrastructure projects to the pillars in a single-storey home, every construction work requires shuttering plywood. Many companies make this plywood, but only a few specialize in it because of its unique build, application and function. While other plywood varieties have functional as well as aesthetic use, the shuttering plywood manufacturing focuses more on its strength, moisture resistance and other physical properties.
Let’s explore the key tips on how to choose a shuttering plywood that is best for your project:
Tips on Shuttering Plywood Selection
A shuttering plywood may seem okay when brought to the construction site. But when the surface peels, edges swell, or sag under load, that’s when you know you have made a bad choice. So, follow these tips to avoid the problems in shuttering:
Check the Stiffness of Wood
You might think the thickness of the sheet is a good signifier of strength. But that’s not true. The true strength lies in stiffness because it should be able to handle heavy structural loads. You can lift the wood and if it feels rigid and not springy, it means it has good stiffness.
Verify The Certificates of the Manufacturer
The shuttering plywood manufacturer must have the required certificate for quality assurance and ethical business practices. The weight profile, size and thickness should be standardized so that it is compatible with the various projects in the construction industry.
Uniform Veneer for Strong Core
A visible sign to check the strength of the core is the uniformity of the veneer layers. You can check them on the sides, and if it has gaps, then it is not a suitable option because the wide gaps reduce the load bearing capacity.
Water Absorption in the Edges
The edges of the plywood absorb water first because they are exposed unlike the face which is often laminated. The powdery and soft edges signify poor compression and low resin content. A well manufactured plywood has properly sealed edges with moisture-proof resins.
Reuse Cycles
For small-scale construction project, like a home or a small shop, the shuttering plywood without film is sufficient. But for a medium to large-scale construction such as commercial complexes, high-rise buildings and infrastructure, the film faced shuttling plywood is a must because it has a greater number of reuse cycles.
Conclusion
By following the above-mentioned tips, you can choose the perfect shuttering plywood for your construction project. These plywood sheets use hardwood timber with waterproof resins so that they can withstand wetting by concrete for long curing hours. We Jaguar Ply are an certified company engaged in making shuttering plywood from decades in Nepal. We are a reliable partner for the construction, industrial and transport industries. If you belong to these sectors, you can reach out to us for your shuttering plywood requirements.