Lite-Form Technologies

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

	What is the Lite-Form® System? What kind of insulation is used? Is the form already assembled? Is this a "Stay In Place" form? How do I brace the forms? Do the ties come in different lengths? Where do I buy the materials? Do I have to use a special concrete mix? Do I have to use a concrete pump? Do I have to pour slowly? How high can I pour at one time? Can I vibrate the forms? How does steel rebar go into the form? Do I need any special tools? Do the forms ever blow out? How do I finish the interior and exterior? Do you provide technical assistance? Do you provide engineering specs? Are the forms code approved? Do the forms meet ICBO, ASTM or other tests?

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	WHAT IS THE LITE-FORM SYSTEM? It is a system of stay-in place forms for concrete structures which are to be insulated or when a disposable form is practical. The form (without concrete or finishing) produces a R-20 insulated concrete wall. The technology for this concrete building system was developed early in 1985. Back to Top

	WHAT KIND OF INSULATION IS USED? Custom-made extruded insulation from Owens Corning, 2 inches thick. It is fabricated into 8" wide insulation planks. Each plank is 8-feet long and has pre-cut slots to receive the plastic hardware. Back to Top

	IS THE FORM ALREADY ASSEMBLED? In most cases, assembly is done at the jobsite. Jobsite assembly is preferred for complicated wall shapes and unusually heavy schedules of rebar. Special plastic ties allow installers to assemble forms for concrete walls up to 24-inches thick. In some regions, Lite-Form suppliers can deliver the preassembled form modules. Back to Top

	IS THIS A "STAY IN PLACE" FORM? In most projects the insulating forms stay in place for a high-efficiency concrete foundation, basement or complete structure. For special projects, the Owens Corning Extruded insulation can be removed, saved and used again. This is a cost-saving advantage for constructing retaining walls, fire walls or other structures where insulation is not needed. Back to Top

	HOW DO I BRACE THE FORMS? We recommend using our internal Steel In-Wall Bracing, placed vertically every 4' inside the form and horizontally, at the top of the wall. External bracing is limited to wood or metal vertical braces which are anchored to the forms and have lateral "kicker" staked to the ground to ensure alignment. Back to Top

	DO THE TIES COME IN DIFFERENT LENGTHS? Forming ties are currently available to produce concrete walls 4", 6", 8", 10", 12", 16", 18" and 24" thick. Standard 90-degree and 45-degree corner ties are also available in the most popular wall widths. Back to Top

	WHERE DO I BUY THE MATERIALS? All the components (insulation planks and forming ties) are available at any Lite-Form Dealer. Back to Top

	DO I HAVE TO USE A SPECIAL CONCRETE MIX? No, a standard mix will work just fine. We suggest a 3,000 to 3,500 psi mix, 4 to 6 inch slump with an aggregate that does not exceed 3/4" diameter. Back to Top

	DO I HAVE TO USE A CONCRETE PUMP? Only if your jobsite make placement from a truck too difficult. Concrete can be placed with crane buckets, elevators or other typical placement methods. Back to Top

	DO I HAVE TO POUR SLOWLY? The forms will allow concrete placement at nominal rate of 8 vertical feet per hour. It is placed in 4 foot lifts. Back to Top

	HOW HIGH CAN I POUR AT ONE TIME? There is no limit to the finished height of the wall. However, pouring should be limited to 4 foot lifts. Dropping concrete more than 10-12 feet (from top of form) is not recommended. When working with multi-story structures, installers will form one story at a time. Back to Top

	CAN I VIBRATE THE FORMS? Yes. We recommend using a 1" vibrator, provided the operator is experienced. If you have never worked concrete forms before, use a rubber mallet to top on the exposed tie pads. Back to Top

	HOW DOES STEEL REBAR GO INTO THE FORM? Rebar can be placed as the forms are built up, or they can be backed into pre-assembled form sections as they are brought together. Ties have alignment pins to hold rebar in place. Rebar can be laid directly onto the ties. Back to Top

	DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL TOOLS? No. General hand tools and power screw drivers are all that is needed for most projects. Back to Top

	DO THE FORMS EVER BLOW OUT? When you place wet concrete into any form, there is always some risk of having a form blow out (break). These forms are no different. When used properly, it is very unlikely that the form will break. If it happens, a quick-fix method allows you to repair the break in minutes. Back to Top

	HOW DO I FINISH THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR? Interior sheetrock can be attached directly to the exposed tie pads using conventional sheetrock screws. Exterior finishes (over the insulation) include stucco, siding, brick or stone facing and general damproofing (below grade). Back to Top

	DO YOU PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE? Technical representatives are available at your site for an hourly fee. We recommend that you visit a Lite-Form Training Center before you get started. Lite-Form Dealers can also assist you by phone at any time. Back to Top

	DO YOU PROVIDE ENGINEERING SPECS? No. Remember, the finished walls are no different than other monolithic concrete walls. Therefore, local engineering standards for poured concrete should always be used. Back to Top

	ARE THE FORMS CODE APPROVED? Assuming that local engineering standards are followed, the poured walls will meet all requirements of conventionally formed walls. Back to Top

	DO FORMS MEET ICBO, ASTM OR OTHER TESTS? Test reports are available for the rigid insulation but the forming system does not require such tests. The forms reflect techniques that are common. The finished construction is identical to conventionally formed walls. This is not to be confused with other lightweight form systems which do not produce a complete, monolithic wall but alter the overall strengths of the finished structure. Back to Top