A - Concrete must have water to gain strength and hydrating membranes are an essential part of concrete construction. When ICF is used, the concrete achieves a higher strength than specifications because of this ability to keep moisture in the mix. Eventually, all the water is converted to concrete crystals. Top

Yes. The AMVIC forms are used to allow builders to pour a solid concrete wall. However, upon completion, the forms are designed to provide insulation, nailing surfaces, and a vapor barrier, all in one step.

A - When cured, the concrete in AMVIC walls is 50% stronger and use 30% less concrete than traditionally poured walls. While the cost of a bare block or poured wall is less, AMVIC provides insulation and furring strips, and is ready to finish, making it a cost effective and less labor-intensive choice. AMVIC also is far less labor intensive to use where there are frequent openings and/or popouts as are frequently the case in residential construction.

Yes. The AMVIC forms are used to allow builders to pour a solid concrete wall. However, upon completion, the forms are designed to provide insulation, nailing surfaces, and a vapor barrier, all in one step.

Yes. ICF forms are used to allow builders a solid concrete wall. Also, the A-One Form brackets (webs) run the full height of the form so much less bracing is needed during pouring. The majority of ICF's on the market require major bracing because their forms cannot support the weight of the concrete.

When cured, the concrete in AMVIC walls is 50% stronger and use 30% less concrete than traditionally poured walls. While the cost of a bare block or poured wall is less, AMVIC provides insulation and furring strips, and is ready to finish, making it a cost effective and less labor-intensive choice. AMVIC also is far less labor intensive to use where there are frequent openings and/or popouts as are frequently the case in residential construction.

A - Yes. Amvic ICFs are one of few forms on the market that are engineered to withstand the internal vibration. In fact, this practice is strongly recommended by Amvic.

You will never see a crack running through a paver patio or across a paver walk, and of course pavers offer more design diversity. Back to top

SMOOTHCRETE prefers to pour the concrete countertops on-site. By doing so, it saves on time in making the template and forming as well as avoiding seams in your concrete countertop.

Yes, the standard sets a minimum limit of 3 cm. In residential systems the thickness of the concrete is approximately 4,5 cm.

Depending on several things like temperature and humidity, with few exceptions, stains and sealers require a 30 to 45 day cure time. Concrete hydrates during cure. As it cures moisture dissipates from the slab. If it is sealed too soon the water vapors may build up and push the stain and sealer off. How soon a pattern can be engraved or cut also depends on several things like temperature, humidity, aggregate type, and the type of cut. You should wait at least 7 days before decorative engraving.

Yes, however extreme cold & extreme heat present additional challenges with concrete. Additives will be placed into the concrete to compensate for these conditions. During the wintertime we use heated mixing water and accelerating chemicals in the concrete mixture. Placement of concrete can be done safely as low as 15 degrees at the time of placement. The use of such additives may cause an additional expense.

Any reputable installer will insist you consider getting a moisture test done if your slab is less than six months old. If the moisture content in the slab is higher than 3% the installer may suggest the use of a moisture barrier to protect the timber flooring while the slab continues to dry.

A vast amount of water can be trapped by concrete floors below ground. Since the soil adjacent to the concrete can bring humidity to the floor, it is important to avoid direct contact between the laminate flooring and the concrete floor.

A - Yes. Amvic Forms are engineered to withstand the rigors of internal vibration. Amvic recommends the use of internal vibration at all times. 'Patting' or 'tapping' the exterior of the forms is not an effective method of concrete vibration.

Each Thermophore unit has a specially woven fleece blend cover. During storage, this cover traps moisture from the atmosphere in the air spaces between the textile strands. When the special safety switch is activated, the Thermophore pack becomes intensely hot very quickly. Through a hygroscopic action, the moisture moves away from the source heat to the cooler body tissue.

It can read the moisture as a relative reading; in other words it will give an indication of a problem area, but will not give a definite moisture content. There are constituents in concrete that can cause the moisture readings to be in error, but as long as the concrete is homogeneous, the error will be constant. Example: If the slab reads approximately 12% moisture in all areas but one area is approx. 20%, it can be assumed that this is a problem area.

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