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What are the advantages of Caraustar Kolumn Forms™ over other types of concrete forms? |
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They are economical to use. Minimum bracing is required. They are lightweight and easy to handle. Also, they can be cut on the job with a cordless saw or circular saw. Single use form eliminates cleaning, re-oiling and storage. Jobs progress quickly since forms do not have to be reused.
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What are the disadvantages of metal and fiberglass forms? |
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They are more difficult to use and more expensive. Steel forms are heavier and require unnecessary man-hours in assembling and setting up. Fiberglass forms easily lose their round shape. The cost of both requires reuse and extensive cleaning and re-oiling. Fewer forms may delay progress of the job |
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When are steel and fiberglass forms more economical to use? |
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When large quantities of the same diameter columns are to be formed and the timing of the job allows for the delays necessary to clean and re-oil the forms.
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When are Caraustar Kolumn Forms™ more economical to use? |
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When different diameters are to be poured. When the job calls for just a few columns. When it is important to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
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Why are round columns preferred over other shapes of columns? |
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No sharp corners to chip or break. Less obstruction of view. Easily finished. |
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How should Caraustar Kolumn Forms™ be protected when stored on the job site? |
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They should be stored on a platform or supports at least 4” off of the ground. They should be covered with plastic or a tarp, allowing for ventilation |
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Will an out of round Caraustar Kolumn Form™ “round out” when filled with concrete? |
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Sometimes, but it cannot be guaranteed.
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If a Caraustar Kolumn Form™ is out of round, can it be used? |
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Yes—for below grade piers or if the user wishes to build bracing in which the form may be strapped to pull the form into round.
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If the Caraustar Kolumn Form™ has a fairly large dent, will the dent straighten out when filled with concrete? |
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No. The dent should be removed before the concrete is placed.
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What is the length limit for Light Wall and Medium Wall Caraustar Kolumn Forms™? |
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Twelve feet is the limit for Light Wall. Eighteen feet is the limit for Medium Wall |
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Why are Caraustar Kolumn Forms™ longer than the length specified? |
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We intentionally make the forms longer than what is specified to compensate for changes in ambient conditions that may allow the forms to shrink slightly. If need be, the forms are easily trimmed to the necessary length.
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What are the most popular diameters of Caraustar Kolumn Forms™? |
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12”, 18” and 24”.
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Will you furnish custom lengths of Caraustar Kolumn Forms™? |
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Custom lengths are available by special order. Please contact your dealer for minimum quantities and other restrictions that may apply. |
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Can Caraustar Kolumn Forms™ be used in water? |
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No. You should never use any manufacturer’s fiber column form in standing water. |
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What are the basic requirements for bracing Caraustar Kolumn Forms™? |
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The form must be securely braced to hold it into position, top and bottom, as well as making sure it will not bend or break in the middle. |
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What precautions should be taken when placing Caraustar Kolumn Forms™ several days prior to use? |
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The forms must be covered at night and during any rain or snow. The base of the form should be blocked up to provide drainage at the base so any accumulation of water will not wick up into the form. |
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Should the contractor apply a release agent to the inside surface of Caraustar Kolumn Forms™ before pouring? |
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A release agent is not necessary.
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What precautions should be taken when pouring concrete from the top of a very long Caraustar Kolumn Form™? |
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It is very important to provide bracing to hold the form in place. When necessary, elephant trunk should be used in pouring. |
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What is the minimum stripping time generally allowed by most architects and engineers? |
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Typically 24 hours. Unusual ambient conditions may dictate a variance.
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Why don’t you add a “stripping wire” to be pulled to strip the form? |
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Two reasons. One, you will notice that the typical Kolumn Form has a thicker wall designed for heavy duty commercial applications. The forms are constructed with proprietary Caraustar high strength paperboard. Consequently the effort needed to pull the stripping wire would be much greater than the forms currently produced that have the stripping wire. Most contractors have a saw readily available to cut thru the wall of the form and easily strip the form. Secondly, we feel the stripping wire poses a job site safety hazard |
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