Plastic Vs Timber Formwork - Why Choose Novoform?
In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between plastic and timber formwork, helping you decide which option is best suited for your next project.
Choosing the Right Formwork
Formwork plays a crucial role in construction, providing the moulds that shape and support concrete structures until they set. Traditionally, timber has been the material of choice, but as project demands evolve, so do the solutions…
Enter Novoform Permanent Formwork - a modern alternative designed to address the limitations of timber while offering greater efficiency, durability, and sustainability.
What is Novoform?
Novoform is a cutting-edge plastic formwork solution designed to offer versatility, durability, and efficiency across various construction projects. Unlike traditional timber, Novoform is a permanent, stay-in-place system that remains in the structure after the concrete is poured and set.
Let’s explore the advantages of choosing plastic.
Key Benefits of Naylor Novoform Permanent Formwork
Customisable and Bespoke
Novoform is designed to fit your specific project requirements. Whether you need a unique shape, size, or configuration, it can be tailored to your site drawings, ensuring a perfect fit every time.
Lightweight and Easy to Install
Weighing significantly less than timber, Novoform is easier to handle, transport, and install. This reduces transport fees, installation time and labour costs, freeing up resources for other tasks on-site.
Durable and Long-Lasting
Unlike timber, which deteriorates over time due to exposure to moisture and repeated use, Novoform is built to last. It retains its structural integrity even under harsh conditions, making it a more reliable option for long-term projects.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Novoform is a more sustainable choice for environmentally conscious builders. Although it’s not reusable, it’s made from 35% recycled film, helping to reduce waste and meet sustainability goals without compromising on performance.
Improved Safety
The lightweight design and reduced need for power tools mean fewer manual handling risks and a safer working environment for your team.
The Limitations of Traditional Timber Formwork
Timber formwork has been a staple in construction for decades. It is often chosen for its low initial cost and availability. However, as project demands have evolved, the limitations of timber are becoming more apparent…
Short Lifespan
Timber formwork is susceptible to wear and tear, especially when exposed to moisture, which can cause warping, cracking, and rotting. This reduces its lifespan and increases the frequency of replacement.
Labour-Intensive Installation
Timber requires significant cutting, shaping, and fitting on-site. This process is time-consuming and often requires skilled labour, increasing overall project costs.
Heavy and Difficult to Handle
Compared to modern alternatives like plastic, timber is far heavier and therefore more challenging to transport and install, leading to higher logistics and labour expenses.
Inconsistent Quality
Timber is a natural material, which means its quality can vary. Inconsistent timber can lead to structural issues, affecting the accuracy and finish of the concrete pour.
Environmental Impact
The use of timber contributes to deforestation and generates significant waste. Most timber formwork is single-use and often discarded after one project, increasing the environmental footprint.
Novoform Plastic Formwork vs. Traditional Timber Formwork: A Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Novoform Permanent Formwork | Traditional Timber Formwork |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Lightweight and ready to fit, reducing labour costs | Requires cutting and shaping, increasing labour and time |
Durability | Long-lasting, moisture-resistant, and retains shape | Deteriorates quickly with moisture and repeated use |
| Transport Costs | Lighter weight reduces transport and handling costs | Heavier, leading to higher transport expenses |
| Safety | Safer to handle with fewer tools required | Involves more manual handling and sharp tools |
| Sustainability | Eco-friendly and made from recycled materials | Contributes to deforestation and generates waste |
Customisation | Bespoke to site drawings, ensuring a perfect fit | Limited to standard sizes, requiring on-site modifications |
Why Novoform is the Future of Formwork
When comparing the two options side by side, it’s clear that Novoform Permanent Plastic Formwork offers numerous advantages over traditional timber. Its lightweight design, durability, and sustainability make it a forward-thinking solution that meets the demands of modern construction projects.
Not only does Novoform improve efficiency and reduce costs, but it also aligns with industry-wide goals to adopt more environmentally friendly building practices. By choosing Novoform, you’re investing in a solution that enhances the quality of your project while minimising its environmental impact.
Support Your Next Project with Naylor Novoform
As the construction industry continues to innovate, traditional methods are being replaced by more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable alternatives.
Novoform Permanent Formwork is leading the charge, providing a smarter solution for contractors seeking to optimise their groundwork projects.
Ready to future-proof your next build? Get in touch with our team today!
Contact us via email at sales@naylor-novoform.co.uk or call our Sales Team direct on 01427 617547.