Vertiform FAQ
- How much does it cost?
- Are there any extra charges?
- I have a tricky pour, will your system work for it?
- How much can we pour in a day?
- How long does it take to set up a typical pour?
- What kind of concrete mix do you use?
- What are the dimensions of the forms?
- What do the strong backs attach to?
- How are the forms lifted?
- How large a crew do I need?
- How long will it take to train my crew to use Vertiforms?
- At what speed are the forms being lifted on a typical pour?
- Can I do two sided pours with this system?
- I've never heard of this system, what companies have used it?
- Why can't we just do this process ourselves?
- Am I buying your system or renting it?
- Okay, I want to proceed? How do I get started?
- Is there a local distributer where I am?
- I am interested in distributing your product in my area, is that a possibility?
How much does it cost?
Vertiforms are priced by the square foot, but that price is dependent on the total scope of the job as well as the degree of difficulty and the amount of forming material that will be required and consumed. Typical pricing ranges from around $2.50 to $4.50 per square foot.
Are there any extra charges?
Training and shipping charges are added costs for us, and will be an additional charge on your invoice. Typically we only need to train an experienced crew for the first job, and then only consult on tricky pours down the road. As for shipping goes, we just pass our costs along to you.
I have a tricky pour, will your system work for it?
Tricky pours are how we have gotten most of our customers. That is; a company usually uses our product for the first time when no other system will work for their current needs. Once that project is complete, we seem to get the majority of their one-sided pours. Vertiforms are the most adaptable system on the market and can be used to circumvent just about any problem we've ever been presented with; including block-outs, curved walls, inclines, reliefs, significant heights, and rakers. If you have a difficult circumstance, get in touch with us and we'll solve it for you.
How much can we pour in a day?
With a single pump truck and crew, we typically pour around 150' by 12' in less than eight hours. On simple pours, we have done 160' by 14' in 6 hours. Our production rate is fast, but keep in mind; the real time savings is the setup and stripping. There is minimal form cleanup and no need for sacking; the wall is usually finished while still wet.
How long does it take to set up a typical pour?
Obviously, circumstances vary on this; but we usually can set up 150' by 12' pour in around a half day. Although block-outs and pilasters take longer, they are usually much simpler with our system than any conventional method.
What kind of concrete mix do you use?
This varies a bit with weather conditions, location, and time of year; but we are usually using around a 6.5 sack mix, 50/50 to 60/40, pea gravel, and as little water as we can get away with. The lack of water translates into higher psi and less shrinkage. We have never come across mix requirements that we couldn't meet.
What are the dimensions of the forms?
Our standard form size is 21 inches by 24 feet. They can easily be modified to accommodate shorter spans, such as if you have pilasters along a straight wall. Interior and exterior corners also pose no problems. When you think about it, if you need custom form lengths, doesn't it sound better to only have to modify 21 inches of form no matter how tall the pour is?
What do the strong backs attach to?
Our strong backs come with a couple 'L' brackets that are used to bolt them into the footing (see below). The upper end is usually secured with coil rod. Since our system doesn't produce very much pressure against the forms, our bracing is minimal and simple.
How are the forms lifted?
We have developed several lifting mechanisms for the system. Selecting one to use may vary with the circumstances of the pour or the type of strong back used. On most pours we are now using a rather simple device we have made from a ratcheting cargo winch (see below).
How large a crew do I need?
Depending on the size of the pour and the finish requirements, you will want a crew of 4 to 8. You need one to work the pump hose, one to vibrate, two to raise forms & erect scaffolding. Beyond that you can have them rough finish if appearance is not critical, or get a finisher or two in there if it needs to look nice.
How long will it take to train my crew to use Vertiforms?
Standard jobsite training is 3 days. The first day is all most crews need, but we usually stay in town just to be sure nothing comes up that you can't handle.
At what speed are the forms being lifted on a typical pour?
On a 150' pour, we find we go about 30" to 36" per hour. We have gone much faster, but this rate is normal work-flow.
Can I do two sided pours with this system?
This is actually two questions. The first answer is yes; if you build a solid form on the back side, you can pour a slipform on the front. The advantage to this is that the reduced pressure reduces the bracing that you would need substantially. You also don't need snap ties, and if the finished look is important; you can do it on the fly and avoid sacking it later
The second answer is also yes, but with conditions: You can slipform both sides of a wall, but it should be at least 30" thick. This isn't easy, but if it is your only option, it is possible. (See below)
I've never heard of this system, what companies have used it?
Obviously we don't want to give out our entire customer database, but we have worked with many of the largest builders in the world. We patented our system in 1996 and have been busy ever since. If you need a couple references, don't hesitate to ask.
Why can't we just do this process ourselves?
Our system has two active patents 5554392 and 5558823. One is for the method, the other for the apparatus. The penalty for patent infringement is quite substantial. We know this because we have collected it before. The bottom line is, we're saving you money over what you're doing now; plus you get the benefit of our expertise as a customer. As a defendant, you will be begging to get us to settle for many times what you would have paid us, and you will probably have screwed up the pour that you're being sued for attempting. Doesn't it make more sense to be a customer?
Am I buying your system or renting it?
When you do business with us, you are licensing our technology for the duration of the job specified, renting all necessary equipment, and using us as consultants.
Okay, I want to proceed? How do I get started?
Contact us. We'll need a copy of the plans to give you a hard number, but we are happy to answer any questions that you may have.
Is there a local distributer where I am?
There may be, contact us for more info.
I am interested in distributing your product in my area, is that a possibility?
We are looking for representation in some regions. If you feel that you are a good candidate to offer our product line, please contact us.