For builders, installers and designers looking to significantly speed up their project delivery times, AFS Rediwall provides an outstanding alternative to time-consuming blockwork. Joel from AFS reveals how this permanent formwork system helps construction professionals deliver better outcomes in less time – and for less cost.
The challenge for builders
With steel prices and material costs continuing to surge and labour shortages showing no sign of abating, the building industry is under serious pressure to get more done with less. Volatility in commodity markets like steel can make sourcing materials at a good price a challenge, and delivery times can fluctuate, potentially throwing off carefully crafted construction programs.
In addition to sourcing materials, sourcing good people is becoming more difficult as traditional trades like blockwork become less popular. With fewer bricklayers entering the industry and an ageing population of skilled workers, conventional building methods are becoming more difficult to maintain.
These challenges mean that builders, installers and designers must identify ways to keep projects moving through the pipeline without cost overruns or timeline blowouts.
So how can the industry make the shift to a new way of working that reduces cost, maintains quality and safety standards, and doesn’t rely on a dwindling pool of skilled tradespeople?
Joel from AFS says that the new generation of permanent PVC formwork systems ticks all the boxes, providing a product that offers multiple benefits for builders, installers and designers, as well as for the end user.
“Many of our builders also bring this skill in-house into their own team, eliminating the need to bring wet trades like bricklayers on site. There’s a significant cost saving right there when you consider that blockwork teams typically need that window of time in the construction program where they’re on site on their own, making it difficult to overlap trades and lengthening the overall build time” Joel says.
AFS Rediwall: delivering quality at speed
Rediwall is a versatile permanent formwork system suitable for above and below ground wall applications. Made from prefabricated PVC panels and interconnecting components that snap and slide into place, this strong, low-maintenance, load bearing reinforced concrete solution can cut installation times in half.
“The sheer pace that a structure can go up with Rediwall is quite incredible,” says Joel.
Being able to cut project timelines by several weeks is a key benefit, but when you translate this into hard cost savings and consider the overall reduction in labour costs, Rediwall formwork begins to look very attractive.
Joel explains that whilst the like-for-like material cost is roughly on par with blockwork, the reduced labour requirement, reduced time on site, and ability to have several different trades on site at once all contribute to additional cost savings.
“With Rediwall you can stack your trades and get things done much faster than you could with traditional bricks and mortar,” Joel explains.
A simple learning curve
You might think that builders used to working with bricks would be hesitant to move away from what they’re comfortable with and somewhat reluctant to learn a whole new system. However, Joel says that the process is so easy to grasp, and Rediwall’s direct on-site training & off-site ‘Redi to Form’ training options are available to support.
“We don’t really hear any negatives from customers when it comes to learning how to install the panels,” says Joel.
“We’re finding that customers say the process just rolls out really easily on site – even for teams using Rediwall for the first time.”
Redi to Form is the official Rediwall training program. Whether an installer or a builder, the training is focused on the benefits that Rediwall can bring to your projects.
“It really is that simple to use, creating this positive knock-on effect for builders where they can add a new craft to their skillset – they learn it once, then use that skill forever,” adds Joel.
Lighter, safer and easier to work with
Joel explains that the simplicity and lightweight construction of Rediwall can help reduce safety hazards on site.
“You can skip the mess and chaos of conveyors and mixers and have Rediwall craned precisely into place, so not only are there fewer wet trades on site, there’s significantly less manual handling. Rediwall panels are designed to be a 1-person lift, and most construction projects can be handled by two people. You’ve got your pre-cut, perfectly sized Rediwall panels craned into place in packs, so the furthest your team will be carrying the lightweight panels is usually only a few metres.”
“It makes the manual handling component much more manageable, but you’re still getting the same high-quality result that will stand the test of time.”
Best for builders, best for customers
An accelerated construction program isn’t just good news for cost-sensitive builders and installers. It also delivers positive results for end users, keeping customer satisfaction levels high.
Builders and developers can secure tenants and start recouping costs faster, homeowners are able to fast-track their build and move in earlier, and architects and designers can be sure their vision is translated accurately thanks to the standardised nature of Rediwall panels.
There’s also a better result that can be achieved with Rediwall due to its optimised profile that helps to maximise overall floor space.
When you consider the ability to deliver increased square meterage, with less labour, using a lighter product – several weeks faster than usual – it’s easy to see why builders are rapidly making the switch to Rediwall.
To reduce costs and control the construction schedule on your next project without sacrificing standards or quality, contact AFS®.
1701305245299