In the construction world, where human ambition meets the raw elements of nature, materials are tested not just by the hands that shape them but by the environment surrounding them. For decades, shuttering plywood has played its part—a humble yet vital role in building our cities and infrastructure.
But like every natural material, plywood has limitations. Water seeps in, weakening its core. The sun beats down, warping its surface. And with every passing use, its journey towards obsolescence quickens. Yet, there lies hope—a modern alternative that not only endures these challenges but thrives in them: plastic shuttering sheets, a marvel of innovation and sustainability.
In this blog, we’ll explore the five most common problems associated with shuttering plywood and how switching to materials like recycled plastic boards can address them.
1. Short Lifespan and Low Reusability
Traditional shuttering plywood typically lasts 4-6 repetitions at best, depending on the conditions it’s exposed to. The wear and tear from water, cement, and weather elements often result in delamination and warping, rendering the plywood unusable.
Solution:
Plastic shuttering sheets, such as WoWBoards, are designed to withstand over 50 reuses, offering unparalleled durability. These boards resist moisture from recycled plastic, ensuring their longevity even under challenging conditions. This drastically reduces replacement costs and waste, making them an eco-friendly alternative to plywood.
2. Vulnerability to Moisture and Weather
One of the most significant drawbacks of shuttering plywood is its susceptibility to water damage. Prolonged exposure to moisture leads to swelling, warping, and fungal growth, especially in humid climates.
Solution:
Switching to plastic concrete shuttering sheets eliminates this issue. These sheets are impervious to water, ensuring their shape and structural integrity remain intact even in wet or humid environments. Plastic shuttering is the ideal choice for projects in regions with high rainfall or humidity.
3. Poor Surface Finish After De-shuttering
Achieving a smooth concrete surface after de-shuttering is critical for many projects. However, plywood often leaves behind uneven surfaces, visible grains, or even imprints from damaged panels, leading to additional costs for surface corrections.
Solution:
Recycled plastic sheets are manufactured with smooth, consistent surfaces, ensuring a flawless finish every time. This eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming post-casting corrections, enhancing project efficiency.
4. Waste and Environmental Concerns
Plywood production contributes to deforestation and the short lifespan of shuttering plywood results in significant waste. Disposing of used plywood often adds to landfills, further harming the environment.
Solution:
Plastic shuttering materials address these environmental concerns by being fully recyclable. Boards like WoWBoards are manufactured using recycled plastics, ensuring a circular economy. Once they reach the end of their lifecycle, they can be repurposed into new sheets, leaving zero waste.
5. Labour and Maintenance Challenges
Cutting, nailing, and handling shuttering plywood can be labour-intensive, mainly when dealing with warped or damaged boards. Maintaining a stockpile of plywood also requires careful storage to prevent degradation over time.
Solution:
Plastic shuttering sheets are more durable and accessible to cut and nail, reducing handling challenges on-site. Their robust design ensures they remain usable even after long storage periods, eliminating the need for special precautions. Moreover, their lighter weight (unlike other durable materials like metal) simplifies transportation and installation.
Why Plastic Shuttering Sheets are the Future
The construction industry is steadily moving towards sustainable and efficient solutions, and plastic shuttering boards are leading this shift. Here’s why:
Durability: Resistant to wear, water, and weather, ensuring consistent performance.
Eco-Friendly: Made from recycled materials and 100% recyclable after use.
Cost-Efficiency: Longevity and multiple reuses reduce overall expenses.
Ease of Use: Lightweight, easy to handle, and requires minimal maintenance.
Key Takeaways
If you’ve been relying on shuttering plywood, consider the long-term costs, environmental impact, and inefficiencies it brings to your projects. You can overcome these common challenges by switching to recycled plastic shuttering sheets while contributing to a greener, more sustainable construction industry.
Looking for a Reliable Plastic Shuttering Solution?
WoWBoards offers durability, sustainability, and affordability in one package. Explore how these recycled plastic boards can transform your construction projects.
Contact us today to learn more about WoWBoards and their applications.