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not_ally

Jun 30, 2004, 4:49 PM

Post #1 of 4 (5186 views)

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Concrete forms

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Hello everyone,

Has anyone actually sucessfully used concrete form systems (the kind with the foam/wire forms and ties) to build? I've searched Mexconnect and found lots of requests for info, but no posts from people who've actually used it. Some anecdotal info. (none negative, which I suppose is a good sign!). Apparently there is a distributor of Covintech, one of these building systems, in San Miguel de Allende, where I've just bought a small fixer-upper.

Background: Said fixer-upper needs to be completely renovated. Among other things, there are currently seven foot ceilings on the first floor, and a tiny, jerryrigged second floor "addition" consisting solely of a dormer-like bedroom. I'd like to get rid of the second floor and roof entirely, build the walls higher, then add a complete second floor. I'm thinking of using Covintech, at least for the second floor (and maybe for sister walls to the original first floor walls if necessitated by the construction) but am somewhat put off by the fact that I can't find anyone that knows anything about it.

Any advice? Or would it be cheaper and easier to just tear down the whole damn thing and start from scratch?

Thanks in advance.
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"The first question I ask myself when something doesn't seem to be beautiful is why do I think it's not beautiful. And very shortly I discover there is no reason." John Cage

(This post was edited by not_ally on Jun 30, 2004, 4:52 PM)

Rolly / Moderator

Jun 30, 2004, 5:39 PM

Post #2 of 4 (5175 views)

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Re: [not_ally] Concrete forms

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I have not used a concrete form system, but I saw a lot of it being use in Manzanillo. I used a sort of home made version for one wall of a remodeling project I did here in Lerdo. I think it is important to use a system that your workers understand and have experience with. You don't want to pay their learning curve. Your architect should be able to give you good advice.

My experience leads me to believe that tearing down and starting over from the ground is likely to cost a good bit more that a remodel job. If, however, you find that the columns are not up to supporting a full second floor, you'll have no choice.

Take a look at my experience: http://rollybrook.com/building_directory.htm You'll see two rather detailed picture stories -- a new construction project and a remodel that is a bit like your project.

Rolly Pirate

Cynthia7

Jun 30, 2004, 6:31 PM

Post #3 of 4 (5170 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Concrete forms

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You can excavate and dig down. Several of my friends in SMA have done that and found it to be satisfactory. I agree with Rollie -they know how to do what they have done for centuries and don't take to new ideas easily. I have tried to do some things easier and less expensive and it always costs me. Take the paint roller for instance. Why would you want to scrub it in with a brush but they know how to do that and I just let them.

not_ally

Jun 30, 2004, 7:14 PM

Post #4 of 4 (5166 views)

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Re: [Cynthia7] Concrete forms

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Thanks to both of you. Rolly, I've looked at your projects very carefully (and will continue to do so over the building process) as I've found them very useful already. I have been told by the Covintech distributor that there are crews that specialize in the stuff there but I'll be sure to check out out any existing projects using it once I get back to SMA at the end of the month. I will definitely check to make sure that the architect/s I'll be meeting have some experience with concrete forms.

I know that it's probably not a good idea to do anything semi-experimental with building in a new country, but I love trying stuff out, you know?
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"The first question I ask myself when something doesn't seem to be beautiful is why do I think it's not beautiful. And very shortly I discover there is no reason." John Cage