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A form roof is a type of roof that is constructed by pouring concrete into a mold, creating a strong and durable structure.
This design allows for a wide range of shapes and sizes, making it ideal for complex roof designs. The mold is typically made of wood or steel and is designed to fit the specific shape of the roof.
The form roof construction process involves pouring concrete into the mold, allowing it to set, and then removing the mold to reveal the finished roof. This process can be time-consuming, but the end result is well worth it.
A well-designed form roof can last for decades with minimal maintenance, making it a cost-effective option for building owners.
Benefits
The benefits of form roof construction are numerous and well worth considering. One of the most significant advantages is that it combines multiple steps into one, including forming, insulation, air-barrier, and furring, making the process more streamlined and efficient.
This streamlined process also results in cost-effective solutions. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Combines forming, insulation, air-barrier, and furring steps
- No cranes or heavy equipment besides concrete pump
- Uses less concrete & steel vs. traditional slabs
- Minimal or no site waste
- Can lower workers-comp due to lightweight forms
By reducing the amount of equipment and materials needed, form roof construction can also help minimize site waste and lower workers' compensation costs.
Materials
Form roofs can be made from a variety of materials, including concrete.
One of the most popular materials for form roofs is concrete, which can be used to create flat roofs, pitched roofs, green roofs, earth-berm roofs, hip-roofs, and even curved roofs.
Concrete roofs are durable and can last for decades with minimal maintenance.
Some form roofs also use earth as a building material, such as earth-berm roofs.
Earth-berm roofs can be quite aesthetically pleasing, with the earth providing natural insulation and reducing the need for additional roofing materials.
Design Considerations
You can achieve unique and individual building designs with complex geometry roof systems, which allow for curved, sweeping, and asymmetrical roof shapes. This design freedom is perfect for architects who want to create distinctive buildings.
Kalzip complex geometry roof systems are made of aluminium profiles, making them lighter than traditional roof constructions. This means they can be installed on existing buildings without compromising the load-bearing capacity of the existing structure.
Some key considerations for complex geometry roof systems include:
- Economical and favourable substructure for free-form structures with standing seam profiled sheets
- High level of safety thanks to corrosion-resistant aluminium alloy
- Height levelling of on-site tolerances
- Undisturbed temperature-related linear expansion via mounted Kalzip clips
- Complete engineering and project-related production of components
- Higher insulation thicknesses
Easy Installation
Easy Installation is a key consideration for suspended slab contractors. The Quad-Deck system is designed with a minimal learning curve, making it easy to pick up and use.
The forms are super-lightweight, making them easy to handle and transport on site. This is a huge advantage for contractors who need to set up and tear down quickly.
The Quad-Deck system is delivered ready to install, with factory pre-cut lengths to save time and reduce waste. This means you can get started right away, without having to spend time cutting and preparing the forms.
Temporary shoring is only needed every 5-6 feet, thanks to the self-reinforced design of the Quad-Deck system. This reduces the amount of equipment and labor needed to support the forms.
One of the best things about Quad-Deck is that you don't need to strip the forms or use bond-breakers after the concrete has set. This saves time and effort, and helps to ensure a smooth finish.
The Quad-Deck system also provides space to run utilities within the forms, making it easier to set up and manage your site. This is especially useful for large or complex projects.
Built-in furring to attach drywall and other finishes is another convenient feature of the Quad-Deck system. This saves time and effort, and helps to ensure a professional-looking finish.
Complex Geometries
When designing buildings with complex geometries, architects have a range of options to consider.
Kalzip complex geometry roof systems offer a high level of safety thanks to corrosion-resistant aluminium alloy, which ensures the structure can withstand heavy wind and snow loads.
These systems allow for design freedom, enabling architects to create unique and individual building designs with curved, sweeping, and asymmetrical roof shapes.
With Kalzip complex geometry roof systems, you can achieve a lightweight construction, as they are made of aluminium profiles and are therefore lighter than traditional roof constructions.
This means you can install them on existing buildings without compromising the load-bearing capacity of the existing structure.
Kalzip complex geometry roof systems are also robust and durable, lasting for decades and withstanding harsh weather conditions.
They are 100% recyclable, reducing the environmental impact of the building.
The use of thermal insulation in Kalzip complex geometry roof systems reduces energy requirements, contributing to the sustainability of the building.
Here are some key benefits of Kalzip complex geometry roof systems at a glance:
Sources
- https://architizer.com/blog/inspiration/collections/a-roofs/
- https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/roof-form
- https://www.quadlock.com/concrete-roofs-and-floors/
- https://www.kalzip.com/us/products/roof-systems/complex-geometry/
- https://community.esri.com/t5/arcgis-pro-questions/extract-roof-form-tool/td-p/39641
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