Common Problems and Solutions for Construction Timber Formwork — 26 Years of Experience from Sunmmax

In construction projects, timber formwork is a crucial tool for shaping concrete. Its quality and condition directly affect construction safety, concrete finish, and overall project costs. Even the best formwork, if used or maintained improperly, can develop problems that impact progress and quality.
With 26 years of specialization in manufacturing construction timber formwork and beams, Sunmmax has worked with numerous clients and summarized the most common on-site problems along with practical solutions.

Problem 1: Formwork Deformation

Symptoms: Panels bend or warp, failing to fit tightly against the structure, causing concrete leakage or uneven surfaces.
Causes: Insufficient load-bearing capacity, unstable bracing, moisture-related warping, or excessive reuse cycles.
Solutions:

• Use high-strength, multi-layer pressed quality formwork to ensure sufficient load capacity.

• Reinforce the support system, especially at beam bottoms, corners, and other stress-concentrated areas.

• Clean and dry the panels promptly after use to prevent long-term moisture exposure.

Sunmmax Tip: We use premium wood cores processed under high temperature and pressure, ensuring structural stability and strong anti-deformation performance to extend service life.

Problem 2: Surface Peeling or Cracking

Symptoms: The surface film peels off or cracks, affecting the concrete finish.
Causes: Low-quality panels, uneven application of release agents, or rough cleaning/dismantling methods.
Solutions:

• Apply release agent evenly before pouring, and avoid direct sun exposure or rough dismantling.

• Use formwork with high bonding strength and good water resistance.

• Follow proper dismantling practices to avoid damaging the surface by forceful prying.

Sunmmax Tip: Our formwork surfaces use high-wear-resistant resin film that is water-resistant and peel-resistant, maintaining smoothness even after multiple reuses.

Problem 3: Concrete Leakage and Poor Joint Sealing

Symptoms: Concrete surfaces after casting show honeycombing or mortar loss.
Causes: Poor panel joints or insufficient size precision.
Solutions:

• Use formwork with high dimensional accuracy and flat surfaces.

• Seal joints during installation with tape or sponge strips.

• Check the bracing system to prevent displacement during construction.

Sunmmax Tip: Sunmmax formwork is precisely cut with millimeter-level tolerance, ensuring tight joints and effectively preventing leakage.

Problem 4: Low Reuse Cycles, High Costs

Symptoms: Panels wear out quickly, requiring frequent replacement, increasing overall costs.
Causes: Low-quality formwork or poor maintenance.
Solutions:

• Choose durable, high-quality formwork — slightly higher initial investment but lower total cost per cycle.

• Store properly to avoid prolonged sun exposure, rain soaking, or heavy stacking.

• Clean off concrete residue after each use to maintain a smooth surface.

Sunmmax Tip: Our high-reuse formwork can be used over 10 times under standard conditions, reducing overall costs by more than 20% compared with ordinary panels.

Conclusion

Formwork issues may seem like small details, but they are critical factors that affect construction quality and timelines. Choosing high-quality panels and mastering correct usage and maintenance techniques can effectively extend formwork life and reduce costs.
With 26 years of manufacturing experience, Sunmmax rigorously controls every stage from raw material selection to production processes, delivering durable, reliable, and cost-effective timber formwork solutions.

If you are facing challenges with your formwork, contact Sunmmax — we’ll safeguard your project with professionalism and expertise.