Plastic Shims for Construction: Stability in Building

Stability and precision, are two pillars that uphold the vibrant field of construction. Every component and every material used carries a significant role in the success of each project. Among these materials, there’s one that often goes unnoticed but is a key player in ensuring stability, precision, and cost-effectiveness in construction – the humble plastic shim, specifically plastic shims for construction.

Rugged construction plastic shims for construction are a versatile, reliable, and cost-effective solution for any construction project. These small, typically wedge-shaped pieces play a significant role in various construction applications, providing stability, support, and precision alignment. Let’s delve into the world of rugged construction plastic shims for construction and understand why they are crucial in construction.

Key Takeaways

Plastic shims for construction are preferred over metal and wood for their high compressive strength, resistance to moisture and chemicals, durability, and cost-effectiveness, making them crucial for precision and stability in construction.
Due to their rugged construction, plastic shims can handle heavy loads and provide accurate alignment, especially useful in tilt-up applications and aligning precast panels, thus ensuring the structural integrity of various constructions.
The color coding of plastic shims simplifies the selection process for construction professionals, enhancing productivity by allowing quick identification of the correct thickness and size required for specific applications.

The Advantages of Rugged Plastic Shims for Construction

Plastic shims for construction, especially those of rugged construction, come with a host of advantages that make them superior to traditional metal and wooden shims demanding industry applications. They are known for their high compressive strength, impressive load-bearing performance, and exceptional alignment capabilities. In an industry where precision and stability are paramount, these attributes make plastic shims an indispensable tool.

Unlike their metal and wooden counterparts, plastic shims for construction have several advantages:

They do not rust, rot, or warp
They offer consistent performance even under substantial usage
They are lightweight and easy to handle
They are resistant to moisture and chemicals
They are cost effective

These characteristics make plastic shims the go-to choice for many construction professionals.

High Compressive Strength

One of the most noteworthy attributes of plastic shims for construction is their high compressive strength. They can endure significant force per unit area in compression which sets them apart from rugged construction shims. The compressive strength of these rugged construction shims can vary from 4,500 to 6,000 psi, depending on the type of plastic used, making them ideal for heavy-duty construction applications.

Polypropylene and high-impact polystyrene are commonly used in shims that require high compressive strength. These types of plastic are renowned for their resilience and durability, which gives the shims their impressive high compressive strength alone. This strength plays a pivotal role in construction, offering:

Durability
High tensile strength
The capacity to bear structural loading
Resistance to moisture and chemicals

These benefits make high impact polypropylene and high impact polystyrene ideal materials for shims in construction projects.

Load Bearing Performance

Another key advantage of plastic shims is their load-bearing capabilities. Plastic shims for construction are designed to withstand heavy loads, such as precast tilt-up concrete panels. The robust plastic material used in their construction allows them to support heavy loads without compromising their structural integrity.

Evaluated through rigorous laboratory testing, the load-bearing capacity of plastic shims, including load bearing shims, is proven to be suitable for various applications, especially the demanding needs of the tilt-up concrete industries. This superior load-bearing performance is attributed to their rugged construction, which enhances tensile stiffness and peaks the load bearing capabilities in joints. This makes them ideal for heavy structural configurations, such as aligning precast panels vertically.

Aligning Precast Panels and Tilt-Up Applications

Plastic shims for construction are particularly beneficial for aligning precast panels vertically and in tilt-up applications. They provide accurate leveling and alignment, compensating for tolerances, and filling gaps to ensure a proper fit and support. This makes them suitable for demanding industry applications, where precision and stability are critical, especially when the need arises to align precast panels vertically.

In tilt-up applications, plastic shims are inserted between the panels and the supporting structure to facilitate adjustment and align panels during installation. This process ensures a precise fit and proper positioning, allowing for leveling and support that accommodates various leveling requirements. Specific types of plastic shims, such as the PP90 shims offered by Dayton Superior, are recommended for these applications due to their ability to effectively handle heavy loads and provide the required stability.

Comparing Plastic, Metal, and Wooden Shims

Despite the myriad advantages of plastic shims for construction, it’s enlightening to juxtapose them with other varieties, like metal and wooden shims, to fully comprehend their comparative strengths and weaknesses. When comparing durability, rust resistance, versatility in thicknesses and sizes, and cost-effectiveness, plastic shims generally come out on top.

Plastic shims are known for their high durability and can be used for long-term applications without any issues. They are also exceptional when it comes to rust resistance, making them well-suited for environments with moisture or water. On the other hand, metal shims are susceptible to rust and corrosion, and wooden shims can absorb moisture, leading to decay and instability over time.

Durability and Rust Resistance

In terms of durability and rust resistance, plastic shims for construction undoubtedly take the lead. Plastic shims have the following advantages:

Made from polypropylene, they are resistant to moisture and non-compressible.
They are waterproof and rust-resistant, making them suitable for various construction environments.
They have excellent durability and longevity.

Unlike metal shims, which can oxidize and deteriorate when exposed to moisture and certain chemicals, plastic shims offer several advantages:

Plastic is inherently resistant to rust
Plastic is resistant to most oils and chemicals
Plastic shims have a longer lifespan and are more reliable in construction applications

These benefits make plastic shims a preferred choice for many construction professionals.

Versatility in Thicknesses and Sizes

Apart from durability and rust resistance, plastic shims boast an array of features:

They come in various thicknesses and sizes, ranging from 1 mm to 20 mm, accommodating different construction needs.
Thicker shims offer increased stability and support.
Larger shims cover a broader area for leveling.

Moreover, plastic shims are frequently color-coded according to their thickness for user convenience. This color-coding system simplifies the selection process, eliminating the need for measurements and testing, resulting in time savings and enhanced overall project efficiency.

Cost-Effectiveness

Finally, plastic shims for construction outpace metal shims and wooden shims in terms of cost-effectiveness. They offer lower production and purchasing costs, making them a more economical choice for construction projects. Additionally, their durability and easy-to-use nature reduce the need for repairs or adjustments, adding to their cost-effectiveness in the long term.

In extensive construction projects, plastic shims for construction offer cost savings by having lower individual costs compared to steel shims. This, combined with the time saved due to their convenience and versatility, makes plastic shims a cost-effective choice for construction projects.

Color-Coded Plastic Shims for Easy Identification

The color-coding system of plastic shims stands as another of their advantages. This system allows for easy identification and organization during construction. Each color corresponds to a particular thickness or size, facilitating the identification and selection of the appropriate shim for various requirements.

The use of color-coded plastic shims greatly enhances productivity and efficiency in construction. The color-coding system facilitates quick identification of shim thicknesses, simplifying the selection process. This contributes to precise alignment and positioning, ultimately reducing the time and effort needed for adjustments.

Solid Plastic Shims for Construction Precast and Tilt-Up Applications

Solid plastic shims for construction cater specifically to the needs of precast and tilt-up applications. These shims provide stability and support for heavy load-bearing structures, particularly with precast concrete panels. They play a vital role in maintaining a level and secure foundation throughout the construction phase.

Using solid plastic shims in precast applications and tilt-up applications offers advantages such as precise alignment and leveling, easy positioning, and enhanced durability for long-term accurate support for heavy loads. Their durability and lightweight nature make them an optimal choice for these applications.

Tips for Properly Installing and Utilizing Plastic Shims

A few key points should be borne in mind while installing and utilizing plastic shims. These tips cover areas such as final attachment and alignment, maintaining joint spacings, and selecting shims of the right thickness and size.

The performance of plastic shims heavily depends on their proper installation and utilization. To ensure successful utilization of plastic shims in construction, it is important to:

Correctly place and secure the shims
Use appropriate and undamaged shims
Achieve accurate alignment and spacing
Select the correct sizes and thicknesses

Following these guidelines will help ensure the proper functioning of plastic shims in construction projects.

Final Attachment and Alignment

The stability of any construction project hinges on the effective final attachment and alignment of plastic shims. To ensure proper alignment load bearing shims, follow these steps:

Carefully place the shims in any gaps between the object that needs alignment and the framed opening.
Gently tap the shims into place using a hammer or mallet.
Use a level to verify that the object is properly aligned.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your construction project is stable and properly aligned.

Proper alignment is essential for consistent support and leveling, which are crucial for maintaining the structural stability of a construction project. Correct alignment facilitates even load distribution and helps prevent uneven settling or movement that could compromise the integrity of the project.

Maintaining Joint Spacings

In the realm of construction, maintaining joint spacings using plastic shims constitutes an important aspect. Proper joint spacing ensures structural integrity by preventing cracking and corrosion, and it also ensures the longevity of the construction project.

Plastic shims play a crucial role in construction projects. They:

Maintain joint spacings
Ensure alignment
Support the desired spacing between surfaces until the final attachment
Fill gaps and adjust levels
Do not deteriorate over time

These qualities make plastic shims a versatile choice for various construction projects.

Selecting the Right Thickness and Size

For optimal performance and support in construction projects, choosing plastic shims of the right thickness and size is necessary. The thickness of the shim is typically aligned with the depth of the space they need to maintain, and the size or footprint is chosen according to the load handling and load distribution needs.

Accurate measurements are taken to ensure the appropriate sizing for each project. The thickness and size of plastic shims can have various effects on their application in construction. With up to three sizes and six thicknesses available, thicker shims offer increased stability and support, while larger shims cover a broader area for leveling.

Case Studies: Successful Use of Plastic Shims in Construction Projects

Numerous case studies bear testimony to the successful application and efficacy of plastic shims across a range of construction projects. These studies encompass:

Heavy timber framing
Prefabricated joists
Trusses
Various heavy-duty and lightweight building industry applications.

These case studies showcase how plastic shims have consistently delivered enduring support and stability, playing a significant role in the success of the projects. Plastic shims have exhibited effectiveness and dependability in various settings and industry applications, including:

Residential homes
Office buildings
Retail spaces
Commercial projects
Significant infrastructure projects

Summary

In summary, plastic shims are a versatile, reliable, and cost-effective solution for construction projects. They provide stability, support, and precision alignment, making them an essential tool in the construction industry. Plastic shims outperform traditional metal and wooden shims in terms of durability, rust resistance, and cost-effectiveness.

In conclusion, the use of plastic shims in construction projects can greatly enhance the efficiency and productivity of the work. Their versatility in thicknesses and sizes, color-coding for easy identification, and specific designs for precast and tilt-up applications make them a preferred choice for many construction professionals.

Certified MTP offers a full line of Construction Shims, including Deslauriers Shims, horseshoe shims, wood shims, Wobble Wedges, clear plastic shims, Precast Shims, Leveling Shims, Aluminum Shims, and Key Slot Shims.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are plastic shims used for?

Plastic shims are commonly used to level and adjust surfaces, such as aligning kitchen cabinets or leveling toilets, as well as for spacing and aligning tiles and packing panels for storage or external cladding applications. They are versatile tools for various construction and home improvement projects.

Are plastic shims load bearing?

Yes, plastic shims can be load bearing due to their high compression strength and superior load bearing surface contact characteristics. Therefore, they are suitable for use in load-bearing applications.

Are plastic shims better than wood?

Yes, plastic shims are generally better than wood because they require little shaping, are stronger and more durable, and are lighter and cheaper. They offer consistent shapes, thicknesses, and material properties, saving labor time.

Why are plastic shims preferred over metal or wooden shims in construction?

Construction professionals prefer plastic shims over metal or wooden shims because of their high compressive strength, impressive load-bearing performance, and exceptional durability and rust resistance, making them a better choice for long-term use.

What is the significance of the color-coding system in plastic shims?

The color-coding system in plastic shims provides easy identification and organization during construction, with each color representing a specific thickness or size, making it simple to select the appropriate shim for different needs.