To "R" or not to "R" - that is the question.
If you are in the business of buying cheap tarps and making them last a long time, please go get a cup of coffee and disregard what follows. If, on the other hand, your business is precasting concrete at a profit, sit up and pay attention.
R value is the resistance to the loss of heat energy. The more units of R that you put in the way of heat energy, the more heat energy will be retained. Retained heat need not be replaced. Introducing R value is less expensive than replacing heat energy.
Purchasing units of R is a capital expense requiring a return on investment (ROI). In order to calculate the ROI you must first know your curing costs. Few do. Here is a check list of questions you should answer before the cost of units of R can be answered.
- What is your energy bill for driving boilers and generators?
- What is the difference between winter and summer mix designs? (Include additives.)
- Is it desirable to cycle forms faster to reduce form costs?
- Are horizontal sweep, hot spots, and uneven curing a problem?
- What is your real cost per cubic yard to cure concrete?
- Since hydrating concrete is a prime heat source, can cement be removed if heat is retained? If "yes"; how much?
Remember...it is all about units of R value, not "tarps."
Here is some information to further help you: 1/4' of foam has an R value of one(1). (Uniroyal says so in their literature). Using reflective technology, we can give you an R value of ten(10) in about 1/2" at 5.5 ounces per square foot. (the manufacturer of our core material has certified this statement with independent data tested to A.S.T.M. C-236. It is an interpolated, systems R value).
What is a reasonable rate of return? Most accountants expect one year or less. We can do that...easily. We have been doing so for 25 years. |
If you keep it, no need to replace it. How simple can it get. Introducing reflective technology to cure precast is like putting precast in a Thermos bottle. (Thermos bottles do not use foam. There is a reason.) Our fabrication includes our R=10 core material* in a sandwich of tear resistant, durable, lightweight covers with bound edges. To the bottom edges we sew a heavy duty abrasion resistant pipe sleeve (optional) for outside curing. Into this sleeve is placed rebar or chain to hold the bottom edges tight to the ground. For easier handling of all hoods, an internal frame with lift loops (by others) works well. In use, the sides hang loose, shaped by the pipe sleeve weights. In storage our hoods collapse into stacks to minimize floor space requirements and provide an option for a flat bed yard trailer. In this kiln-like environment available ONLY with reflective technology, you can expect the following curing cost reduction opportunities: Reduction or elimination of front end heat. (Boiler makers, electric heat providers, gas companies and steam generator folks are not our friends.) Faster cycling of forms. (Fewer forms for more production.) 
