With construction costs constantly on the rise and a shortage of labor on job sites, finding solutions to optimize your building process is a winning strategy. If you’re planning the construction of an agricultural, commercial, or industrial building, NEXform is a product that could truly make a difference in your project.

What is NEXform, exactly?

NEXform is a permanent formwork system made of PVC panels that easily interlock to pour concrete walls. Simpler to install than traditional formwork, NEXform panels allow you to quickly build a concrete structure while providing both interior and exterior PVC finishes for a clean, low-maintenance look. The result: you save time and money, while getting a building with exceptional strength and durability.

Why Choose NEXform?

Before diving into the construction steps, here are some of the key benefits of the system:

  • Durability: made from high-quality virgin PVC, lead-free, and UV-treated for long-lasting performance.
  • Fast installation: panels snap together with a simple “push-and-click.”
  • No need for extra cladding: the PVC panels provide both an interior and exterior finish, reducing labor costs.
  • Smartly designed corners: exterior corners are installed at the end of wall assembly, making inspections easier before pouring concrete and ensuring a complete fill.
  • Comfort: the system absorbs sound and can be offered with or without insulation.
  • Strength: ideal even in areas exposed to storms and harsh weather conditions.

How Does Building with NEXform Panels Work in Practice?

While we provide our clients with a detailed installation guide and full support throughout their project, it can be helpful to have a clear overview of what a NEXform construction site looks like in action. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step summary of the building process to help you better visualize how it all comes together.

1. Site Preparation

NEXform panels can be installed on either a slab or a concrete footing. Before beginning installation, it’s essential to make sure the surface is perfectly level and clean. This step is crucial: starting with a level base will save a lot of adjustments and headaches later on.

2. Starting Point

Installation always begins in a corner. The interior corner is set first, then the panels are added outward from there. As mentioned earlier, thanks to the “open corner” design, inspectors can easily check the rebar without needing to climb or use a flashlight.

3. Panel Installation

The panels simply snap together by inserting the male tab into the female groove. A small “click” confirms that the panel is properly locked in place. If needed, a white rubber mallet (to avoid marking the panels) can be used to help adjust them without causing damage.

What I like about NEXform is how simple it is to assemble. Our panels easily snap into place, while our main competitor’s system has to be slid in vertically. On a job site, imagine trying to slide panels that are 20 or 30 feet tall that way—it quickly becomes a real challenge… With NEXform, installation is intuitive and fast.

-Michael, Sales Director

4. Verification

Once a few panels are in place, it’s important to check that the wall is straight and plumb. A spirit level, chalk line, or laser can be used to ensure perfect alignment during installation.

5. Bracing

To keep the walls stable during the concrete pour, bracing is installed (often using 2x4s, as shown in the photo below). These reinforcements are essential to prevent any movement.w

6. Placement of Rebar and Insulation

The NEXform system is designed for optimal rebar spacing (vertical and horizontal at 18″ on center). If insulation is included in the project, it must be inserted before the concrete is poured.

7. Concrete Pouring

Once everything is in place and checked, it’s time for the concrete.

  • Use 3500 psi concrete with a slump of 7 to 8.
  • Always start pouring from the corners, then work toward the center of the wall.
  • To prevent air bubbles, lightly tap the walls with a white rubber mallet or use a concrete vibrator near the rebar.

8. Cleaning

After pouring, any concrete splashes on the NEXform panels need to be cleaned immediately. A simple water hose is sufficient as long as the concrete is still fresh. For more stubborn residues, a pressure washer can be used from a safe distance.

As you have probably understood, building with NEXform panels mainly means simplifying the construction site while ensuring a solid and durable result. Whether for an agricultural, industrial, or commercial project, this permanent formwork system allows for quick installation, good energy efficiency, and, ultimately, greater peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of NEXform panels?

Since costs vary greatly from one project to another (the shape and complexity of the building structure, the thickness of the walls chosen, the thickness of the desired insulation, etc.), it is very difficult to give a linear price. The best thing to do is to contact us for a quote.

By phone : 450 994.3130 or toll-free number : 1 888 994.3130

By email : ventes@avenord.com

What is the thermal resistance of a NEXform building?

Thermal resistance varies depending on the options chosen, such as whether insulation is added, the thickness of the insulation, and the thickness of the concrete wall. As a general rule, a NEXform building has a thermal resistance between R22 and R30.

In addition, NEXform panels have Neopor graphite polystyrene, a high-performance breathable and semi-permeable insulation that reduces the risk of mold associated with condensation. This insulation is manufactured in Quebec and has a radiant effect, which means that when the outside temperature drops, its R-value increases.

What are the main options available for NEXform panels?
  • Two wall thicknesses are available: 6 inches and 8 inches.
  • With or without Neopor insulation
  • 3 available colors : white, beige et gray
  • Wall height up to 30 feet
Is a building with NEXform permanent formwork faster to construct?

The NEXform system can be compared to assembling Lego blocks. Once the base (concrete slab or footing) has been properly leveled and cleaned, installing the panels is much faster than a wooden frame or traditional concrete formwork. In addition, since the panels also serve as interior and exterior cladding, these steps are completely eliminated from the construction site, which significantly speeds up the progress of a NEXform project.

Is a NEXform building watertight?

Yes! The watertightness of NEXform walls is hard to match. The panels fit together perfectly thanks to their tongue-and-groove design, preventing any water infiltration. This superior watertightness also improves building performance: ventilation, heating, and humidity management are optimized, reducing long-term operating costs.

Are NEXform panels durable? 

A concrete wall building with PVC cladding such as the NEXform system offers unbeatable durability, as it is much stronger and degrades much less quickly than a conventional frame.

Moreover, despite climate change, a NEXform building is designed to withstand the extreme weather conditions of the future. Whether it be earthquakes, storms, high winds, or even floods, a NEXform building is more resistant in every way.

Why should I choose PVC formwork?

The NEXform formwork system has the unique advantage of also serving as interior and exterior cladding once construction is complete. PVC is known for its durability and minimal maintenance. Unlike wood or metal, it does not rust, peel, or require painting. It offers excellent resistance to moisture, impact, and temperature variations, making it an ideal solution for agricultural, commercial, or industrial buildings exposed to the elements. Its smooth, uniform finish provides also a neat aesthetic appearance and makes cleaning much easier.

Why is virgin, lead-free PVC siding better for my building?

Virgin PVC is a premium material made from new resin rather than recycled plastic. This ensures better mechanical strength, uniform color, and increased durability over time. The absence of lead makes the product safer for health and the environment, while complying with modern construction standards. In summary, virgin, lead-free PVC offers a stronger, more durable, and more environmentally friendly solution than recycled or lower-quality PVC.

What types of buildings are ideal for construction with NEXform?

If you need a building where hygiene and easy cleaning are a priority, a building with NEXform panels is undoubtedly an excellent option for you.

Although all projects are possible, here are a few types of projects that are well suited to the NEXform system.

Residential

  • Detached or attached garage
  • Workshop or shed
  • Shelter for RV, boat, or machinery

Agricultural

  • Chicken coop
  • Pig farm
  • Dairy farm
  • Milking parlor
  • Stable
  • Sheepfold
  • Livestock building for calves or cattle
  • Warehouse for hay, grain, or farm equipment
  • Greenhouse or food processing building

Institutional

  • Hospital or clinic
  • Street maintenance depot
  • School building (workshop, gymnasium, maintenance garage)
  • Sports center or arena (moisture-resistant interior walls)
  • Park and green space maintenance buildings

Commercial / Industrial :

  • Businesses requiring a sturdy or moisture-resistant structure (hardware store, garden center, …)
  • Goods warehouse
  • Production or assembly workshop
  • Food processing plant (cheese factory, butcher shop, industrial bakery, etc.)
  • Cold room or industrial freezer
  • Mechanic’s garage or repair center
  • Car wash or high-pressure washing center
  • Logistics and distribution building
What are the advantages of an industrial building made with NEXform?

There are many advantages! In addition to being easy to maintain and quick to assemble, NEXform 6″ blocks can also be used as fire walls in industrial buildings.