Articles

For decades, builders have been using precast concrete walls for commercial building projects. More recently, there has been a growing use of them for residential projects, and the results are excellent. Precast concrete walls create more than traditional poured concrete walls, and in far less time.

When a builder uses poured concert walls, the biggest challenge is creating a level surface, and pouring even, square walls. When walls are precast, they are made in a factory, and delivered to the building site already square and level. The house structure can then be put together almost as with building blocks. The building time is drastically cut in half by this process.

Inside many precast concrete walls is a core containing insulation, which makes the walls more energy efficient for your home or other structure. Additional insulation can be introduced through holes in the wall after the wiring, pipes and other needs are filled, which will lead to longterm saving for the owner and less harm to the planet.

Another difference between precast and poured walls is the use of steel rods for reinforcement. Poured walls have only horizontal rods, where precast walls have both vertical and horizontal reinforcing rods. Horizontal rods help to bolster concrete walls against shifts in the ground level that can cause cracks. Vertical rods help reinforce against pressure from soil against the side of the wall. Since many concrete walls form the basement of a residential home, there is often some soil against the side of the wall. The precast walls will hold up better against this, as they have the vertical bars.

Precast concrete is also satisfying fencing needs of many homeowners. Unlike wood fence, concrete fence will not rot or warp. Neither termites nor weather can impact concrete. In addition, concrete fencing doesn't require heavy work for installation. To suite to varied finishes and texture tastes, conrete walls can be used to create stunning fence for any area.

There are some shared features with precast and poured concrete. It is very important that cracks in precast concrete wall be addressed. Cracks can permit moisture to come through which can lead to moisture in the home. Get help if this happens.