Builders have been using precast concrete walls for a long time in larger commercial projects. Recently, there has been more use of these walls for residential projects with excellent results. The advantage of these walls are that they can be installed in far less time.
With poured concrete walls, the challenge for the builder is making sure the surface is level, the pour is even and the walls are square. Using precast walls can cut building time in half. This is because the precast walls are made under controlled conditions in a factory, ensuring that they are square and level when delivered to the building site. They can then be assembled in building-block fashion at the site.
Most precast concrete walls also have an insulated core. This makes homes more energy efficient. Further insulations can be pumped into cavities in the wall after all insulation and wiring is complete. This translates into long term savings for the home owner as well as a reduced impact on the environment.
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.
Another option for homeowners is to use pre-cast concrete for their fencing needs. Unlike wooden fences, a concrete fence is resistant to termites, does not show any effects of weathering, and will not rot or warp. Pre-cast concrete fencing also is easy to install, and can be cast in a variety of textures and finishing.
In respect of certain features, both the precast and poured concrete walls are similar. Yet, one has to immediately repair any cracks in precast concrete walls, as it could result in moisture getting through inside your home, making the room air damp.
Menlo (aka The Fence Guy) has worked with the innovation and customer-care leader in concrete fence walls and high quality fences and installation services to assure the on-time execution of your landscape project. Since 1982, a variety of fence brands – Woodcrete, Brickcrete, Fencestone, Cedarcrete and Woodcrete Rail,- have become widely accepted by architects, landscape designers, engineers, residential, commercial and industrial developers, utility companies, government agencies, and others in the construction industry.
- Menlo Lippowski
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