Precast concrete is designed to handle what life can throw at it. But sometimes big accidents do happen. When a whole tree falls down on the fence or when a car crashes into the fence, you might need to replace a post or a panel. Here are the steps we would go through when replacing a post or a panel.
Step 1: Assess the Damage
We send someone to the project site to assess the damage. For the most part, what you see is what you get. That being said, there can be hidden damage. Maybe there is damage to a panel that isn’t obvious or maybe a post was slightly knocked out of alignment or was weakened.
Our engineers might do some work in an office after this. We just want to make sure we understand what happened. It’s important to make sure there are no issues with the design that could have caused some of the damage.
We also will make sure that we are ordering the right replacement parts.
Step 2: Remove the Broken Parts
Once we understand the extent of the damage, we will send out our team. If the damage is minimal, this process could be just a few hours. The team will first remove the old, damaged portion of the fence.
If the damage is to panels, we will first remove the cap and simply slide out the damaged portions. If the panels are in pieces, we will make sure we remove all the pieces including any that are on the ground.
If the posts are also damaged, we will dig out and remove the posts.
Step 3: Install the New Parts
Once all of the broken parts have been removed, it’s time to install the new, clean parts.
This will follow the same process as the original installation. If posts need to be installed, we will:
- Prepare the ground and make sure the soil is in good shape
- Dig the hole(s) for the post(s)
- Place the post(s)
- Backfill with soil or concrete
- Seal the replacement concrete
If panels need replacing, we will use a crane or forklift to lift and slide the panels into place. Once all the panels are placed, we will reinstall the post cap.
Step 4: Mitigate Future Problems (Optional)
This isn’t a step that we would do for you, but it is one we recommend you do in the future. Take a look at your fence and look at the future problems that could damage the fence again.
Is there a poor or hidden traffic signal that caused the accident that damaged the precast concrete fence? Head down to the city buildings and request that be fixed.
Are there a lot of big trees that are a hazard when there is a storm? Contact a local tree trimming service and get those trees trimmed down.
While replacing a damaged precast concrete fence isn’t the end of the world, it can be a bummer. As they say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.
American Precast Concrete Inc.
If you are having trouble repairing or installing your precast post panels, contact American Precast today!