Are your timber lagging panels not getting the job done? If so, it might be time to replace them with precast lagging panel systems – learn how to get started here.
Timber is a popular choice for lagging panel systems, especially when it comes to temporary retaining walls. However, this is far from a one-size-fits-all option – it doesn’t take much for timber lagging panels to start causing problems.
The good news is that you might not have to build a brand-new retaining wall when your timber lagging panels begin to fail. Instead, you can retrofit your wall and add decades to its service life by replacing these panels with precast lagging panels.
Why Timber Lagging Panels Fail
Aging is one of the biggest reasons why timber lagging panels need to be replaced. Treated timber panels have service lives lasting a few decades or so at most. After that point, you’ll need to swap out your timber lagging panels, switch to a different lagging panel material, or build an entirely new retaining wall.
But when timber lagging panels have to face harsh conditions, their lifespans can be even shorter than you’d expect. Water is a major issue for timber lagging – these panels are highly susceptible to wood rot, and can also warp and swell after getting wet. Termites, beetles, and other pests might spell trouble for your timber lagging panels, too.
The Benefits of Switching to Precast Concrete
Timber is just one option for retaining walls, even if you created your wall with this lagging panel material in mind. When you retrofit your failing timber lagging wall to use precast lagging panels, you’ll benefit from:
Opportunities to Save
Building a new retaining wall from scratch can be an expensive undertaking, but you don’t always need to start from square one. Retrofitting your existing retaining wall with precast lagging panels will give you the benefits of a nearly-new wall at a much lower cost than you might expect.
Enhanced Sustainability
Extending the life of your existing wall infrastructure instead of building a new wall is also a good choice for the environment. On top of that, many precast concrete products utilize silica fume, slag, and other industrial byproducts, cutting down on cement usage.
Longer Panel Lifespans
The National Precast Concrete Association has said precast concrete typically delivers a lifespan of 50-100 years. Because of that, you won’t have to replace your new precast lagging panels for the foreseeable future.
Improved Safety
Compared to timber, precast concrete provides superior structural support, reducing the risk of collapse in aging walls. Precast lagging panels are also manufactured in factory settings, and that will reduce your likelihood of dealing with injuries on the job site.
Minimal Downtime
As you might expect, retrofitting a retaining wall with precast concrete panels is much faster than building a new wall. Since precast lagging panels are designed to meet tight specifications, installing these panels is less time-consuming than putting in timber lagging panels.
Excellent Durability
Precast concrete doesn’t share any of the durability problems found in timber lagging panels. Because of that, you can rest assured knowing your panels will stand up to rot, moisture, and pests.
How to Take Care of Your Precast Lagging Panels
Precast concrete doesn’t need much attention to stay in good shape, but a maintenance plan can give your retrofitted wall an even longer lifespan than it would have otherwise. Your maintenance strategy should include:
Intervals for Inspections
The best way to spot issues in your retaining wall is to perform regular inspections. By making this a priority, you’ll have a chance to deal with cracks, stability issues, and other problems before they can become serious issues. Since precast concrete is so durable, you shouldn’t have to perform these checks very often – one inspection every year or two will be enough.
Panel Access Points
While precast concrete lasts much longer than treated timber, these panels still have finite service lives. When your panel does eventually need to be replaced, you’ll have to know how to separate it from the beams holding it in place. Fortunately, you can simplify this by adding panel access info to your maintenance plan.
A Replacement Strategy
At some point, you’ll also have to replace your retaining wall as a whole – especially if this is an older wall you retrofitted with precast lagging panels. If this structure’s problems go deeper than standalone fixes can address, it’s time to find a company you can rely on to build a new retaining wall.
What Should You Look For In a Precast Lagging Panel Supplier?
To get the most from your precast concrete retaining wall, you’ll have to make sure your lagging panels come from a company you can trust. When you’re in the market for precast lagging panels, look for businesses that:
- Provide help with engineering. If you’re unsure how you should start developing your retaining wall, there’s no need to worry. A good precast concrete company will be able to help you with the technical side of this process.
- Can customize your panels. What load and pile spacing requirements do you have for your retaining wall project? No matter what you need, your panel supplier should be able to manufacture custom panels that work for you.
- Offer a range of visual options. Visual appeal is nearly as important as functionality for retaining walls. That means the company you buy your panels from should offer all sorts of colors and other appearance options.
- Will be there when you need them. If you need help with retaining wall work, your precast lagging panel company should be ready to provide assistance. Ideally, your company should help its customers with storage, delivery, and (if they ask) installation coordination.
Improve Your Retaining Wall With Precast Lagging Panels
Whether you want to convert your temporary retaining wall to a permanent structure or deal with problems your wall has developed, precast lagging panels are the right choice for you. If you buy these panels from reliable suppliers, you’ll get a long-lasting, durable, and sustainable retaining wall.
At American Precast Concrete Inc., we do everything we can to provide the best concrete lagging panels in the industry for residential and commercial construction projects. If you have a project coming up and you’re looking for a supplier, get in touch today!