Precast concrete is popular for many reasons. It has many advantages over traditional concrete due to the high strength, fire resistance, and low maintenance costs. In addition to all of that, if you care about minimizing your impact to the earth, precast concrete is one of the most sustainable materials. Here are 4 reasons why.
1 – Precast concrete is more durable
Precast concrete also has a longer lifespan than brick or other materials, so it can last for many years without needing any repairs or maintenance work done on it. Most years it will only need a quick inspection and a wash. Well-made concrete can last 50 or more years.
Precast concrete is less susceptible to cracking and chipping. It is also more resistant to fire and chemical spills than other materials.
How does the durability make it more sustainable? By not needing constant repairs or replacing, precast concrete uses fewer materials and energy over its lifetime.
2 – Precast concrete is made in a more earth-friendly way
Unlike traditional concrete, precast concrete isn’t made on-site. Precast concrete is created in a factory and then assembled on-site.
In this factory, critical factors like temperature and humidity are tightly regulated. Precast concrete can be cast with a high level of accuracy, without any waste or safety concerns. This method also produces a better and stronger result, which increases the durability of the precast concrete.
Transporting wet concrete is also less efficient than the solid concrete product. On an average job, you will need several concrete trucks to transport the material to the job site. If there is a problem or delay, the whole truckful of concrete could be wasted.
Lastly, precast concrete forms are typically made using steel or wood. Either way, the forms for precast concrete can be reused again and again. On traditional concrete projects, the forms are thrown away after one use.
3 – Precast concrete allows for better longer lasting designs
Precast concrete is a versatile material that can be used to create a variety of designs. The precast concrete’s versatility allows for better design, which allows for more cutting-edge and sustainable designs.
Unlike materials like brick or wood, precast concrete can take whatever form you want it to take. You can even add pigment and aggregate that adds an interesting color or texture.
Also, when you can design a fence that you really like, you will probably like it for longer. This means you won’t be tempted to replace the whole fence in just a few years. This means fewer materials used over the years, making the whole fence more sustainable.
4 – Precast concrete aggregates can be naturally occurring and recycled materials
Aggregates are found naturally and contain gravel, sand, or rock. They can also be recycled from demolition sites, the manufacturing process, or from excess spillage to the aggregate size.
Wasted concrete can even be recycled back into aggregate for new concrete. This means that if there is a mistake and a fence panel doesn’t turn out right, it can be crushed up and turned back into aggregate for future concrete.
Precast concrete waste can also be used for other types of projects, like rocks to line dams.
Contact American Precast Today
If you are interested in taking advantage of one of the many benefits of precast concrete, book your free consultation with American Precast Concrete today!