Concrete Fencing Experts

Go Back To Blog

Precast Concrete Walls vs. On-Site Poured Concrete Walls

When it comes time to choose whether you ought to utilize a precast concrete wall product or an on-site cast wall pour, you want to know all the advantages and disadvantages of both. You want to make the best decision possible for your project, but how are you supposed to do that with so many options?

Both precast and on-site concrete wall options are great choices; however, you will find that, depending on your project needs, you may want to reconsider your initial choice between the two.

In this article, AFTEC will explain the advantages and disadvantages of both precast and on-site concrete products so that you can make an informed decision. If you’re ready to discuss precast concrete walls for your residential, commercial, industrial, or public works project, it’s time you contact AFTEC for a quote.

What Does Your Project Need?

It can be tough to determine what you actually need for a concrete wall product. Every wall project needs strength, reliability, durability, and longevity, which a majority of concrete products offer. However, the crux of the decision comes down to cost, efficiency of installation, and quality of the concrete. You will find the advantages and disadvantages of precast and on-site poured concrete products below.

On-Site Concrete Poured Walls

If you choose to go with an on-site concrete wall pour, you are going to benefit from learning about a few advantages, as well as a few disadvantages. However, the choice to go with an on-site pour is a good one.

Disadvantages

On-site concrete wall pouring has a few concerns you want to be aware of before choosing it. The main disadvantage is that on-site pour tends to lead to compromised quality. The climate, concrete mixture, and skill of the pour technicians all play a role in the quality of the wall. Without a controlled climate, you are risking quality for a potentially lower price tag.

The second disadvantage is that on-site concrete wall pours typically don’t include reinforced steel rebar. In some cases, it is included, but this slows the process greatly. During a cold-weather pour, this process can result in “cold seams” which typically cause cracks in the wall, lowering the durability and structural integrity.

The third disadvantage is that on-site concrete poured walls require more time to complete. You must schedule for the cast to be placed. Inclement weather can delay the project days or even weeks at a time. Heat or cold can disrupt the curing process of the concrete, which relates back to disadvantage number two.

If you want a quality, reliable concrete wall via an on-site pour, you will need to have near perfect weather, a skilled crew, and a high-quality pour process.

Advantages

On-site concrete poured walls do have plenty of advantages to consider. The major one is that on average, on-site poured concrete walls have a higher density than precast concrete walls. While the density may be higher, you do need to consider the disadvantages of climate and weather to get the high-density result.

The second advantage is that poured concrete walls do not typically have joints, which increases the structural integrity and fire- and water-resistance.

The final advantage is that due to the higher density of poured concrete walls, they have higher compressive strength. While a wall may not need to support large amounts of compression, it’s still a great benefit to consider.

Precast Concrete Walls

Precast is a great wall product. The advantages heavily outweigh the minor disadvantages, but you still want to consider all your options before deciding.

Disadvantages

Little to no maintenance is required to maintain most any type of concrete wall. However, precast concrete walls that require a sealant may need it to be reapplied every five to 20 years. Keep in mind that this isn’t every precast concrete wall. It’s best to talk to a precast concrete wall company to determine this need.

The second disadvantage is that precast concrete walls are placed in sections with vertical columns holding the panels in place. For some, this may seem like a disadvantage, but with the advancement of technology and the vertical installation, a precast concrete wall is reliable, durable, and will last for decades.

Advantages

When it comes to precast concrete walls, the main advantage is quality assurance. Precast concrete walls are engineered, designed, and built in a controlled climate. They undergo a rigorous quality control process, unlike any other precast concrete product.

The second advantage is that precast concrete wall products require less labor to install. The concrete panels are delivered to the job site and placed by crane. This requires less labor, cuts costs, and reduces installation time substantially.

The third advantage is that precast concrete walls offer flexibility in engineering and design. Not only can you engineer and design a wall to fit your exact project needs, but you can also decorate it with textures, colors, and shapes to enhance aesthetics.

Professional Advice: Go With Precast Concrete Walls

We’ll preface our professional recommendation with this: your wall project ought to determine which type of concrete product you choose to purchase. However, in most cases, a residential, commercial, industrial, or public works concrete wall project benefits ten-fold by choosing a precast product. Not only does it save time, but the cost of completing the job quicker is a great positive return on investment.

You ultimately must make the choice, but at AFTEC, we’re 100 percent confident in serving you and your precast concrete wall needs.

AFTEC: Your Worldwide Leader in Precast Concrete Walls

Whether you choose to go with an on-site concrete poured wall or a precast concrete wall, it’s important you know what you’re dealing with. At AFTEC, we believe in precast concrete walls to be the ultimate solution to any major residential, commercial, industrial, or public works project.

For years, we’ve served the entire nation with precast concrete wall products, as well as helping manufacturers offer our licensed precast concrete wall systems around the world. Want to get a quote for a precast concrete wall? Contact AFTEC today for a quote!

Leave a Reply