The residential construction industry often adopts change slowly, however, a number of factors in recent years have led to the increased use of alternate building materials, including precast concrete.
Because precast products are made in a controlled environment, weather is never a factor, and you can build year round in just about any climate. The precast arrives to the site ready to install, and that’s just the start. Precast is among the most durable of all building materials, and it offers a high level of quality and installs quickly, saving time and money. Residential contractors are now discovering these same benefits also apply to home building. Footings, foundations, floors, walls, steps, tanks and pipes can be installed in a fraction of the time required by traditional methods.
The result is a home that is resistant to damaging weather, offers a savings on energy costs due to the thermal mass properties of concrete and built-in insulation, lasts longer and better protects homeowners from fire, insects, vermin and other pests. Precast also contributes to points needed to attain LEED Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
In addition to structural products, precast can offer a wide range of aesthetic versatility on the exterior though brick or natural stone veneers, pavers, fencing, walls and even decor pieces such as fountains, statues, benches and tables. On the interior, precast countertops have become increasingly popular, and precast can mimic clay, brick, stone, ceramic, tile, terra cotta and even limestone.
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