Why should you use precast concrete safety barriers on your project?

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the many benefits of using precast concrete safety barriers, and how the team at Specialty Precast can assist you.

Advantages of Using Precast Concrete Safety Barriers

Want to know more about the many benefits of using precast concrete safety barriers on your project. Here, we’ll break it down in further detail.

Many Uses

There are many ways in which precast concrete safety barriers can be used. Some of these include:

– traffic management
– event management
– prevent crashes or hazards
– exclusion zones
– maintain security

Temporary or Permanent

Precast concrete safety barriers are a reliable choice because they offer either a permanent or temporary solution to your needs. And they can be adapted to your needs as required.

Weather Resistant

Plastic cones and safety barriers are brightly coloured but truth be told, they aren’t that durable.

Precast concrete is one of the sturdiest materials around and can last decades? Can you say the same about plastic?

Reduces Fly Tipping

Worried about fly tipping (AKA illegal dumping). This is something you can avoid when you choose precast concrete safety barriers to provide you with the protection and security you need.

Sustainable & Thermally Insulated

Precast concrete is highly regarded for its environmentally friendly properties. Not only is there reduced waste during the manufacturing process, it is also 100% recyclable and thermally insulated to suit a variety of temperature-controlled environments.

Counterweight

Another advantage of using precast concrete safety barriers on your construction project is their dual purpose. If needed, they can be relied upon as counterweights.

Easy to Transport & Difficult to Move

While precast concrete is easy to transport with the right equipment, it’s not as easy to move once it’s in place. This is an advantage particularly when compared to plastic safety barriers, as it reduces your chances of vandalism and you’re also less likely to have people move or steal your barriers.

High Quality & Aesthetically Pleasing

Sure, plastic safety barriers and light poles are effective. But are they high quality? When it comes down to it, they can be easily knocked over or damaged (not to mention the fact that they don’t look that great).

On the other hand, precast concrete is manufactured in accordance with safety regulations with each piece checked for quality control before it gets to your site. And it is aesthetically pleasing.

Where to Go for Quality Civil Precast Concrete

When choosing precast concrete – especially precast concrete safety barriers – you need to be certain that what you’re getting is of a high standard. This is something we can guarantee when you work with us.

With over 40 years in the industry working on precast concrete designs suited to a range of applications and usages, you simply can’t go past our expert team at Specialty Precast.

Find out more about the reasons why you should use precast concrete safety barriers or get started on your design by contacting us today.

Thinking of using civil precast concrete in your construction project, but want to know more about the advantages of doing so?

In part two of this article, we will continue discussing the many benefits of using precast concrete for civil applications and how the team at Specialty Precast can help you get the job done.

Advantages of Using Civil Precast Concrete

We mentioned some of the benefits of using civil precast concrete in this article, but given there are so many we thought it was worth further exploration. Here, we’ll continue discussing those advantages:

Versatility

Precast concrete is so relied upon in a civil capacity because it is such a versatile product. Just some of the various applications include (but aren’t limited to):

– risers
– lintels
– slabs
– pipes and drains

Durable & Long Lasting

One of the biggest benefits of using civil precast concrete is that it’s durable and long-lasting. When well-maintained, precast concrete can last between 50 and 100 years. This means that any civil works you install today will be almost guaranteed to still be in-situ and functioning correctly when your children (and possibly even your grandchildren) are grown up.

If that’s not an investment in the future, we don’t know what is.

Can Be Painted

While precast concrete is available in many colours and textures, it can also be painted. So if your company decides to rebrand in 10 years time, you have the option to paint over your existing slabs.

Easy to Transport

Using civil precast concrete for your project? You don’t have to be as concerned with transportation as you would be with other materials. Because of the way in which precast concrete is manufactured (in pieces), it can be easily transported.

This also makes storage easier to manage.

Quick to Repair

Poured concrete can easily crack or become damaged before the curing time is complete. You don’t have to worry about this with precast concrete. While it’s entirely impenetrable, if this strong product does need repairs, they can be done quickly and efficiently.

Ready to Install

You’ve probably had your fair share of hold ups on a development while waiting for poured concrete to dry. This is another benefit of using civil precast concrete: it arrives at site prefabricated and ready to install. 

Flexible

Because precast concrete is created off-site in moulds, it could be considered a much more flexible option when compared to in-situ concrete. Custom moulds can be designed in almost any shape and size, to suit a variety of applications and uses.

Thermally Insulated

Does your civil engineering project require a product that is thermally insulated and sustainable? That’s exactly what you get when you choose civil precast concrete.

Fast Turnaround

Need a solution quickly. The time between design and fabrication of precast concrete materials seems complex, but it’s actually quite efficient. In this way, you can be sure you’ll get what you need, delivered on time and ready for you with little to no downtime. 

Where to Go for Quality Civil Precast Concrete

When it comes to civil precast concrete, you want to make sure your investment is not only cost-effective but of high structural integrity.

With over 40 years in the industry working on precast concrete designs suited to a range of applications and usages, you simply can’t go past our expert team at Specialty Precast.

To discuss your specific needs for civil precast concrete on your construction project, contact Specialty Precast today.

Think precast fencing can only be used for one thing? Think again.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the many ways in which precast fencing can be used, and how the team at Specialty Precast can assist you.

How to Use Precast Fencing 

You’d be forgiven for thinking precast fencing is only useful as a barrier around your property. In fact, there are many ways in which it can be used, which we will discuss in more detail in this section.

Boundary & Security

Obviously one of the main uses of precast concrete panels for fencing is as a boundary between your property and another (or the road and nature strip).

Because of the durability and solidity of precast concrete, it is also a great option when security is of high importance.

Pool Fencing

Want to make sure your pool is as secure as can be, and can’t be accessed by children who are left unsupervised in your backyard? This is where precast concrete can be very beneficial.

Border or Edging

When you want to create a border or different levels in your garden beds, one option you may want to consider is precast concrete.

Noise Barrier

Worried about noise from either your own home or your neighbour’s? Install precast concrete fencing. It will act as a very effective noise barrier and help you maintain that privacy you’re after.

Can You Use Precast Concrete Fencing with Other Materials? 

Yes, you can use precast concrete with other materials for your fencing. It can actually be very aesthetically-pleasing and effective. 

When to Contact Specialty Precast

If you want quality precast concrete fencing for your property, contact Specialty Precast.

We are always working hard to make sure our products are some of the best in the business, and it’s this commitment to excellence that has earnt us a reputation you can rely on over the last forty years or so.

To find out more about the various uses of precast concrete fencing – or to order panels – contact Specialty Precast today. 

So you’ve chosen to install precast concrete fencing, but are you really ready to go ahead and order it?
In this article, we’ll discuss the things you need to consider when choosing precast concrete fencing for your home and how the team at Specialty Precast can help.

What Do You Need to Consider When Choosing Precast Concrete Fencing? 

You may think that once you’ve decided on precast concrete for your fencing, it’s just a matter of going ahead and ordering. In fact, there are a number of things you need to consider before jumping in.

Here, we’ll expand on some of the most important considerations.

Your Yard Size

The size of your yard is one of the most important considerations you need to make when choosing precast fencing for your property.

Obviously, you need something that will fit in the space provided, especially as you can’t alter the size of pre-moulded concrete once it arrives on site.

Preferred Design & Finish

There are many different options to choose from when it comes to the design and finish of precast concrete fences. As such, you need to decide which of the options available will suit your requirements – or if you’d like something custom made.

Size of Fence

In addition to the size of your yard, you also need to think about the size of the fence you require. This is especially important if you have specific requirements that need special customisations.

Type of Temporary or Permanent Support

When you’re installing precast concrete fencing, you will need temporary support solutions as your project is pieced together. Make sure they are the right size, capacity and weight before you start bringing in your precast concrete.

Weight

When choosing precast fencing, you need to think about the area in which the product will be installed. This is particularly important when it comes to the weight of the fencing and if your current supports will be sufficient.

Maintenance

On the whole, precast concrete is fairly easy to maintain – especially when comparing it to other options on the market. But, you need to be aware of these maintenance needs and be able to access the fencing on a semi-regular basis.

Installation, Permits & Planning

With all precast concrete products, you need someone who is qualified to take care of your installation. It’s not something we recommend doing yourself. As such, you need to be aware of this before ordering your precast concrete.

You should also research whether you require a permit to install precast concrete fencing in your area, and any planning regulations you need to follow in order to get it done.

When to Contact Specialty Precast

If you want quality precast concrete fencing for your property, contact Specialty Precast.

We are always working hard to make sure our products are some of the best in the business, and it’s this commitment to excellence that has earnt us a reputation you can rely on over the last forty years or so.

Ready to install panels for precast concrete fencing? Contact the experts at Specialty Precast today to get started. 

Thinking of using civil precast concrete in your construction project, but want to know more about the advantages of doing so?

This article will focus on the many advantages of using civil precast concrete, as well as advise where you can be certain of getting a quality product to ensure you achieve the high standard of finish you’re after.

What is Civil Precast Concrete? 

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of the benefits of using civil precast concrete, let’s start with a basic definition.

Simply put, civil precast concrete is precast concrete used for a civil application. This includes things like bridges, stairs or tunnels.

Advantages of Using Civil Precast Concrete

There are a myriad of advantages to using civil precast concrete on your build. Here, we’ll go through why some of our most valued clients keep returning to this quality option time and time again.

Aesthetically Pleasing

Precast concrete is designed to be not only reliable in terms of structural integrity, but aesthetically pleasing. No matter its form, shape, colour or size, there’s no denying that precast concrete looks great.

While this mightn’t always be an issue for civil projects, it can’t hurt if for some reason, your precast concrete can’t be hidden and needs to be on display.

Customisation

When it comes to form, shape, colour or size, this is one of the other benefits of civil precast concrete. It’s highly customisable according to your specific needs, and will usually be designed with the assistance of a professional.

Quality Control

Especially when you choose to work with professionals such as those from Specialty Precast, quality control is a definite must of the precast concrete manufacturing process.

We have some of the most stringent quality control procedures around and manufacture our products according to the highest standard.

Reduced Curing Time

With poured concrete, you tend to waste a lot of time waiting for it to cure. This is not the case when you use civil precast concrete. It’s installed on-site and ready to go.

Sustainability

Sustainability is important, even in construction. And this is a benefit when you use civil precast concrete.

Civil precast concrete is incredibly sustainable, with little to no waste. It’s even recyclable, which is a definite plus.

Safety

Safety is a major consideration in the construction industry and something you can be assured of when you choose civil precast concrete.

Because civil precast concrete is manufactured off-site and delivered ready for installation, the amount of workers and equipment you have is reduced, which means that it’s a lot safer, and makes for a more efficient construction process.

Withstands Natural Disasters

Civil engineering or construction projects need to use materials that are durable and will stand the test of time. But it also helps if your chosen materials can withstand natural disasters.

Precast concrete is known to be a reliable choice in this area, with a fantastic fire resistance and flooding prevention rating. To find out more about how precast concrete performs when faced with a natural disaster, click here.

Less Framework

Construction projects using poured concrete generally tend to rely on a lot of framework. This is not the case when using precast concrete, which in turn makes for a safer environment and may even save you money.

Saves Money

Construction projects are often prone to budget blowouts but if you’re saving money on trades and delays associated with poured concrete and curing time, you have the potential to save money and keep costs down.

And because precast concrete is known for its longevity, it lasts and you won’t have to replace it. This is another way in which you can save money.

Where to Go for Quality Civil Precast Concrete

When it comes to civil precast concrete, you want to make sure your investment is not only cost-effective but of high structural integrity.

With over 40 years in the industry working on precast concrete designs suited to a range of applications and usages, you simply can’t go past our expert team at Specialty Precast.

To discuss your specific needs for civil precast concrete on your construction project, contact Specialty Precast today.

There are numerous benefits of choosing precast concrete fencing for your home or business. But what are they?

In this article we’ll discuss why you should consider choosing precast concrete fencing over other options on the market, and when to contact Specialty Precast for assistance.

Why Choose Precast Concrete Fencing 

The benefits of precast concrete fencing are almost endless. Here, we’ll break down some of the most popular reasons clients like ours choose this option.

Cost Effective

Compared to other options, such as timber or aluminium, precast concrete fencing is thought to be more cost effective over the course of its lifetime. And, with the cost of living on the rise and other expenses constantly increasing, why wouldn’t you want to save money where you can?

Aesthetically Pleasing & Customisable

Think the only option you have when choosing concrete fencing is solid, concrete blocks that make your home or commercial premises look sterile and uninviting?

We’d hate to tell you you’re wrong, but precast concrete fencing – especially the quality of product you get when working with Specialty Precast – is some of the most aesthetically pleasing and customisable around.

When you choose precast concrete fencing, there is an extensive range of designs and colours you can opt for and it’s customisable in terms of sizing, which is also helpful.

Durable & Long Lasting 

One of the reasons people choose precast concrete is its durability and lifespan. Because it’s a manufactured concrete, it’s a lot harder than other options available in fencing, can last many decades and withstand all types of weather conditions.

Precast concrete fencing is also fire and termite resistant, which is a bonus when it comes to choosing the right fencing for you and your property.

Secure

Want a fencing material that will keep your family as safe as possible? You can’t go past precast concrete. Unlike wood or steel, this material is resistant to damage and not something would-be thieves can break through easily, giving you an added layer of protection you can rely on.

Sustainable 

These days, everyone is looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Choosing precast concrete fencing – which can be recycled and reused as well as being made from reusable resources – is one way you can achieve this. 

When to Contact Specialty Precast 

To be sure you’re getting a quality fencing solution, you need to ensure you’re working with a company that knows what they’re doing. Specialty Precast have been in the industry for decades and are always working to ensure our products meet all quality assurance and safety regulations.

And our design team simply can’t be beaten when it comes to striking and innovative solutions for you.

Find out more about how we can assist you with quality precast concrete fencing by getting in touch today.

Designing school seating, but haven’t considered precast? This might be the article to sway you.

Here we’ll discuss the many benefits of why you should choose precast seating for school and university environments, and where to go for quality products you can rely on.

Advantages of Choosing Precast Seating for Schools 

Opting for precast seating when designing a school or university campus is fast becoming popular, and there are innumerable reasons for this. In this section, we’ll break down some of the reasons why this is a reliable solution.

Durable 

One of the biggest advantages of precast concrete – and precast seating in particular – is its durability. Wooden and steel benches corrode over time, making your campus look shabby and run down.

Precast seating is known to be a long lasting material that will not corrode, regardless of weather and other conditions, like having children climb all over it.

Difficult to Vandalise 

Traditional seating options are fairly easy to vandalise, and can be difficult to repair when vandalism does occur. Precast seating, on the other hand, is resistant to such damage. And, when cleaned and maintained correctly, can easily return to its original state should vandalism occur.

Intensive Design Process 

Designing precast seating is an intensive process, usually during one-on-one consultations where you can discuss custom specifications. This is not something you can do with traditional seating solutions.

Manufactured Off Site with Reduced WHS Risk

When you choose seating that is made from in-situ concrete, it needs to be manufactured on site. This takes time, as the area needs to be cordoned off, which can be tricky in a school or university environment.

But precast seating can be manufactured off-site, and delivered ready to go so there is no construction site on campus that you, your teachers and students have to worry about. This reduces your workplace health and safety risk, which is always a positive.

No Prepping or Formwork 

Continuing on from our previous point about precast seating being manufactured off site, there is also no need for additional preparation or scaffolding the way you may need for other school seating solutions.

Quality Control

At Specialty Precast, quality control is one of the most important things we can do. Each and every mould or seating model is inspected by our professionals, and does not leave our manufacturer’s premises until it’s perfect. This isn’t something you can guarantee with other options on the market.

Heights of Up to 80 Storeys

Precast seating is adaptable to any number of applications and can be built up to 80 storeys high. This makes it a great solution for campuses with stadiums or larger precincts that need to seat more people.

Sustainable 

These days, educational precincts are looking for more ways to be environmentally friendly, which is something you can achieve with precast seating. This is a very sustainable and eco-friendly product, with little to no waste due to its recyclability.

Where to Go for Quality Precast Seating 

If you need precast seating for your schools or university campuses, you can’t go past our team at Specialty Precast. We have over 40 years experience in the industry and specialise in custom precast products and seating you can rely on.

Get started on your precast seating design today by contacting our experts at Specialty Precast.

Can you paint precast concrete? In this article, our experts answer a question we’re asked often.

Whether or not you can paint precast concrete is a question that comes up fairly regularly. Here, we’ll provide you with the answers you need, including advice on how to go about painting precast concrete, how many coats are needed and where to go for advice on maintaining your precast concrete.

Can You Paint Precast Concrete 

At Specialty Precast, we aim to provide our clients with precast concrete that is ready to go – regardless of how you intend to use it. But if you ultimately want to paint your precast product, it certainly is possible to do so.

How to Paint Precast Concrete 

As specialists in precast concrete, we would recommend getting experts to paint your precast concrete. However, there are a couple of steps you can take to attempt it yourself.

– choose an appropriate (outdoor) paint
– clean your concrete
– examine for cracks and arrange for a professional repair if any are found
– check for moisture – using a plastic sheet and leaving it for 24 hours (if moisture is found, reseal your concrete before beginning)
-apply concrete primer and allow to dry overnight – you may need to apply again if it’s still see-through and leave to dry
-roll, spray or brush on paint, ensuring it’s not streaky and leave to dry for 24 hours

-seal your concrete

How Many Coats Do You Need to Apply When Painting Precast Concrete? 

Generally speaking, you will need to apply at least three coats of paint to your precast concrete. This is in addition to your primer and any other preparation sealers you need to apply.

It may take some time, but if you want to do the job properly, this is what you need to do.

Where to Go for Quality, Sustainable Precast Concrete 

In our opinion, if you want to be certain your precast concrete is quality as well as sustainable and paintable, there’s only one thing to do: contact Specialty Precast.

We’ve been in the business for decades and have developed a product you can trust, with staff who know the industry backwards and forwards.

Talk to our design team today about options for a sustainable, quality precast concrete solution.

How long does precast concrete last? When does it start to deteriorate and what can you do to protect it?

These are questions we’ll answer in this article, as well as where to go to ensure you get a quality finished product.

Typically How Long Does Precast Concrete Last? 

Precast concrete is considered to be one of the most durable construction materials, which is why it’s used in a variety of ways – regardless of whether they are primarily in the construction industry or not.

When manufactured correctly with the appropriate quality control measures (such as that we have at Specialty Precast), precast concrete can last anywhere between 50 and 100 years.

When Does Precast Concrete Deteriorate? 

Generally, precast concrete may start to show signs of deterioration at around the 50 year mark.  However if your concrete has been properly treated and maintained, you mightn’t see wear until much later.

Signs of Concrete Deterioration 

There are several signs you can be on the lookout for as evidence your concrete is starting to show its age. Some of the most common are:

– cracks
– thermal cracking
– scaling
– spalling
– abrasion or erosion

What to Do if You Recognise these Symptoms in Precast Concrete 

If these symptoms are familiar to you, it’s probably best to consult a precast concrete professional (such as those we have on staff) for advice and solutions for fixing the issue.

How to Protect Your Precast Concrete 

As with anything, you can potentially increase the lifespan of your precast concrete by ensuring it is well-maintained, and cleaned on a regular basis.

We have more tips and tricks on how to do this here, but the general rule of thumb is that you should try to clean your precast concrete at least once a year. This is also the time at which you should re-apply your sealant, to prevent any potential damage to the precast concrete product.

It is also recommended that you try to prevent external factors such as graffiti to protect your precast concrete.

Taking care of your precast concrete also includes things like making sure you choose an installation location where it’s less likely to be damaged or chipped accidentally, and ensuring you re-apply the sealant as per the manufacturer’s specifications.

How to Be Sure You Have Quality, Durable Precast Concrete 

In our opinion, there is only really one way to ensure you have the best precast concrete. Choose Specialty Precast.

We’ve been manufacturing quality, durable precast concrete for decades, in a variety of shapes and forms. 

We know exactly how to meet our clients’ requirements, no matter how out-of-the-box they may be, always delivering on time and to the highest standard possible.

To order your long-lasting precast concrete – or find out more about our solutions – contact our expert team today.  

As a manufactured product, does precast concrete have the capability to withstand natural disasters better than in-situ concrete? Here we’ll tell you all you need to know.

When working in any form of construction, you want to be certain the product you choose – be it natural or man-made – will be durable under the required conditions. But can precast concrete – as durable as it is – withstand severe weather or natural disasters? In this article, you’ll find out.

Can Precast Concrete Withstand Natural Disasters?

One of the biggest benefits of precast concrete is the fact that it is impervious to severe weather, and high winds. It is also resistant to other natural disasters such as floods or fire.

This makes it the ideal building solution when constructing in disaster prone areas, not only in Queensland, but throughout Australia and beyond. 

What Other Types of Weather Events Can Precast Concrete Endure? 

Precast concrete (especially that made with Specialty Precast and our team of professionals)  has been known to endure all kinds of different weather events. This includes:
– high winds and cyclonic conditions
– fire
– flood

What Sort of Fire Resistance Do Precast Concrete Walls or Panels Have?

Precast concrete walls or panels are particularly good for fire resistance due to their thickness of 170mm. This gives it a 4 hour fire resistance (AS 3600 – 2001 Section 5 design for fire resistance). It is presumably for this reason that precast concrete walls and panels are a good option for those building in rural or fire-prone areas.

Is Precast Concrete Watertight? 

Despite its porous nature, precast concrete is watertight. This means it is resistant to water. In fact, research suggests that it will take over 40, 000 years for water to penetrate 6 inch thick precast concrete.

While this doesn’t exactly make it completely resistant to damage during floods, it is much preferred over poured concrete. Remember that, after any natural disaster of this type, you should always check your concrete product for flaws and, where possible, have them repaired or replaced as soon as you can.

So it is Possible to Damage Precast Concrete in Natural Disasters.

Yes, precast concrete is resistant to damage in natural disasters, however it’s not completely infallible.  You may experience some damage to precast concrete if a natural disaster occurs. It all comes down to how bad the natural disaster was. 

But, the fact of the matter is that, if you’re weighing up your options between poured/in-situ concrete and that of precast concrete, products like those made at Specialty Precast are always more likely to withstand adverse weather conditions or natural disasters.

When to Contact Specialty Precast

If your precast concrete walls have been through a natural disaster, or you simply want to find out more about the benefits of choosing precast concrete in such circumstances, contact the team at Specialty Precast.

We are always working hard to make sure our products are some of the best in the business, and it’s this commitment to excellence that has earnt us a reputation you can rely on over the last forty years or so.

For precast concrete that will keep you safe in natural disasters, contact us today.