If you’re in the construction business, you’ve no doubt heard the term precast concrete. But what is it? In this article we’ll answer all your questions, from what it is to its benefits and how to be sure your precast concrete is quality.

What is Precast Concrete, and Which Industries Use It?

Precast concrete is a special type of composite concrete that has been strengthened so it’s more durable and pliable than your regular poured concrete.

As specialists in precast concrete, we’ve seen this high quality product used in a variety of industries for any number of applications including:

Construction & Road Works

Construction and road works is probably the biggest user of our precast concrete products. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, with options for customisation that is tailored directly to how you intend to use it, precast concrete can be adapted to almost any use in the construction and road works industry.

It’s also very versatile in the lifting and safety industry because it will not warp or blow away in harsh weather conditions the way plastic does. And, unlike poured concrete, it can be moved from place to place, rather than being constantly fixed in one location.

This means staff in these industries can get their work done more efficiently, saving you time and money as road work project requirements change and adapt.

From safety barriers and light poles to panels used in a new building, precast concrete is a must have for this industry.

Marine

You may not think it, but the marine industry has found a lot of use for products like those we manufacture at Specialty Precast. Durable and versatile, precast concrete is perfect for boat ramps as it can stand up to the heavy weight of watercraft in a way that your standard poured concrete just can’t manage.

Architecture & Design

Architectural precast concrete is fast becoming a product of choice when developing new facilities for parks or even sculptures and play equipment for parks. This is because, unlike poured concrete, our precast concrete products can be moulded into any shape you desire.

By working with professionals like those on our team at Specialty Precast, we’ll help your sketches and design concepts come to life right before your eyes.

Are There Other Benefits of Precast Concrete?

The benefits of precast concrete are almost endless. But some of the most common reasons clients like ours keep coming back to our precast concrete products are:

Time

Especially in the construction industry time is money so when you have a product that is almost guaranteed to save you time, why wouldn’t you choose it over the alternatives?

From manufacturing to installation, precast concrete will save you time on your construction project, meaning you and your staff can focus your energy on other, more important things that really need your attention, and keep things on track for completion.

Energy Efficiency

Everyone’s looking for new and better ways to help the environment where possible and for us, that starts with precast concrete. Precast concrete - and our precast concrete products specifically - are designed with the environment in mind.

Our composites are developed with the latest in energy efficient materials, meaning your buildings will be warmer in winter and cooler in summer. And the best part is, it’s built into the building itself.

Durable

Poured concrete can be prone to damage and cracks, be it because it’s installed in a high traffic area, or out in severe weather conditions.

With precast concrete, you don’t have to worry about that. Precast concrete is built to withstand almost anything - from the worst of weather, to heavy machinery. It will not let you down, no matter how hard you try.

Quality Control

Poured concrete often has a mind of its own, and sometimes you can’t control how it will turn out.

Precast concrete gives you back the control you need in construction and other projects, so nothing is left to chance and you can be guaranteed that you will receive a product that suits your needs as well as being made of the highest quality.

What Does the Process Involve for Creating Precast Concrete?

There are a few steps involved in the creation of precast concrete. These are:

• Design: designing the mould for the precast concrete as specified by clients needs
• Manufacture: this is where we actually manufacture the precast concrete in our specialist factories. It is then delivered to the client.
• Installation: the client can now install the product where they need it, or utilise it as required.

How to Know You’re Getting Quality Precast Concrete

In our opinion, the only way you can know you’re getting the best quality products when it comes to precast concrete is to work with the best in the industry.

At Specialty Precast, we have over 40 years of experience in the development and manufacturing of precast concrete products to suit almost every application. From the design stage to manufacturing the finished product, we’ll work with you to create a customised solution you can rely on.

To find out more about precast concrete and its application, or to arrange products for your next project, speak to the experts at Specialty Precast today.