Building a new extension

We loved our house from the first time we went through, but it really didn't have enough living space. We have worked on improving the layout of the home and increasing the living area of the home to create a modern and more pleasant layout to the home. We are really proud of how the job has turned out and we wanted to share some of the details of how the extension and layout changes where designed and constructed. This blog has some of the photos of our extension as well as tips that we have learnt along the journey,.

Insulated Concrete Tilt Up Panels: The Sustainable Option for Home Builders

Construction & Contractors Blog

Tilt up construction is a fast and simple construction method where site-cast concrete panels are cut in various sizes, shapes, and patterns according to the building plans. The panels or slabs are then raised into position around the building's perimeter. Concrete tilt up panels are very attractive for homes and commercial buildings as they offer efficient and quality at economical price ranges. Here is what you should know.

Difference between tilt up panels and precast concrete

Tilt up panels and precast concrete are both commonly used in construction project. However, the technique of construction used is different. Tilt up panes are constructed on site to come up with concrete slabs of various sizes and designs. Since the slabs are used as external walls, form is fabricated to create spaces for doors and windows.

On the other hand, precast concrete is made off-site in a manufacturing facility, then delivered on the site. The concrete slabs are assembled together around the building's perimeter to create the exterior walls of the building. The construction of tilt up panels on-site eliminates delays caused by off-site fabrication of concrete.

Size of tilt up panels

Insulated tilt up panels can be used in the construction of most standard height buildings. In fact, the major limiting factor in tilt up construction is the size and capacity of the crane being used to lift the panels into place. It is even possible to raise two or more panels together so as to achieve the desired height and width of the building. Tilt up panels can be comfortably and efficiently used in the construction of most homes today.

Advantages of insulated tilt up panels

Here are some of the benefits that you can derive from using insulated tilt up panels in the construction of your home.

  • Energy efficiency: Insulation is installed inside the concrete panels after the first pour; therefore, it is possible to provide a continuous layer of insulation on the material to significantly increase energy efficiency.
  • Fast construction: Fabrication of tilt up panels on site allows for quick and easy construction, translating into reduced material wastage, cost of equipment hire, and labor costs.
  • Improved aesthetics: it is possible to achieve patterns, textures, and different colors by using brick veneers, cultured stone, textured paint, and form liners.
  • Durability: Tilt up panels are resistant to fire, moisture damage, and earthquakes to provide the most durable buildings today.

The use of tilt up panels is becoming the trendy technique in today's construction industry. If you are building a new home, talk to your contractor about using this technique and enjoy the sustainability, efficiency, and savings associated with it.

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12 August 2016