Concrete is an affordable and durable material in Johannesburg. It has been used extensively in commercial, residential and industrial buildings alike. The biggest industry change now: site-cast concrete vs precast concrete? Affordability, reliability, and durability: What is best for your build?
The most common concrete curing method in Johannesburg is, without a doubt, site-cast concrete. As concrete has always been considered the most durable and affordable material for building in Johannesburg, very few have questioned the curing and installation process. Site-cast concrete is tried and true. However, there’s a new kid on the block – precast concrete. A curing method that is arguably more affordable, durable, and accessible than site-cast concrete. The primary differences between site-cast and precast concrete in Johannesburg: the manufacturing process, the overall user-experience of the material as well as the installation process.
The Manufacturing Process.
One of the most obvious differences between site-cast concrete vs precast concrete in Johannesburg is the manufacturing process. Whilst site-cast concrete is subject to on-site pouring and curing, battling unforeseen weather and labour delays, precast concrete is cured in a heavily controlled environment. Using precast concrete moulds, shaped to the exact specifications given by a client, precast concrete is able to deliver accuracy and consistency in every step of the process.
User Experience
In terms of precast concrete in Johannesburg, the user experience refers to factors such as affordability, accessibility, longevity, durability, reliability etc. Whilst concrete itself is an affordable and long-lasting material, there is a significant difference between site-cast and precast concrete from a client’s perspective. Precast concrete is, arguably, substantially more client orientated. Precast concrete is long-lasting and resistant to many corrosive chemicals as well as being substantially more cost-effective in both the short and long term. In the short, precast concrete will not be impacted by external factors such as unpredictable weather patterns or unforeseen labour errors during installation – which can be attributed to the highly controlled curing process. Moreover, precast allows for multiple customisation oppurtunities. Users have the option to choose varying textures, details colours etc. – making precast concrete a popular option for homeowners, designers and developers alike.
The Installation Process
One of the biggest stresses about site-cast concrete is the installation process. Whilst site-cast concrete requires moulding structures, pouring strategies, curing as well as drying time – precast concrete, as a result of prefabricated manufacturing, can be installed in a matter of hours. Instead of losing days worth of labour simply waiting for site-cast concrete to set, precast concrete in Johannesburg affords contractors the ability to be back on site and working within 24hrs. By default, this not only makes precast concrete the more desirable option for contractors but also for eager homeowners and developers.
The popularity of precast concrete has lead to an increase in precast concrete manufacturers in Johannesburg. If you are considering a precast concrete structure, contact manufacturers in your area for a quote!