Post Consumer Steel Makes Concrete Fencing Even Greener
Precast concrete fencing has a number of sustainable features - concrete is long-lasting, waste is minimized at the project site, color is mixed with the concrete to eliminate VOC release and painting once installed, and post and panel systems use substantially less concrete in the foundation footers than traditional masonry or block walls. Artisan Precast is the leading provider of post and panel fencing products and they now are using 90% post-consumer steel for reinforcement. This change makes such concrete fence offerings even more compelling for architects and project owners who are looking to obtain green certification for their projects.
Precast Concrete Fencing For Projects
Precast concrete fencing that provides the look of authentic brick, wood and stone is perhaps the fastest growth category in fencing today. Precast fencing from select providers like Artisan Precast enables architects, engineers, city planners, developers and others to achieve an expensive look for a fraction of the price of traditional materials. We are not talking about giant monolithic panels that look so cold and industrial but rather systems using smaller panels that can be installed with even two-person crews. The leading products like FenceStone or WoodCrete produce a rich appearance while also providing many other benefits including: sustainable materials, fast installation, no maintenance, easy replacement, etc. Precast concrete fencing is fast becoming the go-to solution for perimeter walls for a large variety of projects.
Artisan Precast Featured in the L.A. Times
Artisan Precast was featured in the Business section of the November 3, 2008 issue of the Los Angeles Times. The article featured a photograph of the WoodCrete product and discussed the various aspects of the concrete fence business and the advantages of using concrete fencing. One expert spoke to the inefficiencies in construction that are inherent to the business. Precast concrete fencing is one product that mitigates some of the factors that impact construction schedules. By definition, the fence materials are made at a precast plant and shipped to the jobsite for assembly. Although precast fencing does not eliminate all modifications at the project, changes to product at the job are few and far between.
Concrete fencing has distinct advantages in terms of longevity when compared to other fence materials. This durability speaks to a sustainability aspect of precast concrete not often discussed. Although critics would argue that substantial energy is consumed in the production of concrete - specifically the cement component - the end product lasts for decades. This means less landfill and an overall lower use of resources since the need to replace the fence has been stretched to a life of decades rather than years. For more information on concrete fences, visit Artisan Precast.
Concrete Fences are Cost Effective
It may be a surprise to some people but precast concrete fencing like FenceStone is a cost effective way to enclose residential and commercial properties. This type of fencing has been successfully used for large residential projects, large commercial projects including warehouses and shopping centers, and for large infrastructure projects. It goes up fast, product quality is excellent, and it looks great. Best of all, maintenance on precast concrete is minimal. This is a fast growing segment in construction as project managers and architects look for ways to reduce costs while providing an aesthetically attractive wall alternative.
Concrete Fences Instead Of Wood
More and more projects are turning to precast concrete fences such as FenceStone to achieve lower costs and to speed the completion of the project. Concrete fences that are precast at a plant are able to be erected much faster than traditional fencing. Add to this their superior beauty and durability and the argument becomes even more compelling. For projects requiring fence or wall heights over 6 feet, a precast concrete fence will usually provide a much more economical option than traditional CMU or block walls. Architects, engineers, builders, developers and city planners are, in many cases, just getting exposed to concrete fences. Data suggests that this type of walling material will likely lead the pack in new wall construction over the coming years.
Fence Companies Turning to Artisan Precast For Concrete Fence Materials
Many fence companies are coming to realize the tremendous benefits of concrete fencing. Concrete fencing is a greener alternative to most other materials and is available in a variety of colors and designs. The leading supplier of concrete fencing is Artisan Precast. Artisan offers concrete fencing which resembles wood, stone and brick and is available in a variety of colors. Concrete fencing is highly flexible and can be used for a broad variety of projects and soil conditions. Walls can be constructed to a variety of heights and assembly is much faster than traditional masonry walls. On top of all this, these precast concrete walls and fences will last a long time and never need painting as the color is infused during the manufacturing process. Cost effective, flexible, low maintenance - these are just a few of the reasons concrete fencing is among the fastest growing categories in fencing.
Comparing Materials for Concrete Block Walls and Precast Concrete Fences
Precast concrete fences have a significant advantage over traditional concrete block walls. Whereas traditional concrete block walls require a continuous foundation, precast concrete fences such as FenceStone (made by Artisan Precast) do not. Rather, piers or columns are drilled into the ground every so many feet on center depending on the product, the post and rebar cage is then placed in the pier, and then the pier in filled with concrete. After the concrete sets, the precast concrete panels are inserted between the posts to form the fence. Using concrete fencing enables fast installation and less use of concrete and rebar in the foundation while providing the user a beautiful and durable fence. For most projects, the cost savings can be very substantial.
Increasing Demand for Concrete Rail Fencing
Perhaps the fires are responsible or maybe just growing awareness of how ‘green’ concrete really is. People don’t tend to think of precast concrete as a green building material but its long life and durability are a significant contributing factor. Artisan Precast concrete fences also replace a portion of the portland cement with fly ash - a material that would otherwise end up in landfills. Whatever the reason, cities, parks and recreation departments, homeowners, ranchers, and developers are turning to us for our high quality, authentic-looking ranch woodcrete rail fencing. This product comes in 2 and 3 rail versions and our proprietary molding system imparts a grain pattern and unique look that is unmatched. Our WoodCrete brand rail fencing can be integrally colored to match any project and never needs painting.
Precast Concrete for Walls and Fences
As more and more contractors, developers, architects, cities, homeowners are looking for more cost effective ways to build projects, concrete walls and concrete fences are gaining rapid acceptance. Everyone wants to create an aesthetically appealing project to increase likelihood of sale, to enable hire rents, or to simply create a more valuable project.
Whatever the reason, using precast concrete provides two great benefits - it is cost effective and it looks great. For example, FenceStone is a product that resembles hand-laid ledgestone. It is precast and assembled at the project location. This saves time and money and greatly reduces the speed of installation. This approach is more cost effective than building a wall of stone or the common practice of building a concrete block wall and then applying stone or fake stone to the facade of the wall. It also greatly reduces the cost which enables the buyer to have an expensive looking walling option for a fraction of the price. Architects value this option as they can wrap a project in a great looking wall at a great cost. Artisan Precast (www.artisanprecast.com) has a great line of precast concrete to check out.
Concrete Fence Advantages
The growing popularity of precast concrete fences and concrete walls is a logical progression as construction evolves in both design and cost engineering. Concrete fences such as FenceStone and WoodCrete employ a post and panel system that enables fast and cost effective erection of walls. These concrete fences are being employed in a wide variety of projects from residential developments to industrial centers. A concrete fence can be built to 20 feet in height without the continuous foundation requirements of typical concrete block walls. It is estimated that a precast concrete wall uses 55% less concrete in the foundation than a typical concrete block wall.
Unlike monolithically poured precast, these walls are warm and inviting. They give the appearance of authentic stone, brick and wood - especially when integrally colored. Products like FenceStone can be installed with a 3 or 4 man crew and light equipment. If your project involves a wall - whether 50 feet or 4,000 feet or more - you must seriously take a look at precast concrete walls and fences.
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