Commercial construction has seen the rise of many types of buildings. Sometimes, commercial construction companies employ different methods of bringing up these buildings based on various factors.
One standard method of construction a commercial builder would employ is called tilt-up construction. With tilt-up construction, concrete is poured into large slabs and allowed to cure before they are erected to form the exterior structure of a commercial building.
It was first used in America in the 18th century using tilt tables. Since then, tilt-up construction has taken root and has seen the construction of many commercial facilities across the country.
If you are considering tilt-up construction, or if your contractor has suggested it, it is important first to understand how this form of construction is different from other types of construction.
Here are some of the things that make a tilt-up construction different.
The Construction Itself
This involves three main components; Wood form, concrete, and rebar. The wood form is placed on the ground, and the rebar is shaped to meet the specifications of the wall. Concrete is them poured and allowed to cure. The walls are then lifted using cranes and braced until the roof can be placed. The roof holds everything together in place.
Speed and Ease of Construction
Setting up a tilt-up construction is easy and takes place quickly. The only thing that takes a lot of time with a tilt-up is the curing of concrete, which can take a few days. The construction is not labor-intensive compared to other types of constructions. This allows contractors to start and finish the work in a shorter time period.
Energy Efficiency
Tilt-up construction is more energy-efficient than other forms of construction. Compared to forms like steel construction, the production of concrete is less energy-intensive than that of steel. We asked Gilmore Heating and Air, an HVAC company in Placerville, about the importance of energy efficiency. The HVAC professionals said that it’s in everyone’s best interest to be energy-efficient. There are more and more incentives to be energy-efficient. Additionally, structures set up using tilt-up construction have better insulation properties. Your tilt-Up contractors can also enhance the thermal properties of the building by including extra layers for insulation.
Flexibility in Design
It is easier to design and come up with the exact specifications of a building when using tilt-up construction. Designers also use modern software to determine cost and timelines allowing users to choose from given alternatives. This makes for better decision making.
Labor Cost and Materials
You will not require much labor force as compared to other forms of construction. The construction requires less specialized labor skills and fewer workers. The cost of materials is also considerably lower than that of other constructions. For example, ready-mix concrete and rebar are cheaply available from your local supplier.
When to Tilt-Up
Not all projects require a tilt-up construction. For some, it is more practical to employ other forms of constructions depending on the use and size of the building. For example, tilt-up construction is ideal for large buildings, because then the cost of construction goes lower. As the size of the building increases, so does the need to cut down on costs. But when the size of construction is small, using other means is a better option.
Are you looking for the best tilt-up construction for your commercial building? Headwaters Construction Inc. offers the best services in tilt-up construction general maintenance, construction consulting and planning, and Building maintenance.
