The Pros and Cons of Tilt-Up Construction

the pros and cons of tilt construction

the pros and cons of tilt construction

Pros and Cons of Tilt-Up Construction 2021

Tilt-up construction has become more popular since the 1920s when it was invented as a building method. This article, written by our Sacramento commercial contractors, discusses the pros and cons of tilt-up construction method. Headwaters Construction Inc. hopes this helps you decide whether or not tilt-up construction is something you’d like to use in your next commercial construction project.

THE PROS OF TILT-UP CONSTRUCTION

Tilt-Up Construction – Speed 

It takes just a few days for the poured concrete panels to cure and be ready for tilting or lifting into place. The speed of this construction method also switches into higher gear when you consider how quickly other skilled contractors, such as plumbers and electricians, can get to work at the site. The swift build-up of the walls means that those other professionals can begin their work sooner. So, the entire project will be completed after a shorter time than other construction methods.

Tilt-Up Construction – Cost Savings

The Sacramento tilt-up construction experts explain that it isn’t surprising that tilt-up construction is the method of choice for people who want to build big-box stores, industrial complexes, or even low-cost housing.

The method is cost-effective in many ways. For example, less labor is required since just a few people can pour the concrete panels and a crane or any other piece of lifting equipment, then tilts those cured panels into place. As any Sacramento Headwaters building and contracting expert will tell you, any reduction in labor results in significant cost savings for a builder.

Energy Efficiency

Reinforced concrete is a good insulator, and tilt-up construction allows buildings to enjoy higher levels of this energy efficiency since there are few joints or seams in the entire building.

You can also ask the Sacramento tilt-up construction company in charge of your project to add more insulation layers to the tilt-up panels. While this may raise your project cost, you will enjoy better energy-efficiency during the lifetime of the building. Our friends at Specialized AV, a distributed audio service in Sacramento adds that the additional savings can eventually cover the cost of adding that insulation.

Design Flexibility

In the past, tilt-up construction wasn’t a popular method for constructing smaller structures and buildings where esthetics were a major requirement. However, the maturation of design technology, such as 5-D Macro BIM, has increased the design possibilities for Sacramento tilt-up construction companies to the extent that round surfaces and curved walls are all possible using this building method.

The fact that each tilt-up building is customized to a particular client’s needs means that the fluidity of concrete can be taken advantage of in nearly countless ways.

Sound and Fire Resistance

Tilt-up construction also produces buildings with a high level of sound attenuation and fire resistance. People working in a tilt-up structure would not be affected by the noise from the building’s environs, just as a noisy manufacturing plant will not cause as much of a disturbance as would be possible if other methods of construction had been used.

Additionally, the tilt-up construction experts at Head Waters Construction, Inc. in Sacramento explain that the concrete used during tilt-up construction is formulated to meet the most stringent fire resistance standards. Building occupants can therefore work while safe knowing that they will be safeguarded until they can escape during a fire emergency.

Easy Access to Contracting Materials

It is also easy for Headwaters building and contracting professionals to access any required building materials, such as rebar and cement, from the local suppliers near the construction site. This is unlike what would happen if the contractor needed to order more complex materials from a far-away supplier.

THE CONS OF TILT-UP CONSTRUCTION

Upfront Coordination is Crucial

Tilt-up construction requires a high degree of upfront coordination between different professionals, such as electricians, HVAC technicians, and structural engineers. Any change that has to be made once the tilt-up walls are cured and lifted into position will be very costly and disruptive.

Cost Efficiencies Kick in Subject to Project Size

Tilt-up construction produces increasing cost savings as the size of a building becomes bigger. However, the reverse is also true as the square footage reduces, so you might be well advised to discuss with an expert from Head Waters Construction, Inc., about the cost implications of using this method if you intend to construct a building on the smaller side.

Hire a Professional Construction Company

As you can see, there are many pros to tilt-up construction. If you think that you could enjoy the numerous benefits of this commercial building method, contact Head Waters Construction, Inc. in Sacramento and let the experts chart a way forward to your dream building using tilt-up construction!

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in August 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Commercial Construction Roofing Options

Commercial Construction Roofing Options

Four Styles of Roofing Systems

Commercial Construction Roofing OptionsBuilding owners now have more options than ever before when choosing a roof. However, with so many commercial construction roofing options available, there are tons of factors to consider.

At Headwaters Construction Inc., our commercial builders know one or two things about commercial roofing. We’re here to let you know what particular roofing materials are best for your project. Learn more about some different forms of commercial roofing materials below:

1. Single-Ply Membranes

PVC

PVC roofing is well known for its toughness. Thus, it consists of two layers of PVC material with a polyester reinforcement layer inserted in the center. The seams are heat welded, forming a permanent bond between each board, contributing to the strength and durability of this form of material.

This particular material is extremely resistant to environmental conditions. They react well to possible hazards such as standing water, plant growth, or dampness.

EPDM

EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (you can see why it is abbreviated!) which is more generally known as rubber roofing.

This form of synthetic roofing material is also one of the most cost-effective roofing choices, if suitable for roofing design. (It is suitable for roofs with no slope or a very low slope.)

The downside of this style is its longevity. Temperatures can impact the adhesives used to connect the seams, whereas debris or major storms can puncture the material. Although damage is reasonably easy to restore, there may be no damage to the water resulting from tears, cracks, and holes.

TPO

TPO, or thermoplastic polyolefin, is similar to the EPDM roof in a variety of respects. Like the EPDM roof, ethylene-propylene rubber goes into TPO, but it is often mixed with polypropylene rubber to improve its longevity.

Usually, the product is mounted in a fully bonded or mechanically bonded system and, since the seams are heat-welded.  TPO is less vulnerable to leakage of the seam, which is a big advantage.

TPO reflects UV radiation and is a significant benefit for lowering utility costs in colder climates. It is the fastest-growing commercial roofing membrane on the market today and has increased its share of the commercial roofing market by 18% in just seven years.

The downside of the TPO? Some manufacturers make a better product than others (meaning that you can rely on the experience of your Sacramento general contractor to understand the quality (or lack) of each brand).

2. Metals

Metal is popular in low-profile roof designs. Additionally, the panels are clearly an excellent water barrier. Individual panels themselves can support a person’s weight and, when properly mounted, metal roofing systems can last 50+ years.

Metal roofing solutions will improve energy efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and are available in a variety of colors. In reality, some manufacturers are so confident in their product that they boast up to 90% savings in roof maintenance costs.

A sealant is used in overlapping joints to avoid water penetration, and neoprene washers are attached to the bolts that connect the panels to the rafts. Depending on the design of the roof, a number of looks are available, including standing seam, batten seam, tile, and curved options.

3. Asphalt

Composed of the same material used to make asphalt shingles, asphalt roofing is usually seen on low-slope roofs. This type of roofing system is also one of the most cost-effective and provides multi-layer security.

It may also be easier to find skilled commercial roofing contractors to install this specific material. This is because it is readily available and has been used for decades.

Downsides to asphalt roofing? Our friends at Tureks Plumbing, a bathroom remodeling company in Fox Valley, say that asphalt does not last as long as some of the other products in the industry. Furthermore, problems can occur with the seams, and asphalt is not energy efficient.

4. Bitumen

Modified bitumen is a perfect choice for your roofing because it is durable and contains a combination of asphalt, rubber-like material, and other compounds.

Although this kind of roofing material looks like asphalt, don’t let it fool you. It is much more resilient than asphalt, thanks to the rubber technology that gives elastic properties on both sides.

Some types of modified bitumen are completely torched to the fiber base while others use cold or hot mopping tar or asphalt adhesives. The surface may be smooth, mineral, or foil laminate and coated with a ceramic material to protect against sun damage.

Since TPO, PVC, and EPDM have become more common, contractors are now using less of this form of material, but bitumen could be a cheaper choice to consider compared to the available single-ply membranes.

Roofing Styles & Commercial Buildings

Now that you know what types of roofing system materials are out there, you should be more able to take the next step towards replacing them. Soon, you’ll be sure that you have the best roofing option for your budget and needs!

Interested in a commercial construction project or tilt-up construction? Contact our experienced Sacramento commercial builders today. We’d love to help you with your next project!

Tips to Manage a New Construction Build

tips to manage a new construction build

Tips to Manage a New Construction Build

tips to manage a new construction buildAs your business grows, your office space needs to grow along with it. This also involves renovating an existing house, adding to the infrastructure, or building a whole new structure. Today on the blog, our Sacramento commercial builders share the following tips to manage a new construction build.

By sticking to these tips, you could save thousands on your finished house, making the whole process easier and less stressful for your entire staff.

1. Consider your options.

When you decide whether to add or renovate your current building or build a brand new facility, it’s time to find a Sacramento general contractor who can direct you through the rest of the process. If you have extensive experience in the commercial construction industry, it is often best to find a general contractor with proven connections. They will be responsible for recruiting and overseeing teams who will manage the different sections of the construction process. This is including brick masons, electricians, plumbers, Sacramento HVAC companies, drywall hangers, or any other professional you may need. This method is time-consuming and tedious if you try to do it on your own. In addition, you’re unlikely to get the rates that the contractor would secure for you.

2. Take a peek at the sales & expenditure forecasts.

At this point, you need to estimate what your business profits and expenditures should be during the construction period so that you can plan what you should spend on the project. From there, you’ll know what money you can have on your own and what you need in terms of funding. Through accurate estimates, you can also decide what kind of payment terms you can handle. This is so that you do not have more debt than you can actually afford to pay.

3. Take control of the legal rights.

Apart from federal legislation and legislation unique to each jurisdiction, each municipality has its own licensing, zoning, etc. requirements. Again, selecting a good general contractor who is familiar with the particular area where you are building or renovating will help direct you by choosing a property in the right zone. They will then secure all necessary permits to start the construction process. Surveys are likely to take place along the way, and construction is often stopped so the inspector can visit the property. Be sure to prepare for these types of delays in your construction plans, as well as any possible snags, such as an inspector requesting extra materials or safety measures. Our friends at Specialized AV, an AV company in Sacramento, recommend installing security cameras to ensure that your assets are covered.

4. Consider how the build will affect your ordinary business operations.

It is very normal for companies to underestimate the time it takes to connect with their general contractor and make numerous decisions along the way. Will you be able to take time away from operations and your own customers to answer questions, make important decisions and negotiate with your contractor during the construction process? Note, their time is your money, too. Thus, delaying answers to their important questions will take the project longer in both time and money. Many organizations create a link to work with the contractor to ensure minimal interruption of operations and customer support.

5. Seek expert advice.

Costing a commercial building involves monitoring the price per square foot, including contract inclusions and exclusions. You need to know what the “completed contract” means before the construction begins. Does this involve paving your parking lot? Hooking up with utilities? This part is important for securing funding, particularly if funds are tight during construction.

6. Build a breathing space in your plans.

Don’t keep things too tight when designing the building and costing plans. Know, weather systems, market volatility, and other factors outside your control can dramatically alter the time and cost of a Sacramento construction project. A construction project can also reveal some of the issues that could not be noticed before, such as mold and infrastructure problems.

7. Stable funding before anything else is done.

Start with your current financiers. If you’ve built a strong relationship with a bank or other lending entity, you’re likely to be refunded. Don’t forget about other, less traditional ways of funding business projects like construction, venture capitalists, and crowdsourcing. They are more likely to make money available for an existing company like yours than for an untested start-up.

Construction Management in Sacramento, CA

Ready to get started on a commercial construction project? Contact Headwaters Construction Inc. today. Our team of commercial builders would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Post Construction Cleaning Tips

Post construction cleaning tips

3 tips for Post-Construction Cleaning Projects

Post construction cleaning tipsHere you are, the building workers have pulled out, and it’s time to clean up. Dust, dirt, bits of drywall, and filthy window seals are mounting a powerful offensive against your team of cleaners. What will help you do this in a safe, competent, and productive way? Here are three post-construction cleaning tips to help make your project a success!

1. Protecting Everyone Involved

Post-construction cleanings vary in many respects from other forms of cleaning. Our commercial builders explain that one of the main differences is that there might be hazards not everyone is used to. For example, power tools, carts, ladders, and lifts can be found on-site. You may also have active development in the vicinity. It’s not hard to imagine how any of these could become a risk to an unsuspecting cleaner. As a consequence, much like the building project, cleaning work must be done in a secure manner.

It’s important to get to know the site before you bring the whole cleaning crew in. Inform the cleaning staff of items and equipment that might have been left behind. Feel free to speak to any other contractor you can meet on-site. Chances are they will tell you all about the details you need to look for.

And, ensure that you comply with the specifications for personal safety devices on the construction site. Protective eyewear, tough caps, foot protection, and the like may be needed.

Finally, make sure those involved have a written safety manual in place. In addition, teach your staff to do so. The safety manual should provide direct instructions on construction sites, on the cleaning of buildings, and on how to stay secure at all times.

2. Supply and Facilities

Do you have regular vacuums that you use in traditional office cleaning settings? Well, please don’t bring them here! Post-construction cleaning may be a tax on machinery. If you take your office vacuum to a construction cleaning site, it might become hundreds of dollars worth of broken parts and plastic. It is important to invest in industrial equipment. Big and strong shop vacuum cleaners manage bits of drywall and obnoxious quantities of dust far better than regular equipment. In addition, utilizing an auto-scrub system for large floor areas. It will significantly increase productivity.

Our Sacramento commercial construction company advises ensuring that the project has an abundance of well-planned cleaning supplies. Anything from rags to your range of cleaning agents needs to be well-stocked. Don’t underestimate how easily a post-construction site will deplete cleaning supplies. Having to fly back and forth to supply suppliers can be expensive and stressful for the cleaning workers who are ready to produce.

Finally, make sure that you maintain a strict list of your supplies and equipment. Construction sites are infamous for other on-site contractors borrowing materials from neighbors and not returning them. This can easily turn into reduced margins, lost efficiency, and reduced quality of construction cleaning services. Additionally, our General Contractor Sacramento strongly recommends that you have an approved area in the building where your supplies and equipment can be arranged and locked.

3. Using a staggered approach

We asked our friends over at Maid For Muddy Paws, a Commercial cleaning service in Montgomery, TX,  shares their practice: a staggered approach.

When it comes to staggered approach cleaning – what does it really mean? A phased approach is a form of cleaning that takes on larger tasks and breaks them down into smaller, manageable parts. Furthermore, no matter how good you clean at the construction site during the first stages, dust will accumulate and this dust will have to be removed in order for the room to be ready for company. Thus, the only alternative is to allow time to pass to allow the dust to settle and then to be cleaned between phases.

Commercial Construction Projects in Sacramento, CA

Ready to take your project to the next level? At Headwaters Construction Inc., we are specialized in commercial construction, tilt-up construction, project management, and more! Contact our skilled team today to discuss your project.