Concrete Walls

Few construction materials are as durable or as versatile as concrete. With its century-long service life, concrete resists fire, erosion and weathering, is low-maintenance, and energy-efficient. It also comes in an extensive range of colors and finishes. This makes concrete the perfect material for retaining walls, pillars, and foundations. A concrete wall, in particular, is a popular choice for homeowners. Modern and industrial-style homes and buildings use raw, exposed concrete walls as a unique and eclectic focal element.

Concrete Wall Construction

Concrete walls in houses and buildings often serve as the load-bearing structure. They also boost the safety and stability of the structure, especially during earthquakes. How concrete walls are built play a significant role in the life span and performance of the entire structure. Some of the common materials used in constructing concrete walls are the following: sand, cement, formwork materials such as wood or aluminum, steel reinforcement, and admixtures. Here’s a rough guide to our concrete wall construction process:

1. Designing the concrete wall

   Identify the components to be used, how the space will function, and the size, shape, and placement of the wall.

2. Clearing and

   Clearing and grubbing involves the removal of soil, plants, and other debris that may interfere with the construction process.

3. Building formwork

   Concrete wall forms are placed to keep concrete in place while it hardens. Some of the common formwork materials are wood, aluminum, and plastic.

4. Placement of reinforcement bars

   If the concrete wall is less than 100 mm thick, one layer of steel bars should be installed. If it’s thicker than 200 mm, two layers of steel bars need to be installed. These bars are positioned vertically and horizontally, following a grid pattern.

5. Pouring and curing concrete

   Mix concrete according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and pour it in layers, from one end to the other.

6. Placement of joints

   Concrete walls may be built using any of the following joints: construction, contraction, and expansion. The first is placed between two consecutive pours of concrete, and the second allows the safe shrinkage of concrete. While the third helps with temperature-related expansion of the concrete.

7. Finishing steps

   Forms are removed. Once the concrete fully hardens, finish is applied on the surface.

Poured Concrete Walls vs Precast Concrete Walls

Precast walls involve the use of concrete that is cast and cured at a plant. On the other hand, poured walls entail pouring and curing concrete at the actual construction site. Both types of walls have their own pros and cons. Precast concrete walls are resilient and extremely resistant to the impact of explosions, winds, and earthquakes. They take less time to build and offer flexible design choices. However, they do require more frequent maintenance since sealant and surface protection systems need to be reapplied every 5 to 20 years. Poured concrete walls are denser, making them more resistant to fires compared to precast walls. They’re also perfect for basements, since their denseness and compressive strength help keep water out of the home. However, the quality of the walls greatly rely on the quality control at the construction site. This means that you need to choose a reliable and experienced contractor like our firm to ensure high quality results.

Exposed Concrete Wall Construction

Exposed concrete walls may not be a popular choice for interior design, but it does offer a unique and distinctive appearance that many people can appreciate. Exposed concrete walls in the living room offer an interesting balance, for instance, to wooden rafters. Pair them up with minimalist furniture to create a stylish, contemporary look. You can also choose to have exposed concrete walls in the bedroom. Paired with exposed pipes and conduits, you get an ultra-chic and industrial vibe that never gets old.

Concrete Wall Textures and Finishes

Bare and exposed concrete walls are not for everyone. Fortunately, there are so many visually appealing color treatments and finishes that can be applied to enhance their appearance. For instance, you can get very smooth and reflective concrete wall panels for bathrooms. Pigments can also be applied to get the color you want. A polished concrete wall texture is also a popular choice for living rooms and bathrooms. They’re installed like marble on reinforced walls and then sealed. Board formed concrete walls are also another great design idea to try out for your own home. They’re made by using wooden planks to create interesting patterns on the concrete that mimic the appearance of the wood’s grain patterns.