Tilt-up construction is a method that uses concrete walls that are cast on site in the horizontal position, and once the concrete cures and hardens, panels are lifted in an upright position and placed in the desired spot by a crane. Widely used in the United States and the Caribbean, now more and more construction companies in the Middle East, Asia, and Australia are opting for tilt-up systems. Here are a few reasons for its growing popularity.
Lower building costs
Regardless of the building type and intended use, a construction project is guaranteed to require a lot of budgeting. A tilt-up method is less expensive than traditional building methods, as panels are constructed swiftly with much smaller labour costs. From an investment standpoint, tilt-up is a great idea as it includes few surprises.
Faster construction
As the panels are made on-site, the entire process is pretty fast. When compared to similar buildings made of blocks and sheeting, tilt-up construction needs up to 30% less time for completion. Another reason behind the increased building speed is mass production. Many of the panels needed for a building are made ‘on template’ which saves both time and money.
Unmatched versatility
In the tilt-up construction, all the columns used are uniform solid steel structures, which makes them easy to move. This means that the building owners have unprecedented freedom of choice when it comes to different layouts. Even down the road, if the owner decides to change the way the building looks, it can be done with ease. This is also the reason why this building system is used for facilities that require positive security and interior environment management, like correctional facilities, classified manufacturing facilities, businesses with clean rooms, etc.
Simplified maintenance
Buildings constructed using the tilt-up method require little to no maintenance, which is especially important for business owners. Apart from regular cleaning and repainting, there’s little else to do. If you choose quality tilt up panels, the resulting building will stand a test of time and be highly resilient to any type of damage, including damage caused by vehicles, natural disasters, and similar.
Excellent thermal insulation
If a building isn’t properly insulated during the construction, it requires additional layers of insulating once the project is over. By using tilt-up panel construction, this can be avoided. The concrete walls reinforced with steel create a great physical barrier, preventing the hot air to escape during the winter, and cool air to escape during the summer.
Professional aesthetics
When designing commercial buildings, architects always have to keep a professional image in mind, one that will attract new clients. With the tilt-up construction, this is made much easier, as tilt-up walls are more appealing than traditional concrete walls or masonry. This method allows for a full range of finishes, wall textures and adornments, colours, and even curved walls. In addition, construction companies which specialize in tilt-up construction always offer to shape their work by the clients’ specifications and requirements. This is the reason why many entrepreneurs choose the tilt-up building method as they hope the professional business aesthetics of their HQ will give them an edge over the competition.
Attractive insurance deals
Structures made in a tilt-up fashion are increasingly resistant to fire damage, which isn’t only a benefit when it comes to repairing damage caused by fire, but also helps the owners land better insurance deals. Insurance providers are more inclined to offer a better deal if the building is more resilient to damage from natural disasters. Of course, it’s always better to avoid damage completely, but if a disaster strikes, it’s good to know you’re insured on favourable terms.
Stellar client satisfaction
Finally, a reason why more and more construction companies are including the tilt-up method in their offer is that it has proven to have excellent results. Clients and contractors alike are satisfied with this type of buildings and increasingly likely to recommend it to all new investors.
The tilt-up construction is a great option for raising new buildings. While quite common in the Americas, this method is gaining wider popularity in other parts of the world that are hungry for new developments. If you’re considering different methods for your building, going with a tilt-up system is a choice that can’t go wrong.
