Precast Concrete Fence: Green Building Products
Being ‘green’ originated with the discovery of converting solar power into electricity. Ironically, this was during the industrial revolution in the 1800’s, during which the U.S. used fossil fuels with abandon. Then the energy crisis of the 1970’s happened, and builders had to find more sustainable, recyclable materials. One of these products was precast concrete. Precast concrete has roots dating back to the time of the Romans. They would pour material available at the time into molds for use in their structures. Precast concrete has come a long way since then, and Permacast Walls is the innovative leader in precast concrete fence. We can provide you the best in design and construction.
How is Precast Concrete Fence ‘Green’?
Precast concrete is strong, versatile, and used in countless construction projects. It is used in fencing, wastewater systems, transportation infrastructures, and many other architectural elements. It has a low embodied-energy value, making it an invaluable, high-demand green building product. Embodied energy is the total energy required for the extraction, process, manufacture and delivery of a product. This makes it part of a product’s overall environmental impact. Some of the embodied energy factors considered in building products like precast concrete fence are:
- Durability
- Local material
- Recycled material
- Less waste
- Material made using renewable energy sources
What is it Made of?
Precast concrete fence is made of inorganic, recyclable material, and requires minimal processing or chemical treatment. It has natural aggregates like sand, fine stone from rock quarries, and cement powder. This makes for an extremely durable product. Cement powder does use large amounts of heat energy when produced. Despite this, less non-renewable fossil fuel is consumed than in previous years, using less energy than in the making of steel or wood. Since the 1970’s, the cement industry has reduced its CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions, part of its carbon footprint, by over 30%.
Part of what makes precast concrete fence so strong is rebar. Made from recycled steel, rebar is used in the reinforcement of a precast concrete fence.
Other byproducts like ground blast furnace slag (GGBS), and fly ash from power plants, get used in the making of precast concrete. This further benefits the environment, because these byproducts get used instead of sent to a landfill.
Where is it Obtained?
The materials needed for precast concrete are obtained from local sources. Because of this, there isn’t much need to import material from outside the U.S. so transportation expenses are much less. This is better for the environment because you don’t need to use oil derived fuel.
Precast concrete fence builds are less disruptive to the construction area. There is less debris dust, and noise pollution, causing less damage to the environment.
Precast concrete fence is a sustainable and eco-friendly option in protecting your property. Everyone benefits from a reduced carbon footprint. Let Permacast Walls provide your precast concrete fence. We provide a quality ‘green’ product that can last up to a hundred years. Call us at (888) 977-9255 from anywhere in the U.S. or contact us online for an estimate on your project today!