Maintenance needs for precast concrete components are minimal, thanks to their durability. Panels require caulking only every 15 to 20 years to maintain their reliability. This makes precast far easier to maintain than brick mortar joints, plaster or exterior insulation finish systems (EIFS).
The panels’ fewer locations for moisture penetration prevent unsightly stains or damage to interiors while alleviating concerns about having to deal with mold.
Factory-produced and finished, precast panels are more weather- and impact-resistant than other materials. They require less on-going maintenance, such as repainting.
Insulated sandwich wall panels provide an interior wall that provides high durability, making it ideal for heavy-duty facilities such as manufacturing and warehouse facilities.
Panels can be washed with strong chemicals and cleaners without losing their color, and UV rays will not cause them to fade, as will happen with paint.
Parking structures, more than any other building type, require routine maintenance. The severity of the wear and exposure demands will depend on the structure’s location, environmental conditions and maintenance schedule.
Based on national surveys, precast concrete parking structures provide superior resistance to deterioration. Components produced by PCI-certified plants in particular use durable concrete mixes with specialty curing can be created that cannot be achieved in the field.
In general, there are three types of maintenance: housekeeping, for general upkeep; preventative maintenance, with periodic checkups and cleaning of components; and structural repairs, due to spalling, cracking or other wear issues. All of these are minimized with the use of precast concrete components.
