Building owners are becoming more concerned with sustaining a healthy atmosphere for their tenants and guests to work, shop, play, and live in. Controlling these elements has become increasingly important as a result of increased knowledge of the harm that mold and poor indoor air quality may cause.
The fact that mold issues have caused more than $300 million in legal fees each year and a 300% increase in the number of lawsuits filed worldwide is a side effect of this issue for building owners and designers. Additionally, expensive treatments that interfere with building operations and put a strain on operating budgets are needed to address mold growth.
Moisture and Precast
One of the major problems for designers is the entry of moisture into a completed building. Some wall assemblies consist of multiple layers of various materials, including an air gap that could lead to a leak or condensation.
Moisture condensation on a building’s interior is ugly and can harm both the structure and its contents, often with the damage going unnoticed for a long time. Wood can rot, metal can corrode, and mold can develop as a result of moisture buildup. Precast concrete is immune to the previous three issues.
Precast concrete, which is inorganic, does not provide the right circumstances for mold to form and spread as it does on wood or certain types of rock. Since moisture is less likely to be present with precast concrete enclosure systems, the fact that precast concrete will not rot or corrode in the presence of moisture may be immaterial.
The permeability of precast concrete, or the rate at which liquids and gases can pass through it, is principally determined by its porosity. Concrete’s porosity is influenced by the mix’s quality, as well as the production and curing procedures. Precast concrete is created in a controlled atmosphere, which improves quality control and reduces porosity, making the wall almost impermeable to moisture.
The key to controlling moisture on a construction project is to swiftly enclose it. Precast concrete enclosures may be built quickly, minimizing the inside of the building’s exposure to moisture and humidity. Additionally, precast wall assemblies have fewer joints than other enclosure types since they are panelized. Less potential moisture penetration points result from this.
Capabilities of Precast to Handle Moisture
Inorganic Material
Precast concrete is an inorganic substance that doesn’t house any nutrients that might encourage the growth of mold, unlike other frame materials like wood or drywall.
Fewer Entry Points
Precast concrete panels provide fewer possible entry points for moisture because of their panelized design. This reduces the likelihood of mold formation in water that seeps into the walls and controls dampness.
Quick Enclosure
Precast concrete structural solutions can be finished quickly, reducing the amount of time that materials and the inside of the building are exposed to moisture and humidity. This is especially important for the installation of the HVAC system because it is one of the more typical entry points for the growth of mold.
Easily Cleaned
Concrete is a great substrate for preventing mold growth since it can be cleaned of mold and dust spores. Pressure washing can be used to clean precast concrete parts because it removes any food sources for mold that may have grown on the surface.
Controlled Production
The building site might allow for excessive moisture to accumulate during construction if it is not correctly designed and built. Precast concrete is made using a technology that prevents moisture ingress in a safe and regulated environment. The components are exposed to the environment for a shorter amount of time when they are delivered to the site as needed.
Reduced Costs
Precast concrete panels alleviate concerns about moisture penetration, allowing buildings to use less HVAC energy while they are vacant for extended periods of time, like schools or warehouses, without running the danger of mold growth or poor indoor air quality.
FAQs about Precast and Moisture
How does moisture get into concrete?
Capillaries are microscopic passageways that are formed by the concrete batch’s water, cement, aggregate, and other admixtures as it dries. Once the slab has dried, the extra water in it is released from the slab through these capillaries.
Do you want moisture in your precast concrete?
Yes, ideally you want your precast concrete to cure at 50 degrees Fahrenheit at 80-85% moisture.