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[C1163]Cracks In Concrete Walls

by Jason Ciment, Jas

Walls made with concrete are used in the building of fences, houses, and several large structures. You can purchase precasted concrete walls which are ready for use. With precast concrete, all of the hardest work is done. All you need to do is to place the precast panels where you wish for them to be and properly install them to the foundation of the building.

Precast concrete walls are reinforced with internal steel rods to provide enhanced structural integrity. This means that precast concrete walls are not only functional but are more reliable than traditional poured walls. When a precast wall is made, concrete is poured into a cast that contains the steel rods. The concrete then cures and hardens around the rods to create a smooth, level wall. The rods make the wall stronger and prevents cracking.

When building something like fence etc. which requires concrete walls this method is the best to follow. You can also buy walls which are affixed with insulation. Insulated walls are best suited for basements and garages where you may need to keep the environment at an event temperature.

If you are building a fence, precast walls are a unique and modern way to go. A concrete fence will give you sleek and industrial look, and offer the most privacy. Many home owners decide to build these sorts of fences to isolate themselves from the outside world. Spanish and Mediterranean homes, as well as minimalist compounds look great when accompanied by concrete fences.

Precast concrete walls and panels are made and cured in controlled production environment in which temperature is strictly controlled. This will ensure that concrete will grow as strong as it should, without breaking or cracking later. Handling and transportation of walls are taken into account to build walls that will withstand all of these phases.

While panels range in size, most are at least 8 feet tall - but can extend to 12 feet or more. Panels can be between two and twelve feet in width. These wide ranges provide almost limitless possibilities for the use of concrete walls in structures or fences. You would ordinarily, however, need to use a heavy-duty crane to install the panels. Thus, the benefit of products such as Brickcrete, etc. do not require cranes. Cranes would only be used for tall walls to set the posts or for very tall walls. Cranes would also be needed for big cast walls

Attaching furring strips to concrete walls can be easily done using 2”x2”s or 2”x3” kiln dried wood studs, liquid nail glue, and some fluted concrete nails.

Due to moisture in the basement, I prefer to use a 2”x4” pressure treated stud laid flat along the bottom of the wall. Lay the stud on its flat side up against the wall. The furring strips will sit on top of the pressure treated stud, such that there is effectively a moisture barrier between the basement floor and the kiln dried studs.

The kiln dried studs should be placed on 16 inch centers along the wall, again resting on the pressure treated 2”x4”. The kiln dried studs should run the entire height of the concrete wall.

To secure the bottom plate and studs to the wall, I first run a bead of Liquid Nails (designed to adhere to concrete and wood), along the entire length of the bottom plate/stud. If you are using 2”x3”s for the furring strips, the glue should be applied to the wider side, such that when the stud is installed, you effectively have the flat side of the stud attached to the wall.

Start with the application of glue on the pressure treated bottom plate.

Next, using a drill and a masonry bit, drill pilot holes into the bottom plate. The holes should be placed every 16 inches along the length of the plate and should penetrate the concrete walls approximately 1.5”. Then using 3” fluted nails and a 3-5 lb sledge hammer, pound the nails into the holes. Note: I prefer to drill and pound a nail, one hole at a time to eliminate alignment problems.

Once the bottom plate has been installed, repeat the process on the vertical kiln dried studs. Install one stud at a time, again on 16 inch centers. Make sure they stand straight and level.

To help hold the vertical stud in place while you are drilling holes and pounding in concrete nails, I like to toe nail the bottom of the stud into the bottom pressure treated plate first.

Once the glue has set up, the furring strips will be strongly fastened to the wall and ready for drywall.

Note, however, you may want to apply pink board insulation in between the studs to provide some level of insulation between the concrete walls and the finished sheetrocked wall. Simply cut the insulation to the proper width, apply some Liquid Nails to the back side of the insulation board, and then press the insulation in-between the studs.

Article Source : Pg. 9

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Both Jason Ciment & Mark Donovan are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Jason Ciment has sinced written about articles on various topics from Interest, Home Improvement and Site promotion. Jason Ciment has interviewed leaders in and high quality fences to make sure readers of home related magazines get the best quality on their proje. Jason Ciment's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.

Mark Donovan has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Home Improvement How to and Landscaping. . Mark Donovan's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.