Concrete cladding panels

While concrete may have a reputation for being boring or ugly, it is in fact a very versatile material. Not only is it robust, it is also cost effective being relatively inexpensive to install when compared with other cladding alternatives and with the added benefit of a long-lasting finish.

What are the advantages of concrete cladding panels?

Concrete is a durable and long-lasting material that can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it ideal for use in the UK where we can experience periods of high rainfall. It also has great insulating properties and can help to reduce heat loss in the winter and maintain a cool temperature in the summer.

Concrete cladding can provide a sleek, modern look to a building, and can be enhanced using a range of specialised finishes which can be created at the casting stage using flexible PU Elastomer formliners.

Fire safety is a vitally important in any residential or commercial property development and concrete ticks all the boxes. Concrete is fire resistant, making it an ideal material for use in buildings that require high levels of fire protection, such as hospitals or high-rise buildings.

Concrete cladding can also help to reduce noise levels both inside and outside the building, making it a popular choice for buildings located in noisy urban areas.

By using precast concrete cladding installation times on site can be dramatically reduced compared with using insitu methods, whilst at the same time ensuring that each panel is identical and consistent which leads to fewer issues during the installation process.

Range of exterior finishes available

The manufacture of precast concrete cladding panels allows for the possibility to create a variety of different finishes to the surface providing a unique appearance and creating the aesthetic look desired. At Poundfield Precast, we have considerable experience using formliners & patterned formliners to create what is known as ‘architectural concrete’. Reckli textured formliners can be used to bring architectural designs to life, creating unique patterns and effects which can be applied during the casting process. The PU formliners are also reusable and can be used up to 100 times, making it an economical option for larger scale projects where repeatability and consistency is key.

A recent project we were involved with was the Industria building, developed by Barking and Dagenham Council, where we supplied 102 precast cladding panels each weighing around 5 tonnes. Using Reckli formliners and a colouring additive from Hatcrete, we created a modern edge and attractive appearance to a multi-storey industrial building. Rather than a dull or flat surface, the concrete surface was enhanced to provide an eye catching and architecturally striking building.

Insulated concrete panels

We are also able to produce insulated concrete panels, which have a layer of insulation sandwiched between two layers of concrete, providing improved thermal insulation for a building. Insulated concrete panels are ideal for use in energy-efficient buildings and can help reduce heating costs.

At Poundfield, we offer our experience and expertise to guide you through the all the options for your concrete cladding project and the specialist finishes available, tailoring a solution to meet your particular requirements.