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Taracon Precast offers dynamic textures and features
Selecting precast concrete products brings unparalleled strength, durability, resilience, and cost savings to any construction project. Taracon Precast knows that in order to truly bring your building structure vision to life, aesthetic versatility is key; that’s why our finishes and textures allow design creativity to steal the show.
By combining color, exposure, texture, aggregate grade, and sand type, custom finish options give precast concrete structures the opportunity to stand out. Based on your design preferences and long term goals, our experts can recommend a wide variety of textures and highlights. Explore some of the features and techniques Taracon Precast can bring to your next project:
Form Line/Form Finish
Precast concrete is produced in custom molds and forms. When the molds are stripped away, the cured product displays a smooth, raw finish. From an economical standpoint, this appearance is a smart choice, requiring no additional processing beyond curing. This basic finish is ideal for parking structures, flat surfaces, and areas that have little weather erosion.
Acid Etching
Commonly used for structures that feature a light to medium exposure, acid etching is extremely popular among precast concrete finishes. Using a diluted solution of hydrochloric acid, acid etching involves dissolving the surface of the concrete and exposing the fine and coarse aggregate below.
Acid typically darkens aggregate over time, so pink, yellow, and brown aggregate options tend to be forgiving when searching for a uniform look. Over time, If a building owner wants to remove years of environmental debris buildup, acid etching not only eliminates the debris, but gives the structure an entirely new aesthetic.
When it comes to weathering, acid-etched precast concrete weathers better than form lined concrete, however, it is more vulnerable to efflorescence – the mitigation of salt to the concrete surface. Fortunately, Taracon Precast offers an ideal manufacturing environment, nearly eliminating the potential for efflorescence through sufficient curing, use of supplementary cementitious materials, and proper rinsing.
Sand-Blasting
Sand-blasting (as the name implies) is the removal of the concrete surface by high velocity sand particles. Using silica sand, paste, fine aggregate, and coarse aggregate are all “blasted” away, leaving a flat, dull, matte finish.
Due to the greater exposure caused by sand-blasting, water runoff is channeled more evenly causing long term weathering to be reduced. Repairs are also easier due to the abrasive nature of the concrete.
Veneers
Often, architects are looking to achieve the appearance of a different material, but with the unmatched benefits of precast concrete. In these circumstances, veneers are cast into the product to give the look of your desired material.
Eliminating the need for time-consuming, expensive structural frames, veneer panels can be installed quickly and efficiently. Shorter installation time and better moisture control than traditional brick work, Taracon Precast’s brick veneer is our most popular veneer selection. Contractors and architects also enjoy the benefits and look of granite, marble, and limestone.
Surface Retarder
Surface retarders are used to chemically delay the set of the surface mortar to achieve an untarnished, exposed aggregate finish. By inhibiting the hydration process, down to a specific depth, the underlying concrete hardens properly and allows for easy removal of the surface mortar.
When combined with custom color elements, architectural precast concrete creates a harmony of aesthetic beauty and improved functionality. With the ability to achieve your structure goals through custom precast concrete finishes, Taracon Precast works diligently to ensure your project meets your design objectives and is nothing short of perfect. Contact experts at Taracon Precast to start working on your next project today.
