Products
Products
Our local craftsmen specialize in producing a diverse
range of casting work for any project.
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Facades
Precast concrete simplifies facade creation by eliminating the need for multiple products and trades to achieve desired elements. A single precast panel can incorporate many different elements, such as a base wall, window surrounds, coining, belt lines, and pediments, without the need for frequent expansion joints, slip joints, flashing, and other moisture management components.
At API, we translate the architect’s concept into custom precast panels using a variety of colors, textures, and finishes to achieve aesthetic goals. The use of pigments, aggregates, cements, sandblasting, and acid etching make design options nearly limitless.
Finishes
In addition to the infinite combinations of color and texture that are possible using formliners, aggregates, and pigmentation, finishing techniques like acid etching and abrasive blasting add even more aesthetic interest.
Designers can create intricate bullnose, reveal, and custom castings, and traditional veneers like brick, stone, and tile can be embedded into the precast panels.
Replicas
Precast replicas are a cost effective way to create multiple identical pieces from a master. Often small with a vast amount of detail, replicas can be used to create plaques, medallions, symbols, and intricate architectural carvings.
In restoration projects, we can use the original as the master, or the designer can create a master to enhance the beauty of any structure.
Column Covers
Precast column covers are components used to create an aesthetically pleasing look to an otherwise plain, non-architectural column. They can be cast in any shape, color, or texture to meet the aesthetic requirements of the project.
Column covers can be designed as either load-bearing units used to support other building components or non load-bearing units for pure aesthetic appeal.
Wall Panels
Precast wall panels are typically found on the exterior facade of a building, but can also function as interior walls. A wide variety of shapes, sizes, textures, and colors will create a look to match any building’s decor. They can be fabricated to mimic other materials with the use of form liners or veneer brick, stone, or granite.
Wall panels can be either non load-bearing or load-bearing to carry floor or roof members. Wall panels can also be insulated (see Insulated Wall Panels) to provide thermal efficiency to a building’s package.
Thin Wall Panels
Thin wall panels are both lightweight and durable. Structural metal studs are cast into the panels, enabling the precast wall panel and stud backup to be installed at one time by one crew.
The structural integrity of the panel is developed through the structural studs, allowing the concrete cross section to be as little as three inches in thickness. These panels are selected where construction space is confined and panel weights are of major concern.
Insulated Wall Panels
Insulated ‘sandwich’ wall panels can be strictly architectural, strictly structural, or a combination. For structural application, they can be cast with a thicker interior wythe to support floor and roof components. They can be placed in either a horizontal or vertical position depending on the project’s needs. Insulated wall panels can also be non load-bearing to complete a facade.
The “sandwich” portion of the name refers to a layer of rigid insulation cast between two wythes of concrete. The type and thickness of the insulation depend on the thermal efficiency desired and the specific precaster’s production methods.
Two types of panels can be created, composite or non-composite. Composite panels connect the two wythes of concrete without penetrating the insulation with a conductive material. This allows the structural performance to be based on the full thickness of the panel. In non-composite panels, the wythes are connected using ties through the insulation, which limits performance to the individual capacities of each wythe.
As with typical wall panels, the panels are cast in a flat orientation, so the form side is usually the side that will be exposed to view in the final construction. This face can be made with virtually any type of finish. The back face is typically troweled smooth or may have a light broom finish. In most cases, the interior does not need additional furring and drywall to create the finished surface unless desired.
Precast Stairs
Precast concrete stairs are commonly used in buildings and parking structures for quick installation and durable access. These stairs are usually 6 to 10 inches thick and come in “open-Z” components, where the upper and lower landings are integrated with the tread/riser section. Alternatively, they can be shorter components supported by separate landings.
Stairs are cast either “on edge” or “upside down,” depending on size and production preferences. Abrasive nosing pieces are often embedded in the treads for a non-slip surface. When cast on edge, the tread and bottom surfaces remain in their original cast condition. When cast upside down, the bottom is smoothed and exposed in the final construction.
