The Product

"Waffle-Crete" has evolved into a state-of-the-art structural precast concrete building system.Years of working with the product has enabled Advance Precast Ltd to develop the construction system far beyond the original curtain-wall concept. Utilization of modular design can give a functional and efficient wall competitively priced far below other conventional precast systems.

"Waffle-Crete" is manufactured by Advance Precast Ltd. at our CSA Certified Plant to C.S.A. specifications A23.4-00.


Versatility

The versatility of the product seems to increase with each new project. By using an "adjustable-pan" steel forming system for the precasting, the panels can be made to dimensions that will be the most cost-effective for each project. With proper planning, future expansion can be accommodated. By considering the location of panel joints and panel sizes, in conjunction with detachable connections, entire walls can be relocated as a building is expanded over the years.


Key Benefits

• Custom-made with window rough openings and cast-in door frames;
• Delivered direct to job site;
• Installed by our qualified inside crew;
• In most situations, panel extends to footing (below grade);
• Can have conduit cast-in for electrical and plumbing;
• Fully engineered C.S.A. approved panels

Basic Panel Finishes are:

Smooth	Broom (light, coarse or striated)
Sandfloat (similar to acrylic stucco)	Exposed Aggregate

The individual finishes can be used alone, but are often combined to produce some very handsome architectural styles.

Reduced Construction Time

The lighter unit weight of "Waffle-Crete" panel permits the use of smaller capacity crane equipment compared to the other forms of conventional precast concrete. A precast building can greatly reduce the amount of time needed to close in a building. At Advance Precast Ltd there is an emphasis on making the structural connections as simple as possible. That means more efficient use of sub-trades and quicker completion. By standing the panels on strip footing, the pouring of foundation walls is eliminated and the floor can be poured under the shelter of a completed roof. All of these factors often lead to an earlier occupancy by the tenant.


Energy Efficiency

The "waffle" surface (usually to the interior of the building) allows for the strapping of the interior walls with 1x4 wood or metal hat channels. Either strapping can be attached quickly and solidly by using a drilled hole (3/16" or 1/4" dia.) and "Zamac" pin fasteners. The void areas of the panel can then be filled with R-20 Fiberglass batt insulation, vapor barrier, and the interior dry walled. In some instances, the building may be constructed with the "waffle" surface to the exterior which will enable a concrete hard wall to face the interior. This option is often used in northern climates and the interior is finished with metal cladding. A "Waffle-Crete" building has a very small amount of air infiltration. The precast panel is very impermeable and all joints between panels are sealed with a durable silicone or polyurethane caulking.


Durability

"Waffle-Crete" delivers all the advantages typical in concrete buildings - long life with minimal maintenance.

The water tight nature of precast eliminates moisture absorption. This provides a superb base for the application of cost effective exterior latex paints. A sealed exposed aggregate finish tends to be self-cleaning and has a very long service life. "Waffle-Crete" is substantially lighter than standard concrete walls - making it ideal for questionable soil conditions. The caulked joints will absorb minor amounts of differential movement (and not result in the zigzag cracking patterns so common with masonry block). If the vertical movement of the joint becomes excessive, the caulking will lose adhesion and the joint will need to be resealed.

A "Waffle-Crete" building will tend to appreciate in value much faster than less substantial buildings.

Building Applications