What Is a Concrete Wall?
A concrete wall is a wall constructed from concrete and is used without the need for exterior or interior trim.
Commonly known as “cast-in-place concrete,” it offers the opportunity to create an urban aesthetic by taking advantage of the qualities of concrete as a material.
Uses of Concrete Walls
Concrete walls are utilized as a finishing option for RC (reinforced concrete) and SRC (steel-framed reinforced concrete) buildings.
They can also be found in settings where interior finishing is unnecessary, such as hazardous materials storage warehouses and multi-story parking garages, where strength and fire resistance are essential. Concrete walls are favored for their style and functionality.
Features of Concrete Walls
Advantages
1. Cost-Efficient Finishing
Concrete walls, composed of concrete, eliminate the need for additional construction costs related to wall bases, cloth, or other interior materials. In some cases, the wall surface may require mortar or other treatments, but the cost remains low.
2. Increased Space
The absence of wall and ceiling height requirements allows for more effective use of interior space. This means taller furniture and larger pendant lights can be accommodated as there is no need for the typical 10 cm allowance for walls and 50 cm allowance for ceilings.
3. Soundproofing and Fire Resistance
Concrete exhibits excellent soundproofing and fire resistance. As a result, it effectively muffles sound from adjacent rooms or floors, making it nearly inaudible at normal conversation levels. Additionally, its superior fire resistance makes it suitable for densely populated urban areas, where the risk of fire spreading to neighboring buildings is reduced.
Disadvantages
1. Vulnerable to External Conditions
Concrete interiors lack insulation, leading to susceptibility to outdoor temperature fluctuations, resulting in hot summers and cold winters. Concrete tends to retain heat, leading to increased electricity and gas costs for climate control.
2. Prone to Stains
Exterior concrete walls can gradually darken as dirt penetrates the fine surface. Particularly in high-traffic areas near major roads, exhaust fumes can contribute to surface discoloration, while moss and mold growth may occur on the north side with limited sunlight exposure.
3. Skill-Dependent Construction
Concrete walls, often referred to as “unfinished,” cannot be modified or redone once the formwork is removed. Consequently, the quality of concrete wall construction varies greatly depending on the contractor’s skill. Some may claim it is impossible, while others may complete the work with slight dimensional inaccuracies.
Additional Information on Concrete Walls
1. Maintaining Concrete Walls
Concrete walls are appreciated for their simplicity and urban aesthetics. However, when used as exterior walls, regular maintenance every 10 years is necessary due to the absence of protective materials such as paint or tiles that shield them from rain, wind, and UV rays.
Maintenance methods include applying water-repellent materials, using colorless and transparent paint to preserve the concrete’s texture, or boldly applying colored paint as a substitute for protective coatings.
2. Finish Details on Concrete Walls
In addition to design specifications for new construction, finish details for concrete walls may also be selected for renovation or remodeling projects. In such cases, concrete walls are marked with black lines using a process called Sumi marking. This is necessary for construction companies to instruct carpenters and other workers, although some may opt to leave these lines visible as part of the design.
3. Plumbing and Wiring in Concrete Walls
Typically, electrical and equipment piping and wiring are concealed within walls and ceilings. However, with concrete walls, there is no structural provision for hiding them, so the wiring and piping remain exposed. In commercial establishments, careful layout planning is essential to prevent a cluttered appearance.