Why your business should consider commercial concrete work in the new year

Commercial Concrete Work

Commercial concrete work is one of the most diverse and impactful areas of construction. It has the ability to completely transform your business’s appearance, improve its structural integrity and overall, make the building a more valuable asset for a company. However, many businesses do not recognise the benefits of commercial concrete work and prefer to invest in other areas that may not be as beneficial. Part of the reason for this comes from the fact that many business owners do not know how expansive the possibilities of commercial concrete work are or what the benefits are for a business.

What is commercial concrete work?

Commercial concrete work is most familiar to those in the landscaping and construction sector. If you aren’t involved in construction, it’s unlikely that you’ll know what concrete work entails, especially for commercial properties. Because general awareness and knowledge of commercial concrete work are low, let’s first explore what it is and what services fall under this area before we dive into why businesses should engage these services.

Commercial concrete work is any form of concrete construction that occurs on a commercial building or for a business. In most cases concrete work is usually used as a functional element or foundation however, it can be used aesthetically. Concrete is a naturally strong and durable material and is often used because of its resistance against weather and insects and its compressional strength.

Why you should consider concrete work for your commercial building in 2021

Improve your building’s structural integrity

Concrete’s durability and strength make it one of the best materials to serve as a foundation or reinforcing element for your building. When commercial buildings extend or add to their structure, strengthening elements are needed to ensure that it can be supported. Steel fixing is done at the initial stage of the construction of an addition or extension. It involves positioning and securing steel bars which reinforce the concrete and provide more support. If you plan on extending your business’ physical structure, bear in mind that you may require steel fixing. 

Formwork for columns is also part of concrete work that improves structural integrity. Formwork is a mould into which concrete is poured to create a column. While it is mostly used as a functional element, it can also be used decoratively simultaneously.

Add an industrial, but refined aesthetic element

The decorative quality of concrete is often under-utilised with businesses, however, it can be an impactful element for your property. Concrete walls, columns and kerbing provide an industrial aesthetic, especially when used in an unrefined state. Kerbing is one of the most professional ways to partition your landscape and separate a pavement from the road. 

In addition to providing structural integrity and support, concrete columns can be designed to suit whatever aesthetic suits your commercial property. For example, they can be designed with intricate details on the top and bottom of the column with linear grooving on the body of the column.

Protect your building and employees

Protection of your commercial building is something that you should always invest in. Concrete work can provide you with a retaining wall which protects your building from grade sloping and future drainage problems which can be caused by gravity and weather. Both can cause structural damage which then turns into a financial burden for you. Concrete also has low thermal conductivity and high heat capacity, making it naturally resistant to temperature rise from fire exposure. This does not just protect the building and its contents, but also your employees from the potential hazards associated with a fire.

Improve your landscape

Concrete pathways, concrete foundation and concrete kerbs are all elements that contribute to a refined commercial landscape. While it’s quite clear why a concrete pathway and kerb will improve the appearance of a landscape, a concrete foundation may seem perplexing. A concrete foundation or slab is one of the most integral elements of a pergola or outdoor seating. Pergolas and outdoor seating are also excellent for creating open and inviting spaces for customers. 

Concrete work is very clearly one of the smartest services that you can invest in for your commercial property in the new year. With concrete work, you have several possibilities for your property as well as a number of advantages because of concrete’s durable and robust qualities. For 2021, make your building and landscape stronger, more durable and more impressive with Civil and Scape’s concrete work services.

Work with our team today for a seamless experience and perfect execution. Browse through our gallery to view our past projects.

How can a civil works company improve our city?

civil works company

 A civil works company, like Civil and Scape, offers civil construction and earthworks services for public spaces and properties. As one of the leading civil works companies in NSW, Civil and Scape proudly delivers services that are transformative for both the aesthetic and functional aspects of a property or space. Unlike many landscaping companies that focus solely on ‘softscape’ elements, Civil and Scape is able to offer more flexible and expansive solutions for areas which need to transform their physical exterior space.

When the council or the government are exploring options for the improvement of public space, ‘soft’ landscaping and interior design of a property are often thought of – but not civil works. Civil and Scape’s civil works and earthworks services have the potential to do more than simply change the profile of public space. It can improve its accessibility, facade aesthetic, attractiveness to residents and more. Before we get into the details of the potential of a civil works company, let’s first take a look at the services that fall under civil works and what earthworks entail.

What are civil works and earthworks?

Unless you’re in the construction and engineering industry, it is unlikely that you will understand what civil works and earthworks entail nor how they will impact a property/space. Civil works involves the construction of both natural and physically built environments including stormwater infrastructure and roads for public spaces. Earthworks are engineering works that are done through the moving and processing of soil or unformed rock. It is usually done to reconfigure the topography of the site for design elements.

From both definitions, it is clear that civil works and earthworks are important foundational services needed for the execution of integral aesthetic and functional elements. In the next section, we’ll explore more specific ways that a civil works company can improve our city’s public space.

4 ways a civil works and earthworks company can improve our city

Improve accessibility through the construction of different access ways

Accessibility is a key feature for public spaces as it determines whether residents of a city can access goods and services. Civil works are responsible for the construction of stairways, pathways and ramps. In addition to facilitating the movement of people, civil works are also responsible for constructing access ways that give people with disabilities equal opportunity to participate in and contribute to the full range of social, political and cultural activities. This is outlined in the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992. Public as well as commercial spaces must adhere to this legislation.

Through the construction of wheelchair ramps and stairways, persons of varying disabilities and ages will be accommodated.

Provide a professional aesthetic and functional element for the landscape through kerbing

Kerbing is the concrete border used to line pathways or section off portions of a landscape. Instead of using stones or timber, concrete kerbing is a more refined and professional way of cordoning off an area. In addition to its aesthetic benefit, kerbing prevents elements from disturbing portions of the landscape. It also serves as a partition between the road and pavement and guides vehicles and cyclists on the road, keeping pedestrian safe.

Increase the security and appearance of a building with a concrete wall

Security in public buildings is incredibly crucial, especially since many of them also contain important information. Concrete retaining walls are integral for preventing the earth from moving downhill with erosion. Battling gravity is its primary purpose as it works to ensure that erosion does not impact the structural integrity of the building. From an aesthetic perspective, a concrete retaining wall provides a clean and professional facade for a public building. It’s a relatively cost-effective element when you consider that it provides durability, security and a refined aesthetic.

Improved structural integrity through steel fixing

Securing a building’s foundation can be done through steel fixing. Steel fixing involves the positioning of steel bars which reinforce concrete on the project. While purely functional, it is integral for prolonging the life of a building and for securing an existing structure, thereby providing safety for the public. This service is usually needed when there are practical additions to an existing building. At Civil and Scape, our team works in conjunction with engineering designers and steel erectors to ensure that this service is executed perfectly and that the structural integrity of a building is bolstered.

Work with our team today for a seamless experience and perfect execution. Browse through our gallery to view our past projects.