ready wall

Types of Ready Wall

A ready wall is a prefabricated wall system that includes all of the components required to finish a wall in one unit. Ready walls were previously known as ready-mixed walls, and they are made of concrete or any other suitable material. They are walls made for quick and easy installation.

Types of ready walls include the following:

• Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

  SIPs are a type of ready wall that consists of an oriented strand board (OSB) skin and a foam core. These panels are constructed by connecting a piece of foam between two pieces of OSB board. The foam core acts as a structural support, and the OSB board acts as the exterior skin of the wall. Structural insulated panels are energy-efficient walls that are very easy to construct. They are widely used in constructing residential homes.

• Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

  Insulated concrete forms are ready walls that consist of polystyrene foam blocks. These blocks are assembled in the shape of a wall, and then steel rebar is inserted into the ICFs. Concrete is poured into the forms and left to dry. Once the concrete is cured, the ICFs create a strong, insulated wall. ICFs are energy-efficient and have high thermal mass, which makes them very suitable for warm and cool climates.

• Metal Stud Framing

  Metal stud framing is a technique used to create ready walls using galvanized steel studs and track system. The steel studs are inserted into the tracks to form the wall. Once the wall is framed, drywall is attached to both sides of the wall to create a finished wall. Metal stud framing is widely used in commercial construction.

• Precast Concrete Panels

  Precast concrete panels are ready walls that are constructed using steel molds and high-strength concrete. The panels are cast in a controlled environment, and then the concrete is cured using steam. Once the concrete is cured, the panels are finished with any desired architectural elements. Precast concrete panels can be load-bearing or non-load-bearing. They are durable and provide a high level of security.

• Wood Framed Walls

  Wood framed walls consist of vertical wooden studs and top and bottom plates. The studs are usually made from 2x4 or 2x6 lumber. Once the wooden frame is constructed, drywall is attached to the frame to create a finished wall. Wood framed walls are commonly used in residential construction.

Functions and features of ready wall

Ready walls are the same as precast concrete walls. Their features and functions are as discussed below:

• Durability - Ready walls are strong and robust, which ensures their durability. They can withstand harsh weather conditions without being damaged or deteriorating. They can also resist corrosion, which makes them a good option for those looking for long-term walls.
• Structural integrity - Structural integrity ensures the walls are stable, secure, and safe. Ready walls provide structural integrity, ensuring the walls remain intact and safe for occupancy.
• Load-bearing capacity - Ready walls can support a load of weight, including roofs, beams, and other structural components. Their load-bearing capacity is high since they are made of reinforced steel walls, which distributes weight evenly.
• Thermal mass - Ready walls have thermal mass, which helps create a comfortable interior environment. This is through absorbing and storing heat energy from the sun and other sources. This helps in reducing energy costs as less energy is required for heating or cooling the space.
• Noise reduction - A ready wall, particularly concrete walls, reduces noise transfer from one space to another. This is important in areas where noise can be a problem, such as offices and apartments. This is because concrete walls are dense and thick, which helps in blocking sound waves.
• Fire resistance - Ready walls, particularly those made of concrete or masonry, offer resistance to fire. This is important in ensuring the safety of people and property.
• Moisture control - Precast walls control moisture by preventing the entry of water through the walls. This helps prevent problems such as mold and mildew.
• Easy installation - Installing ready walls is a straightforward process, making it a good choice for those looking for walls that can be easily installed. This eliminates the need for skilled labor and complex construction processes.
• Low maintenance - Ready walls do not require regular maintenance to remain in good condition. This reduces the overall cost of ownership and time spent on maintenance activities.
• Customization - Ready walls can be customized to fit different project needs and specifications. This includes different finishes, sizes, and shapes.

Scenarios of Ready Wall

There are different applications of ready wall panels, including:

• Residential construction: Ready wall panels are commonly used in residential construction projects. For instance, single-family homes, multifamily homes and residential additions and remodels.
• Commercial construction: These panels are also popular in commercial construction. This includes office buildings, retail spaces, hotels and hospitality, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, industrial and manufacturing facilities and restaurants and dining establishments.
• Infrastructure projects: Infrastructure projects involve the construction of essential facilities and frameworks. Ready wall panels are used in such projects due to their quick and efficient installation. Examples of infrastructure projects include government buildings, transportation facilities, such as airports and train stations, and public utilities.
• Disaster relief and emergency housing: Ready wall panels provide quick and efficient housing solutions in disaster and emergency situations. They are used to construct temporary and permanent housing for disaster survivors, disaster relief shelters and emergency response facilities.
• Remote and off-grid locations: These locations often have unique challenges, such as limited resources and harsh environmental conditions. Ready wall panels offer a practical solution for constructing homes and other buildings in such areas.
• Green and sustainable construction: As the construction industry focuses on sustainability, ready wall panels are popular due to their energy-efficient features and sustainable materials. They are used in LEED-certified and other green-building projects.
• High-rise construction: Reinforced ready wall panels, such as concrete panels, are used in constructing high-rise buildings. Their structural integrity and load-bearing capacity make them suitable for skyscrapers and multi-storey buildings.
• Modular and prefabricated construction: This construction method involves creating building components in a controlled environment and transporting them to the site for assembly. Ready wall panels are integral to modular and prefabricated construction, facilitating quick and efficient site assembly.

How to choose ready wall

Choosing the right ready wall for a project involves considering several factors. Here are some key factors to consider.

• Project Requirements

  Consider the specific needs of the project. Is it a residential, commercial, or industrial project? Each type has unique requirements. For instance, a commercial project might need ready walls with more significant dimensions to create more substantial structures. On the other hand, a residential project might need different types of ready walls, such as concrete or brick walls.

• Material

  Ready walls are made with different materials, each with pros and cons. Concrete walls are durable and fire-resistant. Brick walls are strong and provide good insulation. Ask an expert to help pick the best material for the project.

• Customization

  Some projects need unique walls. So, check if the supplier offers customized solutions. Can they make walls with different sizes, designs, or materials? It's essential to work with a supplier who can meet unique project needs instead of just providing ready walls.

• Quality

  It's critical to check the ready wall's quality before buying. The walls should be manufactured with high-quality materials and according to industry standards. Walls from reputable manufacturers are of high quality. So, always check the wall's reviews before buying.

• Cost

  The cost of the walls varies depending on the type and size. It's important to have a budget before buying. Fortunately, there are many wall types, and each type comes with different prices. Ready wall suppliers can also offer discounts on bulk purchases. So, it's possible to find a wall that fits a budget.

• Ease of Installation

  Ready walls are easy to install. However, some types are easier to install than others. For example, prefab walls are easier to install than traditional walls since they're made with brackets that fit into each other. Consider the type of wall and the skill set of the people who'll install it. If the wall requires specialized skills for installation, it might cause extra costs. So, it's better to choose a wall that the crew can easily install.

ready wall Q&A

Q: What are ready wall panels?

A: Ready wall panels are prefabricated panels used as walls in construction. The panels are quick to install and often have electrical and plumbing fixtures.

Q: What materials are ready wall panels made of?

A: Ready wall panels are mostly made of concrete, metal or wood. They are made of concrete when extra strength and durability are needed. Metal and wood panels are used when the walls need to be more lightweight and cost-efficient.

Q: Are ready wall panels strong?

A: Yes, ready wall panels are strong. They are made of strong materials like metal, wood and concrete. The panels are also made using advanced engineering techniques which makes them very strong and durable.

Q: How long do ready wall panels last?

A: Ready wall panels last many years. The panels are made of durable materials like wood, metal and concrete. They are also made using advanced engineering techniques which makes them long-lasting.

Q: Are ready wall panels cost-effective?

A: Yes, ready wall panels are cost-effective. Even though their initial cost may be similar to that of traditional walls, they are more cost-effective in the long run. This is because they are durable and require little to no maintenance.

Q: Do ready wall panels need maintenance?

A: Ready wall panels do not require a lot of maintenance. They are made of durable materials which makes them easy to maintain. However, the panels still need to be checked from time to time to ensure they are in good condition.