Exposed Concrete Façades: Panel Selection & Installation

Start a precast exposed-concrete façade by recording the project location, installation height, supporting wall and panel layout. Then review the selected model, weight, fixing system, joints and weatherproofing with the project designer and supplier. A photograph or price per square metre is not enough to specify or install the system.

Precast cladding and cast-in-place concrete

Cladding tiles and panels are manufactured before being installed on the project support system. Cast-in-place architectural concrete is formed and poured on site and may have a structural role. Formwork removal, fresh-concrete finishing and historical structural-panel details are not installation instructions for Sadr Stone tiles. This guide sets out selection checkpoints and does not replace approved construction drawings.

1. Compare the model and its documentation

Record the model code, orderable dimensions, thickness, weight per piece and per square metre, tolerances, colour and texture for each option. A price row may refer to another variant of a model, so the product page, price row and order must identify the same variant. Request unpublished data from the supplier and leave it unconfirmed until received.

2. Design the support and fixing system

Adhesive, mechanical or combined fixing depends on panel weight, height, substrate condition and the actions on the façade. The responsible designer should assess dead load, wind, building movement and relevant project requirements. The name exposed concrete, decorative holes or thickness alone does not determine the fixing method. Anchor count, spacing and the cavity behind panels belong in the drawings for the selected system.

3. Coordinate joints, openings and water paths

Review the layout around corners, edges, windows and cut pieces before ordering. Movement joints, drainage and junctions with adjacent materials need coordinated details. Neither joint width nor sealant type is universal. A surface protective treatment does not replace the design of waterproofing, drips and drainage.

4. Approve an installed mock-up before rollout

Use the proposed colour, texture, joints, edges and fixing method in the mock-up to review lighting, viewing distance, acceptable visual variation and workmanship. Establish handling, storage, substrate acceptance and damaged-piece checks before work begins. Site cutting or drilling must follow the product instructions and fixing design. Visual approval of a sample is not approval of engineering calculations.

5. Record the complete cost and handover documents

Compare quotations with the same scope: material, layout-based cuts and waste, support and fixings, transport and unloading, scaffold or access, installation and final cleaning. At handover retain the installed model and variant, final drawings, cleaning and inspection instructions, local replacement method and contractual responsibilities. Previous project photographs help assess appearance but do not approve your project technically.