FAQs

Based in Ontario, Tilt Wall Ontario’s vision is to make Tilt-Up Construction the number one method for building across Ontario.

Our mission is to build lasting relationships and to impact everyone we come into contact with in a positive manner by training leaders, providing quality products and providing service that always exceeds the expectations of those around us!

We work closely with contractors, architects, and engineers to provide building owners a method that is going to be cost-effective, energy-efficient, durable and with architectural versatility and appeal. We also provide Tilt-Up seminars to help educate architects, engineers, general contractors and building owners on the use of Tilt-up methods of construction across Ontario.

We can most definitely provide structural drawings so that we can come up with a plan together and make any changes that you may need to make.

We are more than happy to work with third-party engineers of your choosing to provide a full structural package. For those who do not have an engineer in mind, we can provide you with an engineer that we know has worked with tilt-up construction methods before.

We have had several collaborations with engineers across Ontario who love to work on projects with us and this technology.

Our tri-layered concrete wall panels are built using leading-edge insulation, concrete and few thermal breaks, resulting in very minimal air escape compared to other construction materials.

By building the walls on-site, much less transportation is required, and waste is kept to a minimum.

For 20 years, Tilt Wall has completed more than 100 tilt-up projects.

Tilt Wall operates across Ontario. Not sure if it will work for your location? Ask us!

Please contact us to discuss your unique project needs. We will work with you to provide a quote.

Tilt-up construction itself is quite old – invented around 1900. Tilt Wall Ontario Inc. started in 2002 and is now Ontario’s tilt-up leader.

Tilt Wall Ontario uses tilt-up construction for a wide variety of projects. We are building warehouses, office buildings, schools and universities, industrial buildings, multi-unit housing buildings, and even community buildings. We are proud of our projects and the methods that we use.

We want these methods to become the standard way that people opt to have buildings constructed. The reason being is that this is a strong and durable way to build buildings that require little maintenance, yet still will last for years to come.

Whatever type of project that you have in mind, we can offer a unique way to make this project come to life. Simply call us to talk about your options with Tilt-Up methods.

We are a subcontractor and will work with your general contractor on the structure of your building.

Tilt-up construction, much like most structural envelopes can receive insulation on the inside through the use of furring systems or the outside with an exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS). That being said, the most effective method of insulating tilt-up walls is the method known as “sandwich”. This method places a layer of insulation between a structural concrete layer and an architectural or non-structural concrete layer during the casting of the panel and then lifting this entire construction as a concrete panel. This method is made possible by structurally connecting the two concrete layers through the insulation layer. As soon as the panel is erected to the final position, the inside layer becomes structural and load-bearing, while the outer concrete layer is suspended from it to allow for temperature changes without cracking. It is critical that these two layers remain independent from each other except for the connection through the insulation.

Steel construction is one of those construction methods that has long been used for buildings in all shapes and forms. However, can this be used in conjunction with tilt-up construction? The answer is yes. When these are used together properly, they can provide a very durable building that will last for many years to come.

In many cases, tilt-up construction is used with steel grids helping to reinforce the structure. It is this combination that can help the building to withstand any fire damage. In addition, this helps to increase the durability of the entire building since concrete is solid, and the steel is not going to bend once the building is up.

When it comes to the cost and quality of the tilt-up method compared to other construction models, there are several factors to consider. For one, tilt-up construction is meant to be extremely durable. In addition, many buildings find that through using the tilt-up method they can reduce the entire cost of the project since it can help reduce the number of exterior layers that are needed.

It is for these reasons that when compared to other types of building methods, tilt-up is considered to be one of the least expensive methods to utilize.

Tilt-up construction is a process that makes the building process of a new structure faster and is often much more cost-efficient than traditional methods.

To start, a floor slab is poured. When the floor is being poured, the crew will install footings around the slab that are meant for the panel preparation. The concrete is then poured into these forms, and everything is smoothed out. Once this has dried, the crane is brought in to lift up the panel into their final position. The branches are then put up to hold the wall up. This process is repeated all the way around to form the building. The process is amazing to watch and you will be surprised at just how fast a building can be put together.

More than likely, if you know what you are looking at, you have seen a tilt-up construction building. However, once they are completed, most people do not realize that this was the method that was utilized.

Each year, over 10,000 buildings are constructed with this method with a total of over 650 million square feet being made with this method. The Tilt-Up Concrete Association have nearly 2000 projects that are documented as using this method.

In Ontario, less than 1% of building projects are using this method. But, we hope to see a change in this. The United States is the leading country for using this type of construction. There are hundreds of buildings in British Columbia that are using this method of construction, while Ontario has around 25 tilt-up projects per year.

Concrete sandwich panels are used with every Tilt-Up construction project as well as pre-cast construction. However, keep in mind that Tilt-Up buildings are considered more energy efficient than pre-cast buildings due to the panel connections.

In essence, a concrete sandwich panel consists of wall panels that are comprised of two concrete wythes that are separated by a layer of rigid insulation. It is the insulation in these concrete sandwich panels that makes this such an energy-efficient method of building.

For those who choose the tilt-up method, these panels are cast on location, while precast sandwich panels are fabricated in a factory and then shipped to the location of the build.

While watching the process of this construction taking place is fascinating, many people are eager to know just what advantages this method has over the traditional methods that have been used in other areas. These benefits include:

• A tilt-up building is extremely durable and can withstand many natural disasters and weather events
• A tilt-up building is a great option for a quiet building as concrete naturally absorbs sound
• A tilt-up structure allows for a more spacious building since there is no need for perimeter columns
• Concrete reduces energy costs
• The entire project is quicker as a tilt-up building can be erected within tight time schedules
• There are unlimited ways in which a tilt-up building can be built resulting in numerous architectural options
• Tilt-up construction is a cost-effective solution compared to other traditional methods of construction

While there are several advantages to Tilt-Up Construction, every type of construction method has disadvantages that must be weighed appropriately.

The major disadvantage is that there has to be adequate space for this project to happen. Small spaces or even small projects will not always work with this type of construction. In addition, consider that when it comes to working with architects, it can take a bit of time as most of these architects are not as familiar with Tilt-up construction as they are with other construction methods. It is a learning curve that we sometimes have to help engineers and architects maneuver.

Another disadvantage to consider is that changes in drawings can be quite costly once panels have been cast and are tilted in place. It is important that the building owner can align with what they see in the drawing phase to avoid these additional expenses.

There are several unique characteristics of Tilt-Up that make it something of interest to many people! First off, this is built using green and sustainable elements. In addition, this offers people a way to reduce their carbon footprint on the environment.

For those who are looking for a green option, this is it! Did you know that tilt-up buildings can easily be renovated and added to when compared to traditional methods of construction? This is something to consider for those who may be building yet know in the future that expansions will be needed.

The terms tilt-up panels and precast panels are two of the most common terms that are heard with this type of construction. Tilt-up panels are made on-site with concrete and a layer of insulation, followed by another layer of concrete. Keep in mind that these can be made on-site up to 100 feet tall, or any other specification that a building has.

Precast panels are made in a manufacturing plant and then shipped to where they are needed. However, since precast panels have to be shipped, there are stricter size restrictions on them than there are on tilt-up panels. Another key difference is that weather does not affect precast panels as they do with tilt-up panels. If the weather is rainy or below freezing, tilt-up panels are more costly to form during this weather, whereas precast panels could still be used.

To put it simply, Tilt-Up construction is the process of using walls and building elements that are cast on-site and then put into place. The more in-depth answer requires understanding that concrete panels are made with steel bars inside of this concrete to make it sturdier.

This panel is made on-site, and once hardened, it is then lifted into place with cranes and secured to the site. The idea around this method is that it allows a building to get put up faster, as there are not as many small connecting parts that are involved in this process. In addition, you are going to find that the panels used on-site are available in a variety of finishes and colours to make your project as aesthetically pleasing as you wish.

We will work with your engineer and/or architect at the preliminary design stage to ensure that not only does your design take advantage of everything tilt-up has to offer but does so properly and effectively. Our 20 years of experience will help you to expedite some stages here.

Since the panels themselves are approved by Ontario’s Building Code, your engineer will find comfort in knowing that they have the help of Tilt Wall’s in-house design team at hand. The wall panels’ exact shapes, sizes, thicknesses and content will be determined through our engineering support.

The finalized floor plan, the soil report and decisions on all the bid options are needed, along with any planning commission requirements. With this information, the design and detailing for plans to submit to the building department will take a minimum of four weeks.

Yes, the following should be considered:

• Access by the crane to the job site.
• Relatively flat terrain to allow the crane operation.
• Any power lines, ditches, railroad tracks, or other obstructions which limit crane operation.
• Other buildings very close to where panels must be placed

The preliminary floor plan, desired height, wall finishes, mansards, type of roof, preliminary soil report and building code jurisdiction may permit it to be completed in as little as a couple of weeks.

It is best to let the crane company determine this, based on the size and weight of the panels involved. We will work with them to ensure a smooth process.

When constructing a building using Tilt-Up construction, it is imperative that there be enough space to do so. Walls are constructed on-site, and a crane is brought in to help put them into place. This is why space is a must!

We estimate that you need to have at least 20% of space around the floor slab, depending on the size of the building. In addition, having a flat terrain is a must-have so that the crane can operate as it should.

With each tilt-up project, Tilt Wall will check the space surrounding where the actual building will be placed to ensure that it is conducive for Tilt-Up construction.

Typically, a concrete wall is 12–14 inches thick, which includes a three-inch-thick exterior face, two to four inches of extruded polystyrene insulation and a structural layer that is five to eight inches thick.

A building as small as 5,000 square feet can be economical. Several small buildings clustered together may also prove economical. Special finishes on the concrete walls, such as exposed aggregate or form liners, may make tilt-up an economical choice.

Concrete panels up to 96 feet in height have been used in some areas, but special cranes and spreader bars are required for panels over 30 feet in height. It is generally better to have the panels all nearly the same height and less than 30 feet tall.

There is no set limit to the number or location of openings, but their location can be critical. Openings closer than the minimum from the end of the concrete panel supporting a concentrated roof load can add considerable reinforcing, thickened concrete or steel columns. The minimum distance is one-eighth the eave height, or two feet, whichever is less.

We will work with your engineer and architect to ensure a look befitting your business and its needs. For example, using formliners we can transform a concrete wall into a faux-brick wall, and a world of colours to make it look unique to your structure.

We create custom concrete patterns and impressions for our customers. Past customers have used children’s handprints, geometric patterns, lines, bricks and more.

Colours are only limited by your imagination.

Minor imperfections will be filled, and if you are applying a coating, they will be hidden.

When building a structure with wall panels, you can get numerous exterior finishes to make this building look however you’d like. These finishes include (but are not limited to):
• Thin Brick
• Thin Block
• Texture Coating
• Colour Coating
• Formliners

Yes, all architects can work with Tilt-Up construction. Keep in mind that this type of construction can be challenging if you don’t have the right knowledge. Architects in Ontario are not yet familiar with Tilt-Up as in other provinces. Finding the right team that knows about the advantages, building process, and the multitude of design options is important. Tilt Wall can provide the right education and support to use Tilt-Up construction for your next project.

Yes! When you use Tilt-Up construction, you can have a building that ranges from 1 story to 7 stories. This means that building panels can be as high as 30M or 100 ft.

The highest panel that is in place today is 111 ft high, and this was placed in Miami, Florida, US. This panel is part of a 9-story building. Our recommendation is to get panels that are between 30 and 100 ft in size for optimal conditions.

There are 3 common insulation methods that are used with Tilt-up concrete walls. The most popular method is the concrete sandwich panels insulation in which the panels are used not only for the structure but for the thermal function as well. The insulation is sandwiched between two panels, the interior service and the exterior surface.

There is also the integrally cast insulation system that embeds the insulation from the downside or top side of the panel. The use of applied insulation systems is also something to consider that can be applied to the interior or to the exterior of the panel.

The panel itself is usually between 5 ½ inches and 7 ¼ inches thick. However, keep in mind that these can be as little as a few inches thick. An insulated panel is much thicker. As the exterior panel is up to 3 inches, the insulation is 2 to 4 inches, and the interior wall could be 5 to 10 inches thick.

When building a structure, the roof is also important. However, many people are curious as to what type of roof can be used with a concrete panelled structure. The answer is that most roof systems are compatible with the Tilt-up structure. You can opt to have this roof system built by someone other than the Tilt-up contractors. However, Tilt Wall suggests that you use a steel roofing system to obtain the full benefits of a Tilt-up building.

A crane is used to lift the Tilt-Up panels into place. The size of the crane that is required will be determined by the panel sizes. For example, the panels that weigh 20 to 30 tons can be lifted in place by a 90-ton crane when this is happening right on the building perimeter. For panels that are heavier than 30 tons, or when a larger reach is needed, a 125-ton crane may be needed.

It really depends on your exact project, but we are more than happy to provide you with a quote that shows exactly how energy savings can pile up. Here are some ways that costs can be cut on your project:

• Tilt-up uses significant ground-level work, which results in no scaffolding and faster/easier work for labourers.
• Tilt-up needs only small crew numbers, ensuring less worksite complexity.
• Casting insulated concrete wall panels onsite greatly reduces transportation costs.
• Tilt-up does not require as many highly skilled professionals. 
• Insulated sandwich panels have very few manufactured parts. Most aspects of tilt-up construction require only concrete, insulation and a few steel parts.
• Tilt-up panels are load-bearing, which helps to eliminate exterior columns and piers.

We use solid polystyrene insulation, with R-ratings dependent on your needs and budget.

The roof structure acts as a diaphragm to horizontally support the concrete wall at the top, and the curb on the footing supports it laterally at the bottom. The panels are generally not connected to allow for expansion and contraction without cracking. The concrete panels are only positively connected to the roof at their centers near the top.

There have been several case studies that have surrounded the subject of concrete cracks. And what can be done to treat these or prevent them from occurring. The majority of people believe that allowing more freedom of movement for the concrete shrinkage is the key to preventing these cracks from happening. In addition, using plastic sham packs instead of the usual grout setting pads has been shown to help reduce the cracks in concrete later down the line.

Natural disasters are something that every area of the world faces from time to time. Those who are considering a Tilt-up construction building are going to find that these types of buildings perform rather well when put up against natural disasters. For example, many structures in Florida utilize this type of construction and have withstood Category 5 hurricanes. Most of the damage that occurs is when the roof is not ready for this type of natural disaster.

A Tilt-Up job site needs to be treated as any other construction site, and safety is at the top of the list as to what people need to be concerned with. As with any other construction site out there, safety rules need to be followed, and everyone should think that it is their personal responsibility to ensure they are safe. Every building site should have a site-specific plan so that everyone knows what is going on and what safety issues they need to be concerned with. Everyone should know the safety rules for when the cranes are being used. The hazards that may be present in the area and all other dangers out there. The good news is that with any Tilt-Up construction site, most of the work happens on the ground, which does minimize safety dangers.

When you think about all the concrete that is being used in these types of structures, many people question just how durable it can be. These buildings are extremely durable. Consider this: concrete is impervious to corrosion, rotting, rust or insect infestation. Those concrete buildings created in the 1940s are still standing today with very little wear and tear. In California, an earthquake-prone state, they are using Tilt-Up construction for 90% of their commercial projects since they are so durable. It is not uncommon for these buildings to stand for well over a century without having to do anything other than maintenance, which is often less maintenance than traditional buildings.

The fire resistance of a Tilt-Up panel is anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, depending upon the slab thickness and the type of concrete that is being used. These two values will greatly determine just how resistant the Tilt-Up panel will be.