Preventing errors right from the start
Customer requirements are constantly increasing, and concrete precast manufacturers need to meet these demands by developing new products. Concrete products are becoming ever more refined, having larger dimensions, which also poses an ever greater challenge in terms of installation.
The landscape gardener is also confronted with, but at the same time usually least informed about these new products. What installation requirements need to be met in order to stand up to consumer scrutiny?
Concrete remains a product made of natural materials, after all, which is subject to variations in surface appearance. Add to this tolerances in measurement, deflections, roughness, and numerous other factors. There are often major discrepancies, especially with regard to these assessment criteria, between the manufacturer and the end user / consumer. The users are mostly not aware of – or simply not interested in – the rules and regulations existing for these parameters.
This results in customers retaining money on the grounds of mere trifles, which threatens the survival of some garden and landscape contractors. Internet platforms and installation rec-ommendations have advised accordingly. Experts and courts are kept busy because of min-imalistic hairline cracks, a small swerve in the joint pattern, puddles in cupped, large-format slabs, efflorescence, and deviations or changes in color. High customer requirements usually focus on the visual appraisal of concrete products. It is not always the fault of the contractor, but as the saying goes: “The devil takes the hindmost.” Concrete products require more inten-sive consulting than before. Training dealers in the great innovations and the numerous im-portant rules regarding installation and maintenance might help to fill a gap. Every dealer / salesperson should know the products he is selling and be able to provide application-related advice.
