cultured stone question....

[CMSStoneworks]

Hey all. doing a nice sitting wall at a firehouse. block is all set and shes ready for the cultured stone tomorrow. I dont have my camera on me but the wall seperates the engine bay aprons and a sidewalk into the firehouse. 18 ft long x 2.5-3 ft tall.... question being, would i really have an issue if i stone it to the bottom. instead of leaving a 2 inch gap as reccomended? Im trying to picture it in my head and i feel like it would look horrible with that big of a gap due to how short the wall is to begin with. questions, comments, concerns? I dont see the big deal since its not like its grass or mud and the bottom of the wall. only issue I see could be the salt they use on the apron in the winter.

PS....Im using owens cultured stone country ledge in chardonnay....dry stacked.

ps ps....pics to come.

[CaptainsLS]

Unfortunately, I would leave some type of expansion gap. You have two common issues that could occur, the pavement (or whatever is under the wall) could expand and pop off the stone, or ice could form in between the stone and pavement and pop off the stone.
Maybe you could leave a ½” joint and use some type of flexible caulking. If you can find a grey color I bet no one would even notice the gap.
It may also be wise to seal the stone and mortar (I’m not familiar with sealing cultured stone) but I do know that mortar has a tendency to wick up moisture and if the stone sits low to the ground… you have another freeze issue.

[CMSStoneworks]

good idea on the caulk. i'll look into it. the current concrete has been in place for over 10 years so doubt it will expand or heave. i think i'll leave between a 1/2" - 1" gap.

Didnt think it had to be sealed but thats interesting....anyone else have insight on this since it is almost ground level.

to be honest im more worried about one of my guys backing into the wall (hence why its being replaced in the first place.) this is my firehouse. lol