Start to finish bluestone wet lay - (in progress)

[CaptainsLS]

We started this on Wednesday. The customer had tried building a patio himself and ended up hiring us after we put in some steps for him. He put in this big concrete footer/wall on one side and we are using it to pour the pad. I'll try to post as we work.

[CaptainsLS]

We put in the pad yesterday. Had to move all 8 yards by wheelbarrow because of the septic system. It's very cold here around 32 (day) to 19 (night). We used 1% accelerator add mix with hot water for the concrete and covered the pad with burlap tarps and a lot of straw ( I hope the pad is ok ). How does everyone deal with cold temps :scared: and concrete/mortar?

[tthomass]

Go to a local supply yard. They should have solar blankets for the concrete. One side is reflective (goes down) and the other side is black (goes up) and you lay over the product.........product may be your concrete pad or the flagstone that you set in mortar that day. Also, while laying stone have a torpedo heater blowing over the surface. Keeps the surrounding atmosphere warmer as well as the stone itself causing the mortar to set faster. Be easy on the sand. Maybe do 7 shovels per 1/2 bag vs 8 shovels.

*The heater also makes the job more tolerable for you and your crew. Bill it to the customer. We also angle the heater to blow down.

[tthomass]

Do you have the concrete company add fiber to the mix? Curious.

I always do. Its $10 more per yard and is cheap insurance and another good selling tool.

[CaptainsLS]

No fiber, we used remesh and rebar. I should get in the habit of quoting my prices with the fiber, it is easy insurance. No one had the solar blankets, I think I just need to order my own, I have a feeling they aren’t cheep. We used a strong concrete mix (4500) with as little water as possible. Cost was $102 per yard delivered.

[CaptainsLS]

masonry blanket $950.....shipping $75.....having your work fail.....priceless

http://powerblanket.com/Masonry/c8/index.html

[tthomass]

I was referring to one you don't plug up. That is ridiculously expensive.....its only 10x10.

[CaptainsLS]

I know, but it can keep materials (piles of sand, sand/salt mix in sander, base material) unfrozen all day & night. It can even thaw the ground. The non-electric are $400 but much bigger.

[HRLand]

Masonry blankets go for about $60 around here.

[CaptainsLS]

Welcome to taxachusetts! My 900-sqft house goes for $350k, Diesel $3.59, pack of smokes $5.75, and base material $28 per yard.

[cgland]

Looks good so far, I don't have a ton of crete experience, but do you just rough screed the pad and not worry about floating it or must you float it every time no matter what?

Chris

[tthomass]

Leave it rough. Often time get it smooth and take a leaf rake to add texture.......helps the mortar grab hold better.

[CaptainsLS]

Ditto...using a 2x4 screed will leave it level and add the desired texture. If we need it real smooth we put a layer of sand/portland on the top to screed. That’s how we make footers for granite step sets.

[CaptainsLS]

With the nice weather, I've been working on this by myself. Nice to get out of the house for something other than snow removal.

[kootoomootoo]

I poured previously in sub 20's all winter. 2% additive, hot water, blankets, visqueen, straw.

[CaptainsLS]

We used the 2%, the hot water, straw & blankets, but I'm not familiar with "visqueen"

[kootoomootoo]

We used the 2%, the hot water, straw & blankets, but I'm not familiar with "visqueen"


visqueen is vapor barrier...but in the winter it also works to keep condensation out and heat in...also hold the straw in place.