[jwholden]

I read a post about mixing concrete in cold weather and was hoping some members could review the important stuff. I remember hearing that 26 degrees is a majic number for curing concrete and it should not go under that.

I am hoping to install granite edging on Friday and would love some tips and tricks. I spoke to a mason during the week and he said he puts anti-freeze in his concrete. Can this perevent bad things from happening below 26?

My plan of attack is to mix the concrete with anitfreeze when the temp is (barely) above freezing, cover it with plastic, hay, and one more layer of plastic for good measure, and them wait for the snow on Saturday.

I'm also hoping the ground gets a chance to thaw out before I pour the stuff. I am putting three inches of gravel below.

Any input would be appreciated!

[Will Pacala]

I'm not sure on the concrete/anti-freeze mix. I'm not sure if it would work or not. I'm interested in finding out what to do as well. I'm somewhat clue-less.

[Bill Schwab]

For flat work, add 1% chloride to set up faster. Anti freeze only works well on mortar, as it will take too long to set up by using anti freeze. Thus, the use of chloride...

[Will Pacala]

Good thinkung. I didn't think the anti-freeze would work especially if there was any coloring added to the mortar. That would make it wetter and would take longer to freeze.

[jwholden]

OK, I think I need to work on my cement verbiage.

I will be using a portland/lime/sand mix to install the curbing. I think I should have used the term mortar and not concrete. Need to work on my vocabulary!

[Will Pacala]

OK, That should help us. Thanks. Are you going to be using the mortar as a grout in between the curbing?? any added colorings??

[jwholden]

Setting the curbing in 2-3" of mortar with a 5-6" triangle of mortar in front and 8-9" triangle in back. The curbing is 15" long and 7" wide and is being used to raise the grade. Only 9" of the granite will be above grade.

[Will Pacala]

OK. Were is this curbing going to be. A driveway, walkway or a patio??

[jwholden]

Retaining wall for patio. Patio to be installed above the side with the 9" of concrete.

[Pelican]

If I'm reading this correctly, you're considering pouring a footing on frozen ground? Don't do it!

The frozen earth has expanded due to the water content, you'll get settling when the frost comes out. There's also the possibility of the portion of concrete contacting the earth freezing, regardless of antifreeze or chloride. This portion will crystallize and crumble, again, leading to instability.

[jwholden]

Here's where I am on the patio.

I cut some more granite yesterday and will be ready to start with mortar after 1/2 day of prep to spread and tamp gravel under where I will be installing it. I am considering laying some rebar in the concrete to make it one massive unit, couldn't hurt. The granite that is upright is a step and the piece is 7" thick, 15" tall, and four to five feet long.

I am having a great time with this project, along with some great headaches. It is the most complex job I have done yet as well as the most expensive materiels.

I spoke with the homeowner yesterday and said I can't continue until we get some warmer weather. I discussed a worst case scenario where I would remove about 10 yards of soil stockpiled on the site and put some gravel behind the steps to act as a walk. He seemed ok with it and was very understanding about the weather.

It started snowing about two hours ago and we are supposed to get 6 - 12" of snow, but it will be warming up next week!

[Bill Schwab]

JW:

Are you using a Granite Blade for cutting? We have several we use for Granite tops on the barbecues, ranging from 14" down to 4". We also have router bits for the granite bull nosing that we use. Most of the granite counter tops are cut with a 4" grinder, but if we don't use the right blade, we will fry it in a minute!

WE used to get weathered in all the time in Illinois...Had several we shut down til spring, and then jumped right on when it thawed. That is going to look great when you are done!

[Stonehenge]

Working with that big stone is a thrill, isn't it?

Very manly.

[jwholden]

[jwholden]

Bill,

I used one T-seg from Blade Wizard to make all cuts so far. I'm suprised at how nicely the granite cuts with water and how long the blade has held up. I ordered a blade for harder material which I'll use when I burn the T-seg out. (Not to be a salesmen, but Blade Wizard has won my business - convenient, reliable, reasonably priced!)

I used a 4" angle grinder with a diamond cup to smooth out imperfections, I am amazed at how that chewed through the stone ( I'm considering making a bird bath with some of my waste).

I have been rounding all cuts with a Masher, which is a hammer that looks like a meat tenderizer. It rounds of the stone so there are no clean saw lines. I suspect the Masher would work for Segmented retaining wall block as well.

I'll have to look into the granite router bits. The stone used in the steps has rounded edges - special order costing more and taking longer to arrive. If I could do it myself I could save money and time.

I always thought granite was some incredibly hard and difficult to work with stone. However, so far it is very nice to work with and cuts and shapes quite 'easily'. Must be why it is so popular for countertops.