Posts: 236
Threads: 51
Joined: Jul 2006
Crack!? Isn't that why I put in the angular rock underneath and embedded steel mesh? At worst, I'm expecting cracks at the junction with the existing concrete patio. I laid the bender board along that face, so there's at least a 1/4" gap along that joint. Any recommendations on filling and covering that joint?
Aloha pumehana,
Brian and Mary
Lynnwood, WA\Discovery Harbour
Aloha pumehana,
Brian and Mary
Lynnwood, WA\Discovery Harbour
Posts: 1,839
Threads: 48
Joined: May 2007
Fishboy,
Concrete shrinks when it cures. period. Rebar and remesh will keep it from seperating very far and it is is good that you included them, but you will still get some cracks. Maybe not for a month or 4, but by it's nature, it has to shrink, therefore crack.
On a 4" concrete slab, for instance, rule of thumb is a control joint every 8'. On a narrow walkway, as you describe, more often, there is a formula, but I forget the exact calculations. Ever notice on sidewalks the perpendicular joints that are trowled in? Those are control joints. They will help control where the cracks will be. It is just the nature of the beast.
I knew a concrete contractor who's contracts read "This concrete is quaranteed to crack".
Dan
Posts: 4,533
Threads: 241
Joined: Jan 2006
quote:
Originally posted by Fishboy
Crack!? Isn't that why I put in the angular rock underneath and embedded steel mesh? At worst, I'm expecting cracks at the junction with the existing concrete patio. I laid the bender board along that face, so there's at least a 1/4" gap along that joint. Any recommendations on filling and covering that joint?
Aloha pumehana,
Brian and Mary
Lynnwood, WA\Discovery Harbour
The concrete will always have cracks that result from changes in heat and cooling at different times from shadows or sunlight.
There are differences between cosmetic cracks and structural cracks - the mesh is part of the prevention process for structural cracks like the one's Chuysmom is experiencing.
Posts: 1,839
Threads: 48
Joined: May 2007
Hey Cat,
Beat ya by 3 seconds Ha Ha. See you in a couple months.
Dan
Posts: 4,533
Threads: 241
Joined: Jan 2006
quote:
Originally posted by DanielP
Hey Cat,
Beat ya by 3 seconds Ha Ha. See you in a couple months.
Dan
I was about to say you were up early.... lol... I am still making coffee!
Posts: 6,214
Threads: 354
Joined: Feb 2006
2 ways to cut tile on a curve, use a carbide hole saw, or, with a wet saw, cut lots of straight lines into the tile, approaching the curve you want (comb like) and then tap out the "teeth" of the comb. Smooth up the curve with the wet saw.
ehow dot com has a really good video on this, and it is the tutorial I used to stat on my tile cutting escapades.
Oh, and slate can have the annoying habit of layering off when you cut, so do not fall in love with the surface of the piece you are cutting....
Posts: 236
Threads: 51
Joined: Jul 2006
Thanks, Carey, I've covered the front walkway and back patio with slate, and have enough left over for this application. This stuff has got such an array of colors and textures. I just love it. I especially like how it improves with age by taking on a patina of dust that settles into the crevices and little valleys to give the stone a really cool look.
I'll take a look at that video, but I've had my best luck with cutting curves with a four-inch grinder fitted with a diamond cutter. These aren't sharp curves, but just a few inches over several feet.
Aloha pumehana,
Brian and Mary
Lynnwood, WA\Discovery Harbour
Aloha pumehana,
Brian and Mary
Lynnwood, WA\Discovery Harbour
Posts: 6,214
Threads: 354
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 236
Threads: 51
Joined: Jul 2006
That's cool, Carey. The scale you're using there is fairly small, so the curves would be a real challenge. Have you considered using a skill saw fitted with a diamond blade? I bought one of those blades, but haven't actually used it yet. I believe you posted this one some months ago and you inspired me to create a turtle template out of plastic sheeting. I drew the template on a 3'x3' sheet of hobby plastic and cut it up to individual pieces that all fit within a single 12x12 tile. The turtle is about 2.5' in all directions, so the scale makes it easier to cut flowing curves. My wife objected to my putting it on the deck, so I'm waiting for an opportunity.
Aloha pumehana,
Brian and Mary
Lynnwood, WA\Discovery Harbour
Aloha pumehana,
Brian and Mary
Lynnwood, WA\Discovery Harbour
Posts: 6,214
Threads: 354
Joined: Feb 2006
That slate turtle is 18" in a 24"x24" grid... Have done bigger ones in porcelain tile.
The only tool I have used on the tile work is my el cheapo HD wet saw....
I get soaking wet, the blade is dull & doesn't try to eat my fingers, so it is my favorite tool.... if I preferred dry & was close to being co-ordinated, I might try using other tools...
Will tell hubby about the diamond blade on the skill saw (one of his favorite tools)
|
