Late season projects

I received a phone call recently that I was not expecting quite yet. They wanted to know if was going to push snow for them again this year. Ouch! Where has this year gone? Didn’t we just have a hot and humid week in the 90’s? I was out on the lake swimming! We still have eight more weeks. Wait a minute, eight weeks? Ouch again!

Many contractors run the clock out towards the end of the season, trying to get as much done as possible before the snow flies. Some years it pays off, some years - not so much. While the brick could care less how cold it is, a lot of your accessories might. So if you are going to place that bet this year, let me give you some insider information to help increase your odds.

The paver adhesive that we sell at our Hardscape store can be used on a wet surface, as well as when it's below freezing. Keep in mind that it will take longer to fully dry and cure. Be careful not to have too much water on the surface, such as puddles on the pieces you are gluing. The water will freeze and expand, leaving a gap that more water can enter and repeat this process. If this occurs, your wall will have a nice wavy appearance, and will guarantee you a future failure.

Polymeric sweeping sands have advanced over the years, making them easier to use with less hazing concerns. But they still need time to dry. The colder the weather, the longer the dry time will be. If you choose not to install sand in your joints, you may want to cover the area with a tarp for the winter. This will prevent water and snow from entering and freezing inside the exposed unfilled joints.