Bryan Pajak – Page 3 – Sticks & Stones

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Let us help you embrace the new

By Evan-Amos - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14517499

I am a child of the eighties, growing up with "hair bands" like Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe, shredded jeans and yellow kitchen appliances. The invention of the VCR was amazing, and everyone had a Walkman. I even had multi-colored striped shag carpeting in my basement! That’s where I would play my Atari while drinking Yoo-hoo.

There are many things I like to reminisce about that now seem totally ridiculous. They say what goes around comes around, and what once was old is new again - but I believe some things should stay in the past. So... I have been amazed at how many orders for the “old stuff” keep coming in!

Now some of these older products have been around for a long, long time. They are simple to install, reasonably priced and readily available. Many companies make these products their “go to” choice. But as times change, so do customer preferences. Cost and durability is still important, but today's customer wants to hear about cutting edge, stylish, eco-friendly products.

large format pavers

On trend right now are the larger formatted paving stones, and most of our vendors have several varieties and styles to choose from. These types of pavers install much faster than your traditional smaller-stoned styles. Finding a reliable source should not be an issue and the cost will not be unreasonable.

Speaking of new and shiny, when was the last time you installed a halogen light bulb for a path light or flood? The days of needing a transformer the size of a Chevette have long since passed. You would be amazed at how many lights you can put on a 200 watt transformer and still have room for expansion - if you use LEDs. The most common complaint I hear about LEDs is the price of a bulb. Well, you are correct, they do cost more than incandescent bulbs. But consider this: the average size of a 900 watt transformer is the size of a 24pk of Coke, and will run you upwards of $450. A 200 watt transformer is the size of a box of tissues and is more like $100. Then factor in how much the homeowner will save in electricity and the choice is clear.

transformers

Many of us at Christensen’s are still children at heart. We like the “new” and get excited to learn what, when, how, and why they do what they do. We got guys that love new trees and shrubs, we got the Cap’n who gets exuberant over a light fixture, and I love to play with concrete Legos. We can help you become familiar with what’s trending, and be comfortable with the new. Let us collectively share our excitement with you to inspire you in new directions.

Bryan Pajak

Late season projects

Laying Rosetta flagstone

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.

cold-weather hardscaping

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.

brick sealer

Sealers also need time to dry, but are pickier about temperature. It was once recommended to let a patio set for a year before applying sealer.

The idea was to let the efflorescent salts work their way out of the brick, and not having them become trapped inside by the sealer.

The water-based sealers we carry are breathable, meaning you can apply them right after installation; when it is at least 45 degrees or warmer for several days.

One of the most crucial components of a cold-weather install are your laborers. It’s very hard to make a straight cut when you’re shivering. The cold will definitely decrease productivity, and quite possibly your workmanship.

Typically the last job you do in a season will be the least profitable, most problematic and depending on the weather, the longest to complete. However, if you have to get it done and Mother Nature is giving you grief, give us a call at the Hardscape Center to see how we can help you.

cold-weather hardscaping
Bryan Pajak

New Hardscape Products 2017

Cobalt FireGear Jewelry

The outdoor living trend has continued to grow and patios are now an extension of the living room or kitchen. The heart of any outdoor kitchen is the grill, so you’re going to want a reliable, durable no-fuss grill. Introducing Summerset, a manufacturer of stainless steel grill inserts and cabinets. They have many models to choose from, suiting the occasional family cooker to the backyard BBQ king feeding the entire high school football team. Your customers will love the quality and you’ll love installing them.

Pizza Oven Insert
Pizza Oven Insert

We also offer ready-to-finish fireplaces and pizza ovens from Round Groove. These kits have pre-installed fire brick. They use an 18 gauge galvanized steel u-channel for framing and a fiberglass reinforced sheathing that has already been scratch-coated. With several different models and options, you simply choose what material you would like to face these products with. You get all the creativity with minimal labor concerns.

Most people I know love to sit around a fire and have a refreshing summertime beverage. But storing wood and cleaning out the fire pit are concerns for many. How does a natural gas or liquid propane fire pit sound? With the turn of a knob and a push of a button, you have made fire! We are now stocking the kits to do just that, along with some very attractive colored glass to adorn the interior. The inserts will fit most standard round or square fire pits. These are especially convenient in urban settings where neighbors may not appreciate lingering embers or sooty smoke.

Cobalt FireGear Jewelry
FireGear Jewelry
SRW Instant Lock Adhesive

When it comes to facing a project, you might hear some moans and groans. It’s not a hard process, but it can be very tricky. How many times has something shifted, to be discovered after it has set? The adhesive isn’t instant, and nobody wants to stand around holding something while you wait for it to set. The solution is SRW Vertical Instant Lock Adhesive. It sets in 5 seconds, and I’ve seen it with my own eyes!

Time, worry and… polymeric sand. Three words that seem to go hand in hand. Will it haze, did I water enough? If I overwater it, will the sand still harden properly? What will happen if my joint is larger than ¾”? The solution? EV Evolution polymeric sweeping sands. This product is haze free, all four of their colors can bind up to a 4” joint, and the watering process is simplified by only having to do it once. Better yet, the cost is low and the colors are well defined. No more worries about overwatering and hazing.

EV Evolution Polymeric Jointing Sand

This will be a challenging year of plant and labor shortages. This can put a strain on creativity and productivity. We help you save time and money by having the products you require to be successful, and we have the answers to problems you may run in to or the tips to prevent the problems in the first place.

Bryan Pajak
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