Post by marty on Dec 8, 2009 19:48:58 GMT -5
So I got over to the job site late this morning and found the crew had moved on to a different part of the project because they couldn't continue with the task at hand.
The project is really nifty. It's a small residential lot in an older neighborhood. In back we're replacing the fence, installing a paver patio and walkway, building four 3X15 raised beds (all redwood), new back steps and landing, automatic irrigation system and plantings; in front we're building a low retaining wall, installing a new front walkway (pavers again) and steps, automatic irrigation system, and plantings.
I delivered sand to lay the pavers on yesterday, and they got it spread out but not screeded. When they got there this morning the sand was frozen so hard they couldn't do anything with it!
Fortunately, I called to see if they needed anything before I left the office and was informed of the problem. So I took my propane weed torch with me. Worked like a charm. Took a while, but unfroze the surface enough to screed it out to the right level.
So one guy torched, the other screeded and I layed pavers, which I was delighted to find didn't irritate my injured butt at all. Got about three hundred square feet installed by three o'clock and called it a day for myself - I'm not going to push things for a bit. The guys wrapped up at four with the rest of the back screeded out. Now when it freezes tonight it won't matter; we'll be able to finish laying before lunch tomorrow.
I have found that the propane torch is at best a marginal tool for weed control, so I'm happy to find another use for it!
The project is really nifty. It's a small residential lot in an older neighborhood. In back we're replacing the fence, installing a paver patio and walkway, building four 3X15 raised beds (all redwood), new back steps and landing, automatic irrigation system and plantings; in front we're building a low retaining wall, installing a new front walkway (pavers again) and steps, automatic irrigation system, and plantings.
I delivered sand to lay the pavers on yesterday, and they got it spread out but not screeded. When they got there this morning the sand was frozen so hard they couldn't do anything with it!
Fortunately, I called to see if they needed anything before I left the office and was informed of the problem. So I took my propane weed torch with me. Worked like a charm. Took a while, but unfroze the surface enough to screed it out to the right level.
So one guy torched, the other screeded and I layed pavers, which I was delighted to find didn't irritate my injured butt at all. Got about three hundred square feet installed by three o'clock and called it a day for myself - I'm not going to push things for a bit. The guys wrapped up at four with the rest of the back screeded out. Now when it freezes tonight it won't matter; we'll be able to finish laying before lunch tomorrow.
I have found that the propane torch is at best a marginal tool for weed control, so I'm happy to find another use for it!