Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Scratch coat Q's
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brian5
11-07-05, 08:28 AM
I am installing a half wall of stone veneer (Eldorado Stone) on the front of my house. Just ordered it up today and it'll be in in about 3 weeks. In the meantime I will prepare the scratchcoat to the manufacturer's recommendations. I've gotten advice from the dealer/masonry supply and just want to see if it makes sense: scratch-coat will be installed over 30 lb roofing felt and 2.5 galvanized wire mesh. Portland cement and sand mixed with an additive (they said no water) Acryl-60, Drl-loc were two they mentioned. Set up and cure. Climate: I live in Maryland, average temp now is high in the 60s, lows 43-50 degrees. I would be installing the stone in late November, early December, high temps in the 50s, low below 40. Guys at the shop said it would be no problem to install in this climate. The veneer product I picked comes in sections, like puzzle pieces, and do not need mortared joints.
Any thoughts/opinions?
Thanks,
Brian
Any thoughts/opinions?
Thanks,
Brian
Concretemasonry
11-07-05, 08:54 AM
I would not try to out-guess the suppliers.
The low temperatures will not harm the mortar, but they will slow the curing slightly. When the cement hydrates (cures), it gives off heat that will help keep the mortar temperatures slightly higher than the air temperature.
Dick
The low temperatures will not harm the mortar, but they will slow the curing slightly. When the cement hydrates (cures), it gives off heat that will help keep the mortar temperatures slightly higher than the air temperature.
Dick
brian5
11-07-05, 09:15 AM
After I complete the scratch coat, it will likely be a few weeks before the stone veneer is applied. Is it ok being exposed to the elements? Is there a better additive to use, or will they all achieve the same results? And, last question: will covering the finished stone with plastic help with curing in the colder temperatures?
Brian
Dick: I trust the advice I'm getting from the supplier, I didn't mean to come across that I didn't, I just want to be as knowledgeable about this stuff as I can. Thanks for the help!
Brian
Dick: I trust the advice I'm getting from the supplier, I didn't mean to come across that I didn't, I just want to be as knowledgeable about this stuff as I can. Thanks for the help!
Concretemasonry
11-07-05, 11:07 AM
I can't think of a better additive than the Acryl 60 - it has been around a long time. There are a number of other similar latex additives.
Covering with poly will greatly improve the curing conditions by preventing the mortar from drying out too quickly. If you get sun, it will also keep the temperatures up considerably.
Dick
Covering with poly will greatly improve the curing conditions by preventing the mortar from drying out too quickly. If you get sun, it will also keep the temperatures up considerably.
Dick