Recent content by rt66jt

If you can swing the expense now, I'd suggest you go ahead and build your shop. If you wait, life may get in the way, making your shop a "someday." I know, it happened to me.

34, I live just up from you on Linden Avenue. I read about you guys in the newspaper, cool to see you on here. I like old buildings, and my father is an artist so I have an interest there, so I'm very interested to see what you do with that gem. Feel free to PM for my phone number if you need...

It depends on the sealer, but most can be applied with a pump-type sprayer. I've never seen a sealer that suggests using a power sprayer, and I'd guess that a power sprayer may apply it too thick. Sealers are best applied in thin coats; thick coats are more likely to flake and peel.

I'm with ya, customers come in asking for advice, and by the time they leave they know more than I do (must all be friends of Franz).

In this area, block foundations for basements are becoming extinct due to insulation being required. ICF and Superior wall systems are becoming more common, but still plenty of poured walls with insulation board stuck to them. No such regulation for garage foundations, though. BTW, poured...

Any concrete supply house has cure/seal products that can and should be applied almost immediately. If all you want is a clear sealer, do it before the concrete temp gets below 40 degrees.

If you don't cut it, it will randomly crack. Cuts help control where it cracks.

Unless you expect a flood, that drain is oversized. The drain 03bluesilver used should be sufficient as long as it's not being driven on length-wise. BTW 03, that drain should have about 4" of concrete all the way around it, including underneath. I hope you aren't planning on leaving it on the...

If you can find a concrete/masonry supply house in your area, almost any product they carry will be better than Thompson or Behr. Around here, EPA limits us to mostly water based products, but a couple solvent-based products slide by. Those two are acetone- or TBA(?)-based. A solvent based...

For diamonds, there won't really be any choice of "grit." A diamond wheel should last your entire job.

There are diamond wheels available for the Edco floor grinder, and that is what you want. Check with a local construction supply house, preferably one that specializes in concrete and masonry products. They may rent the equipment, or know who does. Almost any concrete guy will tell you to...

While I agree with the advice others have given to put it back on the contractor, I have a couple of ideas if you opt to deal with it yourself. Of course, the first thing to do is to make sure the surface is solid. If it is, grinding with a diamond wheel on a floor grinder will smooth it out...

Solvent based sealers are considered superior to water-based sealers, but you may not have that choice. Some areas of the country (PA, for instance ) are forbidden to use solvent base thanks to the EPA. Water-based may be preferred for use in occupied buildings due to solvent fumes. There are...

I haven't used it, but I've sold enough. I work for a construction supply house that specializes in concrete and masonry products. Call Ardex at (888)512-7339 between 8:30 and 5:00 Eastern to find a local dealer. Another option may be a product called Top And Bond which may be easier to find...

I don't know what to use to make them pretty, but I suspect that an old garage will have oil and such on the floor. Prep will be the key.The oil needs to be eradicated. I suggest mechanical removal. I know there is a primer available that is supposed to contain the oil, but I haven't seen its...