The weather wizards called for a cloudy day, with a low of around forty, and a high of around fifty. With that in mind, I ordered concrete, since there was only a low chance of rain this evening.
We were finished pouring, the initial finish was completed, and the light rain started. So, what was already a miserable, damp, cold morning became worse. The temperature of 42, with light rain, made being out in the weather even worse.
The weather wizards were wrong, will still get a paycheck, and I'm wondering how I can get into that field. I can make up crap as good as anyone else, and back it up with gibberish only an expert will detect.
It's covered with plastic sheeting. Tomorrow, I'll uncover it and move on to the next section. The finish doesn't really matter, since the concrete will be covered with asphalt. Still, there's professional pride involved, and a section that looks like hammered crap will just not be a pleasant thought.
That's the difference between average and excellence - caring about whether concrete is finished right even when it will be covered. Not many left who have that kind of pride in a job well done.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. Craftsmanship is a dying goal, and the effort to instill that in younger folks becomes harder every day.
DeleteRough surface, better adhesion.
ReplyDeleteBut if im reading you right, your concern was that the weatherman not doing his job, influenced you not doing yours well.
BTW. It's 2 here. Above, below, at 2 it doesn't matter.
The finish of the original concrete was a tine rake finish, but a thin asphalt layer was placed years ago to improve the ride, and eliminate some spalls at the construction joints.
DeleteWe're placing concrete in one lane removed due to its poor condition. It will be covered with asphalt, when we're finished, and the temperature is better.
We're blessed/cursed with our weather. Winter allows placing concrete, but the temperature, bad weather, and the long waits for the initial set demand special considerations. Abrupt changes in the weather lead to "babysitting" the concrete at certain times. I was lucky today, since the concrete was completely , except for a light broom finish, and the rain wasn't so heavy it washed away the grout before it was covered. Otherwise, 90 cubic yards of concrete will be acceptable, and I didn't have to spend long hours working under the plastic to get the right finish; even if it involved working through the night to save the pour, while using truck headlights to see the work.