Masonry Magazine July 2002 Page. 33
Whichever method is used, some "universals" are followed. Proper preparation of the grout space is very important.
Scaffold will sometimes dictate whether we want to do high- or low-lift grouting. This is because of accessibility, the ability to get our grout in to the work area. When we're grouting in the winter, there is also the problem of keeping the grout warm. If you can't keep the grout warm in a tall-lift situation, it's better to do a low-lift where you can control the heat better. When I'm on a large wall of a big retail store, I would just as soon do high-lift grouting and as long as I can keep my heat up and high-lift is allowed by the architect.
And there is one of the rubs, having authority to do high-lift. "I'll be honest with you," Dentinger admits, "we seem to have trouble getting our architects to go along with high-lift grouting. It's probably the type of work we do: industrial, schools and institutional buildings. As much as 90 percent of the grouting we do is low-lift because the architects won't allow us to do high-lift. I wish they would allow high-lift more often, because it's much more productive."
Another problem is quantity. High-lift grouting requires a lot of grout in each cell since it has to fill from the bottom of the cavity to the top, often 20 or more feet. But even that isn't a lot when you compare it to a truckload. As Dentinger says, "What determines it, as far as we are concerned, is if we can get enough wall ready to have a concrete truck come. We need enough ready to make it practical to use a 5-yard load, which is the minimum they would give us.
"Our company doesn't do any high-lift grouting unless we can get the grout delivered by a concrete truck. If we don't have access to a pumper or have enough volume to use a concrete truck, we will do low-lift grouting," Dentinger says.
Once Dentinger gets the delivery, he has continued on page 32
A vinyl solution to an ironclad problem. We've got you covered!
Vinyl Angle Iron Covers
The unpleasant sight of a rusty, corroded angle iron over your home's entryways and doors can now be easily avoided by using the new Vinyl Angle Iron Covers!
Comes in 5 designer colors!
www.angleironcover.com
Call (800) 407-6266 for the dealer nearest you.
When my projects look good, I look good.
Sure Klean Custom Masonry products and other cleaners ensure my architectural concrete and brick buildings are clean, color-uniform, and water-repellent.
And those are specs that make everyone look great.
PROSOCO
SINCE 1939
(800) 255-4255 www.prosoco.com
The Voice of the Mason Contractor
July 2002
Masonry 31