Hi All,
I have finished pouring (shoveling really) a 4 inch insulation layer of perlcrete (5-1 perlite-Portland cement mix). It has set in forms for 7 days. I kept it covered under a tarp for the period, but noticed that as it cured, the surface had the texture of a bowl of rice crispies. The surface was very loose, and could be eroded fairly easily with a light swipe of my hand.
I removed a piece of the form today. The Perlcrete seemed to hold up well... a clean vertical side, with only a few bits of perlcrete residue.
Is it normal to have such a loose top? How should I stabilize it. I am thinking that a skim coat across the top to level and lock in the loose perlcrete is the thing to do. I think I will also buttress the sides of the perlcrete with red brick.
I feel like I cannot trowel the fireclay/sand mix in its current state.
Please advise how you would proceed in this circumstance. Thanks
I have finished pouring (shoveling really) a 4 inch insulation layer of perlcrete (5-1 perlite-Portland cement mix). It has set in forms for 7 days. I kept it covered under a tarp for the period, but noticed that as it cured, the surface had the texture of a bowl of rice crispies. The surface was very loose, and could be eroded fairly easily with a light swipe of my hand.
I removed a piece of the form today. The Perlcrete seemed to hold up well... a clean vertical side, with only a few bits of perlcrete residue.
Is it normal to have such a loose top? How should I stabilize it. I am thinking that a skim coat across the top to level and lock in the loose perlcrete is the thing to do. I think I will also buttress the sides of the perlcrete with red brick.
I feel like I cannot trowel the fireclay/sand mix in its current state.
Please advise how you would proceed in this circumstance. Thanks
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