Hi Guys and Gals… I usually hank around the Knots Forum, but I have a construction question and need some help from you.
What is ‘the best’ adhesive to use to attach granite pavers (4″ x 8″ x 2″ thick) to a concrete deck? The deck surrounds a lighthouse on Long Island Sound in Huntington Harbor (NYC area). These granite blocks are sold to raise money to help support our restoration efforts The deck is exposed to salt water spray plus the usual seasonal freezing. Yes, it gets cold enough for salty water to freeze. I’ve been told that a mortar mix is the only thing that will holdup, yet I see the use of adhesives on many of the do-it-yourself shows to hold capstones to masonry or stone walls. I’m trying to avoid mortar as we have no running water, and all water has to be brought out to the lighthouse in 5 gallon containers.
You can see the Lighthouse at www.huntingtonlighthouse.org. Thanks in advance for any help you can give us.
SawdustSteve Long Island, NY (E of NYC)
Replies
If the mating surfaces are relatively smooth, believe it or not Gorilla Glue will do a pretty good job. Won't hold forever, but easy to re-glue if it comes loose.
You should consider using something more substantial for any at stair landings and the like, though, for safety's sake.
And keep in mind that this will work out a bit like a brick walkway -- once you have the pieces tightly together and sweep a bit of sand on top (which I suspect is there whether you want it or not), the blocks will lock together and not really need any mortar or glue, except around the edges.
If you never want them to come up, pressure clean the concrete and stick them down with "flex" tile mortar.
These are pavers on a concrete block and stucco wall.
http://gfretwell.com/electrical/brick_shed_house.jpg
Steve
Are there gutters on this lighthouse? If so, how bout a couple rain barrells to lighten your load.
Masonry question
The concrete deck is about 10 feet wide and 25 feet in length. It is one monolithic pour, ranging from 18 to 24 inches thick with NO expansion joints. There are two steel steps teading to this deck and then more steel steps leading up to another small deck which we will not be 'paving'. The deck in question is poured over 'rip-rap', LARGE boulders that surround the lighthouse and protect it from the wake of passing boats and the tides. The whole 'island' is about 50 by 50 feet and the average depth of the SALT water is about 10 feet in depth. We are doing an Historic Renovation on the structure. It was not built with gutters so we can't put any on.
The idea of tile cement never crossed my mind. The area in question is subject to random wetting down, both from rain and from blown mist and water. Will the tile cement hold up??
Thanks for the ideas. If anyone else wants to chime in, I'm always open to suggestions.
SawdustSteve