Update and Asking Advice

[NS'Creter]

Hi guys! Remember that big municipal project that I was "courting"? Well, the wheels have slowly squeaked ahead a little bit this morning. The Town Engineer phoned, my wife took the call, and there have been some developments. Because of the design (which I have yet to see) they hafta replace 3' of sidewalk for the entire length (miles). Apparantly there's shaping to be done. This 3' is to simulate the sandstone that the Town Hall is constructed with. So anyway, they want me to go in to speak with them and do a few samples...for color, for traction, all of that sorta stuff. The job does hafta go to tender because it's government so I have no guarantee of anything. Remember that this is the town where that "moonlighter" works...they could "borrow" info from me if I'm not careful. I don't trust them at all. I'm the only game in town that specializes in this work and one of 2 or 3 in the province but any contractor can bid on this. They can take a weekend course somewhere (or not), buy the supplies and screw it all up. Although I don't intend to run the biz this season I want this job! I can train a crew and supervise for something as simple as this.

What is the absolute best sealer on the planet for sidewalks that are exposed to 4 seasons, lotsa foot traffic, salt and snowplows in the winter? I need the very best coloring and sealing materials available...so bring on the suggestions folks. Quality is the primary concern, ease of use and cost would be secondary. Thanx in advance.

[Lindy]

There is NOTHING that compares in ability to a Polyaspatic Aliphatic Polyurea (PAP) in relation to ...
(1) resistance to the harsh elements of Mother Nature: ice or snow, continuous UV's and mile high cities in closer proximity to the sun, freeze/thaw cycling and related thermoshock that can be a death sentence for other types of sealers (PAP are flexible and have a 1/8" mandrel bend which is unique to formulation, therefore are able to expand and contract with the substrate instead of fissuring/shattering as rigid sealers will do

(2) wear/abrasion resistance that will hold up to continuous foot traffic/vehicles/snow removal methods/etc.: example: acrylic sealers 1 liter of sand, aliphatic urethanes 18 liters of sand, PAP 30 liters of sand; liters of sand relates to how many liters of falling abrasive sand, as per the ASTM falling sand test, it takes to wear/abrade sealer/sealers being tested off identical steel test panels).

(3) PAP has heat resistance of 300F; while acrylics and typical concrete sealers are 120-140F: superior heat resistance deters how tire peal up and other heat related damage.

(4) PAP has the highest degree of chemical resistance as compared to all other sealers.

(5) PAP will remain clear, even in wet/damp or fresh water submerged conditions: alternative sealers will cloud/fog out under same environmental conditions.

(6) High solids of PAP sealers leave more shielding protection on the surface upon cure out and "lock in" skid-slip fall micro-medias, assuring that ADA "COF" of friction are met/addressed: typical sealers have so little dry mil build that any type of skid-resistant micro-media is worn-off quickly since they just stick to the sealer and is not sunken/embedded down into as is the case with a high resin solids PAP.

(7) PAP have anti-graffiti properties; foreign matter washes off.

(8) PAP will still be there shielding and protecting the surface (concrete itself and/or investments in decorative concrete surface)s for years to come; instead of the continuous annual maintenance/cleaning/resealing/etc that is the case with a typical sealer.

(9) PAP guarantee rapid return to service; 1st dry 2 hours, 2nd dry 2 hours (4 hours after application of 2nd coat can be returned to service); this plus factor can be quite important when it comes to commercial and/or public use interior or exterior surfaces.

(1) PAP will cure out in temperatures as low as -30F (minus 30); can be an important factor in regions of country that have frigid temperature extremes.

The above but a few of the premium performance and longevity factors that relate to superior PAP sealers "that will save maintenance dollars, paying for themselves over the years, and make SENSE when it comes to protecting an investment and/or public infrastructures of various cementitious types.

Just keep in mind that you should NEVER assume that a PAP is going to be COMPATIBLE with the typical/standard acrylic based concrete stains ... 75%-80% of the time applying a PAP over the common types of topical acrylic concrete stains will result in not only the PAP pealing off the concrete dyed surface, but also the PAP will not reach full cured physical properties in relation to hardness and maximum abrasion/wear resistance. There are some hybrid acrylic concrete dyes that are compatible with PAP's but again NEVER assume this to be the case ... instead, you must CYA and test/test/test evaluate for yourself.

PAP's are excellent for application over acid stains, integral colored concrete, stamped concrete materials, etc. (you just have to consider and test/evaluate for yourself when it comes to application over acrylic concrete dyes as stated above).

Let me know if I can shed any more light on the subject. Hope that you get something going on this ... personally, I believe the city should hire you as a "individual professional consultant" who will provide them with insights as to materials that should be specified, manner in which applications should be made, etc. ... that will assure that you MAKE money, putting your technical knowledge/industry expertise/etc to work for them (cities hire professional consultants all the time).

I recently took on an individual professional consultant job, for a period of 1 year, my retainer being $500 a week, renewable or canceling at the end of that term at the discretion of either party to it.

Lindy A.

Lindy A.

[alexwright]

Hey Scotia, As if I needed to say it, listen to Lindy. Anyhow I also am doing an estimate but mine is removing rust and sealing or I am going to propose acid stain and sealing. Actually now that I'm thinking about it I could just remove rust and then seal with PAP. So many different ways I guess, well I just need to sit down with them and go over options before us and go from there. This area is a community with about 41,000 sq ft sidewalks, driveways and (curb) gutter type (2ft wide). Heres to just giving it our best shot and placing it in their hands and hope they see that we our the best option and not some yahoos.

[NS'Creter]

That's what I was thinkin' Lindy. Thanx. As this moves along I'll be calling on you (for real...I gotta get past this issue I have with the phone ) I need to be very careful so that my butt is covered on this one. My approach is going to be that my services are their best option...nothing but the best materials and no shortcut or bargain basement options. I have already made my point clear to them that I had no plans to operate the biz this season but for this project I will train a crew. It is a significant project in terms of revenue and also prestige. It could be very, very good or very, very bad. When people stroll downtown they need to admire my work and associate positive thoughts only...otherwise I'm involuntarily done.
Good luck with your endeavor also Alex, maybe we'll both have a good season this year. ;D
Lindy, here's an idea right offa the top-o-my head. Do you think that it would be advantageous for you to come here to properly explain the benefits of your P.A.P. as related to a project of this calibre? Do you do that? I understand that there would be a cost for such a thing, but what do you think?

[Lindy]

Let's see how all this unfolds. With a municipal project of this type, which we have discussed on numerous occasions over the past year or so, there are options. I have done a certain degree of independent professional/personal consulting work over the past 30 years; although I at this time I don't have an answer.

As for you're being such a phone phobic, I hope that you someday overcome this, giving me a call so we can have a one-to-one voice conversation :>)

Best of luck in acquiring this high profile project up in Canada, as well as well wishes for Alex on his out in California. Both you guys "deserve a break," along with the financial rewards, referrals, and recognition if they come to be.

Lindy A.

Lindy A.