This weekend we started the compaction of our gravel. Big thanks to Don the Johnson who picked up the compactor for us and then went off with Aimee to buy 25 sheets of 4’x8′ x 2″ foam board, 100′ of rebar and 32 sheets of rebar mesh. Bill for that was $1,500 and luckily the price of foam had dropped by $10 a board from the previous week – Covid. What a great help you were Don, big thanks.
So we needed the plate compactor to compact the gravel and to help stop the gravel settling over time. I found this quote from Braen Stone:
Although there are certain scenarios in which stone will tend to naturally compact or hold its place, many materials will begin to settle over time. When this happens, the surface becomes uneven, resulting in the development of gaps, dips and holes
The weakened surface results in unsafe conditions and costly repairs. The only way to prevent these problems from arising is by investing the time in stone compaction. This will create a solid base or sub-base that will hold its form and add to the life and value of your project.
It took Aimee a full afternoon compacting the gravel in the three ground floor rooms and after compaction the gravel had settled by about 3/4″. The finished result does look great, flat, level and pretty smooth. Next step will be laying out the foam insulation, followed by a Stego 10 mil vapour barrier, rebar mesh and radiant heat tubing.
We hired the plate compactor (heavy bugger) from Equipment Rentals NY and had to return it by 7.30am, so a big thank you to George, our neighbour, who met us at DM at 7am with his truck as it won’t fit in our sedan car. One day we will buy some sort of truck or SUV.
You make it look so quick and easy 😉. Can’t resist saying you missed a bit. Is there anything you two can”t turn your hands to save for regulated stuff obviously.
You’re too kind Chris and I know you could do anything that we are doing!!! I’ll let Aimee know we missed a bit 😉
I have a question if I may. Is that Don the Johnson standing at the back of the van, or Dave the Linnard? The reason I ask is I’m interested to know if they were deliberately modelling their hair on mum. :o)
I’m starting to see how the ground floor is slowly becoming habitable. It won’t be long before you’ll be able to move in and start on building your workshop where the garage stands. You can leave the rest of the house for your retirement.
That would be the venerable Don Johnson. Not sure Mum would like her hair compared that way though!!!!!
Yes you’ve got the idea Ian, ground floor first, then garage so we can use it to store the Jensen and workshop etc.