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That time a sudden rainstorm tried to ruin a patio pour in Austin
We were about halfway through a big stamped patio job in a backyard near Zilker Park. The sky went from clear to dark in maybe ten minutes, and the rain hit hard right as we started the color hardener. My buddy looked at me and just said, 'We're toast.' Instead of panicking, we grabbed every plastic sheet and tarp from the truck and covered the whole slab. We had to work fast, kneeling in the mud to seal the edges with rocks and tools. It poured for about 20 minutes straight. When it stopped, we pulled the plastic back slow, scared of what we'd see. The surface was a bit wet but totally intact, no washouts. We waited an hour for it to firm up a little, then got back on the bull float and finished the stamp. Has anyone else had to save a pour from a surprise storm? What's your go-to move?
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adam1861mo ago
That Zilker area weather is so wild. I see guys panic over a little rain all the time. Honestly, a wet surface isn't the end of the world if you know what you're doing. It just seems like a bigger deal in the moment than it really is. I've seen pours get a sprinkle and the crew acts like it's a total loss.
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taylor.brooke1mo ago
You said "bull float" but you'd use a magnesium float on stamped concrete right after rain.
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Man, that sounds so stressful. I mean, getting the plastic down in time with that kind of rain coming in is a total win. I've been there watching the radar and just hoping it misses you, but when it doesn't, that mad dash to cover everything is the worst.
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