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I have been installing signs for quite a few years now, and I have always used the same technique. Dig the holes, set the sign, mix up the concrete in a wheelbarrow, and pour it in the holes. This works good, but requires that I take a wheelbarrow, and other tools along to the site, along with the sign and posts, etc. I am wondering if one of you has a better way of either mixing the concrete, or another type of concrete that sets up on its own. I have tried the three part system of foam, but I dont care for it. I'm open to suggestions.
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I do not use concrete...for the sake of future removal.I dig the hole an extra foot or two deeper and after post is installed...I pack the hole with rocks using a heavy bar... I have heard you can dump a bag of readymix in the hole..just dump it in there dry...ground moisture will set it..don't know for sure..never tried it but makes sense..
I often mix gravel mix while it's still in the bag, right next to the hole. Split the bag on the top side and pour water in, not all at once. I have also mixed it on a piece of plywood, and even right on the ground next to the hole, scraping it into the hole with a garden hoe. Most people mix it too wet, anyway. Too much water weakens it.
On big signs, like highway bulletins, I call the ready-mix. Their mixes are stronger than you can make by hand.
Michael: I've back-filled holes many times with just the dry stuff only, or, poured some water in with it prior to tamping. Mixed results.
Why don't you like the foam, John? It's so E-Z.
Brad in Arkansas
------------------ Brad Ferguson 4782 West Highway 22 Paris AR 72855 501-963-2642 signbrad@cswnet.com
Posts: 1230 | From: Kansas City, MO, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
One of my clients is a cement by the bag manufacturer. They sell the stuff to the building supply companies. They told me about a product for setting posts. They call it Rapidpost. Basically you put the post in the hole then pour the Rapidpost in dry. Add about one cup of water. It sets up in less than 1/2 hour. Works great
I would think someone in Kentucky sells a similar product. Start asking at the building supply stores.
------------------ Chuck Churchill, It's A Good Sign Inc. 3245 Harvester Rd, U-12 Burlington, Ont. Phone: 905-681-8775 Fax: 905-681-8945
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Hiya John, First, we dig the holes & back fill with some gravel to bring the sign to level. Second, we set the post with stone & gravel to solidify them in the holes. At this point the sign is solid enough to stand on it own without any swaying. Third, For temporary signs we back fill the rest of the hole with dirt & invoice the job. Or, for permanent signs we dump in "quick" setting "crete" & mix water in the hole at the same time, mixing with an old mop handle to eliminate any air bubbles. Once the hole is filled, we put a finish on the top of the cement & slope it away from the post. Either way theres no need for supports or a return trip to the site the next day. My boss has been doing it this way for 20 years & untill something better comes along, I plan on doing it for the next 20. Havin' fun, Checkers
------------------ a.k.a. Brian Born Classic Signs South Plainfield, NJ members.home.net/sign-it/ This isn't Burger King, you can't have it your way.
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i fill the bottom third of hole with sakrete then 1 third dirt tamp real good finish off with sakrete put a little dirt on top tamp again water in groung will set sakrete. sakrete is the concrete with gravel. if you ever have to dig post up you can hit concrete with hammer and it will break & fall of. hope this helps
------------------ Jimmy Chatham Chatham Signs 164 Poplar Rd. Commerce, Ga 30529 706-335-2348 Fax 706-335-3378 icq#11718273
Posts: 1766 | From: Commerce, GA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I have to agree with Jimmy all ya really need to do is tamp tha sackrete real good it'll set up from tha moiture in tha ground if there is a bad dry spell ya can just put a little water on top after tha sackrete is tamped but not much.Leaving the water out of the sackrete serves 3 purposes,one it gives ya an instant set to tha post & 2 there doesn't seem to be anywhere near as much post rot due tha concrete,& 3 all ya need is a post hole digger,a level,& a tamp bar.
------------------ fly low...timi/NC is,.....Tim Barrow Barrow Art Signs Winston-Salem,NC members.xoom.com/Signz
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The little barrels they make for mixing th econcrete seem to work good. They mix up enough for one home. Add you r mix, some water and roll it a round for a minute or so and it is ready to pour.
------------------ Greg Gulliford aka MetroDude Metro Signs and Banners 1403 N. Greene St. #1 Spokane, WA 99202 509-536-9452
Posts: 576 | From: Spokane, WA USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
You are wasting your time & money using concrete with wood poles. Wood absorbs moisture and swells. Concrete will not stop the swelling so what happens is the concrete just cracks and is not holding the pole any tighter than compacted soil. I definatly use concrete for metal poles but never for wood. Check with any pole building contractor. Pressure treated poles go right in the ground... no concrete!
I made a tamper out of a 2x4 and I'll throw in any rocks to the bottom and tamp them down, then backfill the dirt, tamping as I go. Never had a pole failure yet. And we always dig holes deep enough to get below the frost line.
------------------ Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 ICQ: 21604027 sherwood@up.net
Posts: 5396 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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posted
Thanks for the responses y'all. You've put me in the right direction. All good ideas, and I think I'll retire my big gawky wheelbarrow now. The main reason I don't care for the foam Brad, is it's very hard to find in my area, and the times I used it, I wasn't happy with the results. I guess I am just used to concrete. Again, thanks to everyone for your help.
posted
For most installs we use the quick-set mix for post setting. Doesn't require pre-mixing, just pour it in the hole with the water and your done. We also add 3 or 4 16 penny galvanized nails sticking out on each side of the post. They set up into the concrete and give it something to grab on to. Even if the wood swells and cracks the concrete, the nails keep the post from riding up in the hole. What's the foam you guys are talking about?? Always looking for new ideas!
------------------ Pete Kouchis Say it with SIGNS, Inc. Orland Park, IL, USA Phone: (708)460-3001 Fax: (708)460-3006
Excellence is doing a common thing in an uncommon way Booker T. Washington
Posts: 150 | From: Orland Park, IL, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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