AboutEugene Clayton Expertise I would be happy to answer any question reguarding the construction of decks, composites verses natural materials, structure support systems,railing applications,stair design, how to figure stairs etc.. Pretty much anything that has to do with decks and or porches.
Experience I have been in the construction industry for over 26 years including new home construction, custom deck and screen porches. Most of my expertise is from framing custom homes for over 20 years. I now own and opperate a very successful custom deck and screen porch company in Atlanta Ga. Along with my Brother.
Expert: Eugene Clayton Date: 7/8/2008 Subject: remove pea gravel on patio floor
Question QUESTION: Hello, I live in a 20-year old villa that has a pea gravel patio floor and pea gravel on the porch and sidewalk. Is there any do-it-yourself way of removing the pea gravel, at least on the patio, so I can put down pavers or paint the underlying cement? I don't mind time-consuming - just want to make sure I'm not wasting my time on an ineffective method. Thanks!
ANSWER: Hello Linda
Other than a shovel maybe you can try a good wet vacuum, not a cheap brand get you a good one with a large canister.
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QUESTION: Thanks for getting back to me. I think I needed to give you more info - the pea gravel is "epoxied" onto the cement base... any ideas for that? Thanks again.
Answer Now that is a bird of a different feather altogether,
Epoxy is very strong if applied correctly, Any solvent that you could use would be highly toxic. A commercial grade cement grinder would be your best bet. Probably hard to find a rental. Contact a concrete cutter company. Or you could use a hammer drill set on hammer mode only and use a wide spade bit. That might do the trick. And keep the surface wet to avoid breathing the epoxy /concrete dust.
