Using an Applicator Wand to Seal Concrete Decks
The information on this page is drawn from materials produced by CPWR. The original pdf is at the bottom of the page. 6/1/09
A problem with sealing concrete decks
It is a common practice to seal and cure concrete slabs as soon as possible after finishing to retard dehydration. For those slabs that call for broomed finishes, workers must wait until the concrete won't crumble under their weight, requiring workers to walk gingerly across the fresh concrete trying not to leave footprints. The alternative is to pour concrete in lanes/bays narrow enough, that a worker could reach out over the concrete as far as possible from the edge, with a sprayer and cast a mist of sealer over the concrete hoping it is sufficiently covered. Holding a 3 gallon spray can in one hand (weighing about 30 lbs when full) and the spray applicator in the other exposes worker to continual exertion and movement lifting, transferring, reaching and leaning wearing workers out after a couple trips to the supply drum.
Without the Applicator Wand
With the Applicator Wand
Solution
Use specially designed applicator wand adapted from a telescoping painter pole, a nozzle (broad, flat, spray pattern), nozzle seat, goose neck and trigger that comes with any 3 gallon type agricultural sprayer commonly seen on construction sites, 50 to 200 yards of hose and an airless pump (Juice Box* sprayer/applicator). With the use of the Wand, lanes/ bays can be poured twenty feet wide at a time. The spray coming out of the tip can make a four to five foot wide pattern while holding the wand horizontally. The worker is carrying only the pole and what little product is in the tubing. Everything else including the product can be sitting on the deck. The worker stands in an upright position moves along the bay spraying four to five feet wide and extending the pole to reach 20+ feet with very little physical exertion.
The Applicator Wand:
- Decreases forward bending angle and amount of time spent in stooped posture.
- Reduces lifting and carrying strain.
- Improves worker productivity.
Design
View the design of the applicator wand here
Availability
The Applicator Wand can be built from materials found in a local hardware store or home improvement center for under $100. The "Juice Box" pump shown in the design can be found at http://www.juiceboxllc.com
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