Top 10 Mistakes Using Dexpan
What are The Top 10 Mistakes Customers Make Using Dexpan?
1. JUMPING IN
MISTAKE: Not reading the User Guide
While Dexpan is a very simple product to use, taking a couple of minutes to read the User Guide can avoid simple errors, improve results, increase safety, gain efficiencies, reduce waste and save money.
2. WRONG PRODUCT
MISTAKE: Selecting the version of Dexpan based on the air temperature or generic weather report
The core temperature of the rock or concrete you are fracturing determines which version of Dexpan to use, not the ambient or room temperature. Using the wrong product may result in poor cracking, delayed results or BLOWOUTS.
3. IMPATIENCE
MISTAKE: Not allowing sufficient time for the product to work
Be patient, when holes are drilled correctly and Dexpan is properly mixed and poured, the product is very reliable . . . just allow generous time for the product to fully react.
4. WATER
MISTAKE: Not measuring the water
Expansive grout effectiveness is largely a result of chemistry and physics. The ratio of water to powder is critical to achieve the desired chemical reaction and resulting expansive pressure. Too much or too little water, even by a few percent drastically changes the effectiveness of the product.
5. HOLE DIAMETER
MISTAKE: Using holes that are too small or large.
When you use holes smaller than the recommended 1-1/2” diameter, there is less volume of Dexpan mixture in the hole resulting in less pressure generated, smaller cracks and less extensive fracturing.
If larger than 1-3/4” diameter holes are used there is a high likelihood of dangerous and embarrassing BLOWOUTS.
6. HOLE SPACING
MISTAKE: Spacing holes too far apart.
Dexpan filled holes that are spaced too far apart may be ineffective or result in disappointing performance. Better to drill a few extra holes, than too few.
7. EXPANSION ROOM
MISTAKE: Not taking into account Dexpan requires and open face or expansion room to crack, expand and break apart
8. SHALLOW APPLICATIONS
MISTAKE: Trying to use Dexpan on materials that are less than 8” thick
The minimum recommended hole depth to drill and fill with Dexpan is 7”. Also, be sure not to drill completely through the bottom of a material.
9. MIXING DELAYS
MISTAKE: Taking too long between mixing the Dexpan with water and pouring into the drilled holes
Fully mix the powder and water ensuring you scrape the bottom and sides of the bucket. The mixture should be poured into the holes within 5 to 10 minutes after mixing.
10. DRILLING HOLES AT ODD ANGLES & DEPTHS
MISTAKES: Drilling holes at irregular, inconsistent depths and angles.
Dexpan is most effective when drilled holes are similar depth and angle to allow the pressure generated by adjoining holes to work “together.”
