Hit a massive rock shelf on a job in Boulder that turned a 2-day vinyl install into a 5-day nightmare

We were setting posts for a 150-foot run and the auger just stopped dead. It was solid sandstone about 18 inches down. Had to rent a demo hammer with a spade bit to break it up, which added three full days of work and cost an extra $800 in tool rental and labor. The client was not happy about the delay. Anyone else had a geology surprise totally wreck your schedule?

3 comments

3 Comments

wesley3851mo ago

It's the universe's hidden tax on every plan.

blair5971mo ago

Nah, @wesley385, I see it more like the universe's free upgrade.

gibson.sarah1mo ago

Ever try to drill a fence post and hit solid rock? That's Boulder for you. It's not really a hidden tax like @blair597 joked, it's more like a known hazard. I always check the county's online geology maps before I bid a job there now. Saved me from a few surprises after learning the hard way, just like your sandstone shelf.