Unpopular opinion: Most guys are using too much water in their mix

I was working a driveway pour last Tuesday in Tacoma and the finisher next to me kept adding water to make it easier to spread. By the time we got to the final pass the surface was already dusting and we had to fight it all afternoon. I started out 15 years ago doing the same thing because I thought wetter meant smoother. But I learned the hard way after getting called back to a job in 2019 where the owner complained about cracking within 6 months. Now I keep my slump around 4 inches max and use a little plasticizer if I need workability. Has anyone else noticed a big difference after backing off the water?

2 comments

2 Comments

laura94021d ago

Yeah that "fighting it all afternoon" part hit home lol. I read somewhere that too much water basically kills the cement paste and leaves you with a weak surface that's gonna dust and crack.

andrew64621d agoMost Upvoted

Read that too @laura940, sounded like a good explanation for my dusty mess.