Thread: problem with quikrete...

Add 1% Calcium Chloride and it is equivelant of raising your setting temperature 10 degrees. 2% would make 50 degree weather set up concrete like 70 degree weather (much quicker). (Sugar will do the opposite for very hot days where you want to delay the concrete from setting up). You used to be able to get Calcium Chloride from Lowe's..... it was sold as ice remover for roads and driveways.......

Or just let them dry an extra day or two......

I uses to pour parking bumpers at my old job, and 2 days should be more than enough time with temps getting in the 50's and 60's.

One thing to think about is to not let the dew fall on the concrete while it is going through its heat or it could cause probs. In thicker concrete like in buckets it won't matter, but in thin concrete it might.

Originally Posted by Nomad

I don't even mix it .I put the bamboo in the bucket ,them add sackrete (dry)till the bucket is 3/4 full .Them I add water to the top. Let it set for a little while the water soaks in. then fill bucket back up to the top again with water . The sackrete will set up . All that mixing is like work.
Hope this is helpfull.
Nomad

Me too Nomad................I am with you........

i have never heard of that problem either- even when not using it in buckets and such- after the hurricane,the pro's put up new fence for me and they didnt usa any water at all when they set the posts- i was like what the ........
he said there was enough moisture in the soil to make it set up- been that way 3 years now,still solid as a rock. ever see where a guy will line both sides of his drive way if theres a deep ditch ? they just stack them like sand bags and they set up in a few days-

Originally Posted by pappacrappie

hey fellas..how long does it generaly take for it set up...i must not be using enough water...after 2 days it just crumbles apart...im pouring it in square white 28qt tubs...any tips from the pro here....thanks

Same problem!I think I got some bad concrete or something.I have asked a lot of people about it and no one seems to have a clue.I mixed one up the spring of last year with a 12' high hollie.It is still tied up to the side of the barn and the concrete still hasn't set up.Thats a whole year and atleast 100 rain storms.When I poke at the top with a stick it is hard on top and then just below the surface it turns to sandy substance just like out of the bag.I have 20 bags of this stuff and would like to know how to make it work.I was told it does not get old , as long as it stays dry.

ok this may sound stupid and not trying to offend : what are the chance you just plain and simple bought the wrong stuff - say just the sand mix with no morter ? same company sells it........just a thought - re-read the bag

I think Racin 35 is on to something

Good point Racn35, I did that at Lowes. They had several bags that were busted and they put them in bigger plain brown bags and marked them Quickcrete. I bought the hole lot for one dollar a bag. Took the stuff home and one of the bags was morter mix. So now I am stuck with that bag. It still was bargain, I got twelve bags for for one dollar each and used it all but that one bag.