Thought I'd save time mixing concrete for a post base in the rain

Had a job in Portland last week where the forecast said light drizzle, so I figured I could still set a few posts. Used a standard 60lb bag of Quikrete, but the rain picked up halfway through mixing. The concrete ended up way too wet and soupy, took almost double the time to set up. Learned that even a little extra water from rain can throw off the whole ratio. Anyone got a good trick for working in wet conditions besides just calling it a day?

2 comments

2 Comments

felix_thomas731mo ago

Wait, you mixed a full 60lb bag in the rain without even a tarp over it? That's asking for trouble. Johnson.ryan is right about checking the radar, but come on, a little drizzle turns into a downpour real fast out here. You can't just hope for the best with concrete, the water ratio is everything. A cheap canopy is a basic move, why risk wasting a whole bag and your time?

johnson.ryan1mo ago

Ngl, that's just part of the game working outside here. You gotta check the radar, not just the forecast. A cheap pop-up canopy from the hardware store is a lifesaver for keeping your mix dry. Tarping the bag and your mixing area before you even start helps a ton too. Bailing on the job every time it mists isn't really an option.