Dealing with Excess Water in Your Postcrete Mix
If you’ve accidentally added too much water to your postcrete mixture, it can be a common concern. Perhaps you poured excess water into the hole or mistakenly incorporated too much into your mix. Whatever the cause, you might worry that your postcrete won’t set properly, especially if you’ve already waited some time and notice it remains soft. Rest assured, there’s no need to panic.
The good news is that your excess water-laden postcrete will still eventually set. The chemical reaction responsible for hardening concrete continues despite the extra water, and interestingly, it can even harden underwater. However, the process may take significantly longer than usual.
Be aware that the surface of the postcrete might remain soft to the touch, while the interior has already hardened into a solid mass. So, judging whether it has set solely by surface feel can be misleading. I recommend waiting at least two weeks before assessing whether the postcrete has fully cured. If, after this period, it remains unset or soft, it’s probably best to remove the compromised mixture and start anew with fresh material.
How to Properly Use Postcrete
If you’re unfamiliar with the correct procedure, I have a comprehensive guide on How to use postcrete. Here’s a quick step-by-step overview for those in a hurry:
Step 1 – Dig Your Hole
Begin by excavating a hole suitable for your post, ensuring it’s deep and wide enough for stability.
Step 2 – Fill the Hole with Water
Pour approximately one-third of the hole with water, making sure the water level remains steady and does not drain away. In the accompanying image, a bucket demonstrates this process. The goal is to fill the hole about one-third with water.
Step 3 – Insert Your Post
Place the post into the water-filled hole. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly straight at this stage; adjustment can come later.
Step 4 – Add Postcrete
Pour the postcrete into the hole, filling it until it just surpasses the water level. This ensures good contact and stability.
Step 5 – Aerate and Mix
Use a long pole or stick to stir the mixture, gently jabbing it up and down to aerate the postcrete and promote even setting.
Step 6 – Align Your Post
While the mixture is still wet, adjust the post to the desired vertical position. Use a level to ensure accuracy.
Step 7 – Maintain the Post’s Position During Setting
Keep the post perfectly straight as the postcrete sets. Support it by clamping or fixing it to a stable structure, which is preferable for ensuring alignment.
Final Step – Completion
Once the postcrete has set, typically over the next few hours, your post is securely anchored. Remember, it will continue to harden and strengthen over time, so avoid knocking or disturbing it during the initial curing period.
Comparing Postcrete and Concrete: What’s the Difference?
For a detailed comparison, refer to Postcrete vs Concrete. The primary distinction lies in ease of use and application:
- No Mixing Required with Postcrete: Simply pour the dry postcrete into the hole, add water, and it sets within approximately 15-20 minutes. No pre-mixing or batching is necessary, making it a quick and straightforward solution for small projects.
- Concrete Requires Mixing: You need to pre-mix sand, ballast, cement, and water to produce concrete. This process involves using a concrete mixer or mixing by hand, which can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. Although concrete is generally stronger than postcrete, it offers more flexibility with ballast sizes and quantities, allowing for tailored strength and durability.
In terms of cost, bulk concrete tends to be more economical than individual bags of postcrete, especially for large-scale projects. However, for small tasks like setting a few fence posts, postcrete is usually the more cost-effective and convenient choice.
Additional Resources on Postcrete
Eager to learn more? Here are some helpful topics:
- How Much Postcrete Per Post?
- How to Use Postcrete
- Postcrete vs Concrete: Pros and Cons
- Postcrete Setting Time: What to Expect
- Should You Water Postcrete First or Last?