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My handmade concrete birdbath is crumbling at the edges after one season
I built this birdbath as a hobby project last year. The edges are falling apart, probably from the winter weather I didn't plan for. What mix tweaks help with durability in areas with big temperature swings?
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grant_fox7mo ago
Air entrainment is your best friend for freeze-thaw cycles... it puts tiny bubbles in the mix that give expanding ice somewhere to go. You can buy a liquid admixture for that at any hardware store. Also, cut back on the water you use. Too much water makes weak, porous concrete that soaks up moisture and cracks. A really stiff mix is tougher to work with but holds up way better. Don't over-trowel the surface either, you'll push those protective air bubbles right out.
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zarap777mo ago
Air entrainment is totally overrated for most DIY jobs.
6
brooke4487mo ago
Ugh, my dad's patio turned into a total spiderweb because he worked the surface like crazy trying to get it mirror-smooth. He basically troweled all the protection right out.
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the_julia7mo ago
Wow, I used to think smooth was best too.
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