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?

3 comments

3 Comments

grant_fox1d 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.

zarap771d ago

Air entrainment is totally overrated for most DIY jobs.

brooke4481d 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.