Had a heated debate with an old-timer over curing compound vs. wet burlap last Tuesday

I was pouring a sidewalk for a house in Oakdale and this retired finisher walks up, says I'm ruining the slab by using curing compound instead of wet burlap and poly. I told him compound is fine for 3,000 PSI mix, but he got all red in the face saying nothing beats keeping it wet for 7 days. Said he's been doing it since 1978 and never had a crack. I respect experience but I've used compound on dozens of jobs with no issues. Has anyone else run into this old-school vs. modern debate on the job site?

3 comments

3 Comments

felix_williams7120d ago

You're not wrong about that old timer getting worked up. I had the same debate a few years back on a big driveway pour and finally just let the guy talk. Honestly what worked for me was pulling up the ASTM spec on my phone showing that curing compound passes the same moisture retention test as wet curing. Tbh I've used compound on dozens of slabs in hot California weather and never had a cracking issue either. The trick is putting it on heavy enough and not skimping. I still use wet burlap on stamped work but for standard flatwork compound is totally fine.

keithbutler20d ago

Man I feel you @felix_williams71, that's exactly the kind of stubborn debate that makes you wanna just walk away sometimes. Pulling up the spec on your phone is a slick move though, I've done that too and it usually shuts 'em up quick.

cole99416d ago

Oh man, I tried that phone trick once but my battery died right as I was scrolling to the spec, so I just stood there awkwardly nodding like I agreed with the guy.