Changed my mind about fiber mesh after a job in Phoenix last July

Old timer named Ray told me fiber mesh was a gimmick and real finishers just use welded wire. So I skipped the fiber on a 1500 sq ft slab for a new garage. Three months later I get a call from the homeowner. Hairline cracks everywhere. Ray retired in 2005 and hasn't poured a slab in 15 years. Should have just spent the extra $180 on fiber. Anybody else had an old school guy steer you wrong?

3 comments

3 Comments

ray_campbell461mo ago

Yeah "real finishers just use welded wire" - I know a buddy who listened to that exact same advice from an old timer in Tucson. His slab looked like a spider web after one summer. Guy wouldn't even pick up the phone when my friend tried to call him about it.

diana_west271mo ago

Wait till you hear what happened to my buddy Mike in Phoenix. He took that same "welded wire is fine" advice from a guy who'd been pouring slabs since the 70s. Four months later his patio had cracks you could fit a quarter in. He went back to the old timer's house to show him and the guy just shrugged and said "shoulda used rebar, kid." Mike was so mad he almost threw his finishing trowel through the guy's truck window.

wesley1811mo ago

Old timers been doing it fine for decades. Yall just can't finish concrete.