52K views · 3.8K reactions | Real Concrete Finishers: Own Your Tools...

💥 They Changed the Mix—Now Your Concrete’s Popping Still Think It’s the Tool’s Fault? Concrete finishers across the industry are facing a new problem: surface popping and finish failures on slabs that used to be rock solid. The common factor? 🧪 New “eco-friendly” air-entrained concrete mixes. For years, we’ve been using steel trowels with no issues. Now, we’re told those same tools are causing problems. But is that really the truth—or is the mix the real culprit? ⸻ ❗ Here’s What’s Happening: •

Plan Your Drainage Before You Pour Most finishers only think about the surface — but real pros start with drainage and slope planning long before the first load of concrete arrives. This driveway was fully pre-planned with a cross slope leading into a perimeter drain system that keeps water moving away from the buildings. Why It Matters If you don’t plan your drainage, you’re planning for failure. Standing water leads to freeze-thaw cracks, surface wear, and foundation damage. Proper grading, dr