My Contractor Didn't Use Rebar: Should I Worry?

No Rebar in Your Concrete: Should You Worry?

If your contractor didn't use rebar, you should be concerned—especially for driveways or structural applications. Fiber mesh isn't a substitute for steel reinforcement. Here's why it matters and what to do.

Fiber Mesh vs Rebar

Fiber mesh: Prevents micro-cracks during curing. Good for small cracks, but doesn't provide structural strength.

Rebar: Provides actual structural strength. Holds concrete together when it cracks, preventing separation and failure.

Key difference: Fiber mesh prevents small cracks. Rebar prevents structural failure when cracks occur.

When Rebar is Critical

Rebar is essential for:

• Driveways (especially with heavy vehicles)
• Structural slabs
• Foundations
• Any load-bearing concrete

What Happens Without Rebar

If soil settles or concrete experiences stress:

• Concrete cracks (normal)
• Without rebar: Cracks separate, creating larger gaps and structural failure
• With rebar: Cracks stay small, rebar holds pieces together

The Bottom Line

Yes, you should worry if rebar wasn't used in structural applications. Fiber mesh helps with small cracks but doesn't provide the structural strength rebar does. For driveways and load-bearing concrete, rebar is essential for long-term performance.

If your contractor skipped rebar on a driveway or structural slab, discuss it. It may need to be addressed to ensure long-term durability.