Why Is My Concrete Soft? (Bad Mix?)

Why Is My Concrete Soft? (Bad Mix?)

Soft concrete is caused by too much water added, or concrete froze before curing. Use a surface hardener (densifier) to save it. Understanding the causes helps you fix soft concrete.

What Causes Soft Concrete?

Two main causes:

1. Too Much Water

• Dilutes cement: Too much water dilutes cement paste
• Reduces strength: Weakens concrete significantly
• Common mistake: Adding water to make concrete "easier to work"

2. Froze Before Curing

• Ice formation: Water in concrete freezes
• Stops hydration: Prevents cement from curing
• Weak concrete: Never gains proper strength

Solution: Surface Hardener (Densifier)

Use densifier to harden surface:

• What it does: Reacts with concrete to increase density
• Hardens surface: Makes surface harder
• Improves durability: Better resistance to wear
• Can save it: May salvage soft concrete

Application

1. Clean surface: Clean thoroughly
2. Apply densifier: Apply according to directions
3. Let penetrate: Allow to penetrate
4. Repeat if needed: May need multiple applications

The Bottom Line

Soft concrete is caused by too much water or freezing before curing. Use a surface hardener (densifier) to save it—it reacts with concrete to increase density and hardness. Prevent soft concrete by not adding excess water and protecting from freezing during cure.

Have soft concrete? Contact Local Concrete Contractor. We can apply densifiers to harden soft concrete surfaces.