Fiber mesh in the concrete?

[catch22]

Just wondering if you guys would go with the fiber mesh in the concrete or is this not needed since im putting the wire mesh under it?
The fiber mesh is an extra $15 per yard and im going to need almost 10 yards.

Thanks Mike

 

[g935cab]

Do a search this has been debated many times , i would use it only 150 bucks for a little insurance on fine hair line cracks , also think about how you will finish the floor with the mesh youll have hair on the surface youll have to deal with i just had mine poured two weeks ago and had it power trowled smooth i cant see any hair and its like glass

 

[Bevis]

I would do the mesh, even if you add the wire too.

 

[Junkman]

I used the chopped fiber in my garage floor, and specified a 4500 # mix in place of the standard 3000 pound mix. I also used a heavy gauge wire mesh in that was set up on bricks to keep it in the middle of the floor. My floor varies between 4" & 6" because it was easier to put in more concrete than it was to get a level base. It is a power troweled smooth finish, and I don't have any cracks or hairs to deal with. Worked out well for me. I just got a price yesterday on concrete in this area. $100 a yard, $15 extra for fiber, $8 a yard for hot water, if the temperature falls under a certain point (forgot what that was), so my next pour is going to be about double what it cost me a few years ago.

 

[5wndwcpe]

I used the chopped fiber in my garage floor, and specified a 4500 # mix in place of the standard 3000 pound mix. I also used a heavy gauge wire mesh in that was set up on bricks to keep it in the middle of the floor. My floor varies between 4" & 6" because it was easier to put in more concrete than it was to get a level base. It is a power troweled smooth finish, and I don't have any cracks or hairs to deal with. Worked out well for me. I just got a price yesterday on concrete in this area. $100 a yard, $15 extra for fiber, $8 a yard for hot water, if the temperature falls under a certain point (forgot what that was), so my next pour is going to be about double what it cost me a few years ago.

x2

 

[bigdav160]

Any idea how to get rid of the "hairs" if it wasn't power troweled?

don't ask how I know

 

[PurdueSD]

Any idea how to get rid of the "hairs" if it wasn't power troweled?

don't ask how I know

Flame thrower!!!

Seriously though... They make propane torches that attach to bbq propane cylinders.

I, myself, believe rebar to be far more important than fiber or mesh. I chose rebar and wire mesh for my slab.

 

[lawfarm]

Have you done anything to the finished concrete to remove the hairs? Most sealers just kind of burn the hairs off so the finish is smooth.

 

[larry4406]

I am also interested in the fiber mesh experience. I am contemplating installing a concrete driveway between my house and detached garage (large drive 60x120). The concrete would be 4 inches thick, 6x6 welded wire mesh, on a gravel base, and would be broom finished. How will the "hairs" behave with a broom finish? Any special sealers, technique? Worth it? 3000, 3500, 4000 psi???

 

[MAINIAC]

I WOULD FORGO THE FIBERS AND MAKE SURE THAT I HAD PLENTY OF REBAR AND WIRE AT THE CORRECT LEVEL. FIBER ISN'T NEEDED IF YOUR GROUND IS PREPED CORRECTLY. IF YOU ARE REALLY WORRIED ABOUT CRACKING, INSTALL SOME FROST CUTS. uNLESS YOU PLAN ON HUGE EQUIPMENT OR EXTREAM WEIGHT IT'S NOT WORTH THE PRICE. JMO RUSS

 

[Kevin54]

Fibermesh may be fine. I don't think it is all it is cracked up to be. It was discussed in a thread quite awhile back also. But I WOULD NOT put wire mesh in. It will stretch. Go for rebar instead. And like Maniac yelled.........proper ground prep is a must.