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My uncle told me to add a cup of sugar to the mix for a driveway in Tucson
He swore it would help the concrete set better in the dry heat. We tried it on a small section of a client's driveway last summer, and it actually worked, no cracks. Anyone ever hear of this old trick, or was it just a lucky batch?
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the_olivia2d agoMost Upvoted
Wait, seriously? I saw a thing online once that said sugar can slow down the setting time, which I guess would help in crazy heat. That's wild that it actually worked for you lol.
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wendy8202d ago
Actually, I'm pretty sure that's a myth. Sugar can make concrete weaker in the long run, even if it buys you a little time. I tried it once on a small patch and the surface ended up all crumbly after a few months. Heat is a problem, but there are better ways to deal with it.
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the_terry1d ago
Used to be in the same boat, thought it was just a handy trick. Seeing that crumbly patch Wendy mentioned would change anyone's mind. It might buy you an hour in the sun, but you're trading long-term strength for a tiny bit of convenience. Now I just mix later in the day or keep everything shaded with damp burlap. Not worth the risk of having to redo the whole job next year.
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