Clean rebar????

[2zwudz]

  Some of you may know I have been struggling getting my footings to my cabin ready to pour.  Just about the time things start to dry out it rains again and makes for a muddy mess.  I went to the cabin again this weekened to set the rebar (thinking it would be dry enough) and yes it had rained there a day or so before.  Since I couldn't put the rebar down in the trench with the mud, I cut, bent and set it along side the trench as to be ready when it does dry up enough.  When I did this the rebar got mud on it.  I was talking to a concrete contracter and he said the rebar must be clean and free of mud before I pour concrete in the trench.  How true is this?

Thanks
Mark

[glenn kangiser]

The concrete cannot grip the rebar if it is muddy.

I like it suspended - blocked with concrete pieces - wire etc.  Maybe you could tie it up and hose or sweep or brush it off .

Below is referring to a slab and only a trowel - board etc may be required on a footing or wall.

I don't like to worry or mess with it while the pour is going on.  Too many other things that require your attention.   Also I like to make plywood or other jigs to hold all anchors etc in place.  It's a real pain to do it while the concrete is wet or have one that can move.  Guaranteed - it will move.

Have someone run around with a trowel and edger, bull float and Fresno Trowel with long handles and a weight available - etc doing everything while the concrete is still wet and as soon as able to do it-- lightly at first then firmer as able- repeat as it gets firmer.  Staying ahead of it is the only way as once you get behind it will kill you and you may never catch up.