Which is better dry or wet setting fence posts? I was told that, due to Indiana's drastic weather dry is best.

Question

I was told by the owner of a fence company that dry setting allows for a more complete and superior set over the long term. He stated and showed me pictures of how, if a wet set is used, the first movement the fence experiences due to winds or whatever essentially dooms the fence. After the initial movement posts which were wet set will start to crack and any movement will be further exacerbated as the concrete continues to crack, water infiltrates and our winters further open the cracks from freezing, thawing, and then refreezing. Eventually the fence posts will start to heave (rise up out of the settings) and damage occurs to the fence. The owner continued by saying that he would do either wet or dry without any different in price but recommended the dry as the best option for Indiana climate. This company has been recognized by the BBB and Angie' list but I would like more feedback from any of you who have experienced problems with either wet or dry and your recommendations.

Answer 1

One man's opinion.  I was raised in and have built fence in Montana so I know what drastic weather is.  Both methods are vulnerable to post movement until the concrete is fully cured.  Wet mix will cure faster since dry set depends on the moisture in the surrounding soi.  Sometimes the dry mix closest to the posts doesn't even get wet so never sets up, and it is much harder to tamp dry mix to eliminate air pockets which will also be a weak spot.  Either method will heave if you are not deeper than the frost line and either mix will continue to crack after the initial post movement.  Finally, dry set is much less expensive and labor intensive since the concrete doesn't have to be mixed and handled but once- no concrete mixer, no wheelbarrows, less man hours.  Same price?