8 FIELD GUIDE TO SLAT REPAIR SELECTION OF REPLACEMENT SLATS Not all slats are created equal. Use guide to compare options and ask your slat manufacturer WHAT TO LOOK FOR Lower water-cement ration (dry cast) WHY IT MATTERS Denser, stronger concrete with fewer pores → better wear resistance in barn conditions DRY CAST WET CAST Lower water-to-cement ratio Longer lasting More resistant to wear ✓ ✓ ✓ Higher water-to-cement ratio Compromised slat strength x x WHAT TO LOOK FOR Flat, even top surface (machine finished) WHY IT MATTERS Easier for pigs to move; reduces foot/joint stress compared to uneven/hand troweled slats MACHINE FINISHED HAND FINISHED Provide consistent flat surface Aid in pig movement ✓ ✓ Inconsistent surface Stress on pig’s feet and joints x x WHAT TO LOOK FOR High strength steel in both the top and bottom of each slat. WHY IT MATTERS • Bottom steel reduces sag under load • Top steel allows safe handling during installation • Controls crack size for longer lasting slats STEEL REINFORCEMENT WEAK REINFORCEMENT 2 layers of 80,000 PSI steel ✓ Single layer low-strength rebar x
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