Loading…
23
My foreman's comment about mortar temps made me rethink everything
Been laying brick for about 9 years now, mostly residential in the Phoenix area. Last month we were pouring footings and setting up for a big wall. It was 108 degrees outside, and I was mixing mortar like I always do, just adding water until it felt right. My foreman, old guy named Ray, walks over and says 'you ever stop to think why you add ice to the mix on days like this?' I thought he was joking. He wasn't. He explained that hot mortar sets up too fast and can cause the bond to fail later on. I never once considered the water temp. Always just used whatever came out of the hose. Now I keep a few bags of ice in the cooler for the mix on summer jobs. Been about 3 weeks and I swear the joints look cleaner. Has anyone else dealt with mortar setting up too quick in the heat? I'd love to hear what you all do.
1 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In1 Comment
james6721mo ago
Ray's got a point, hot mix is a real problem down here.
2