Question about mixing mud in really cold weather

Last week in Chicago, it was 15 degrees and we had to lay brick for a new garage. My usual mix was setting up way too fast, like in 20 minutes, and the joints looked rough. I tried adding a little warm water and keeping the sand covered with a tarp, which helped a bit. But I'm curious, does anyone have a better method for keeping mortar workable when it's that cold out?

2 comments

2 Comments

xena_anderson17h agoMost Upvoted

Ever try those little portable heaters aimed right at the mix?

craig.reese10h ago

Yeah those little heaters, I read a forum post where someone said it dried out their top layer way too fast lol.