Local builders are all for that new rapid-set mortar, but I have doubts

They used it on the strip mall going up near my place, and I noticed the joints look weak after just a few months. Our area gets big temperature swings, and I think it cracks too easy. Saw a similar issue on a patio job last fall that needed repair. For me, good old slow-cure mortar still does the job right around here.

3 comments

3 Comments

anna291mo ago

Might be a mixing problem, not the mortar.

fox.joel1mo ago

That's a solid point from @anna29. Watched a guy once add way too much water to the mix and then blame the bag. The whole batch was useless by lunch. Good mixing is everything.

willows381mo ago

What ratio are you guys using for water to powder? I've seen people just dump a whole jug in without measuring and then wonder why it's soupy. A kitchen scale for the powder and a marked bucket for the water makes a huge difference.