Got told my mortar mix was too wet for a chimney rebuild in Chicago last fall, and they were right.

3 comments

3 Comments

Actually a wetter mix can be better for brickwork in cold weather. It sets slower and stops the mortar from freezing up before it bonds right. Maybe they weren't used to working in those fall temps. Sometimes the old rules get followed too close without thinking about the conditions. A bit extra water might have been the smart move to save the whole job.

morgan9153mo ago

Wetter mortar in freezing temps can actually cause more ice crystals to form, weakening the bond. The real trick is using warm water and keeping the bricks covered.

casey_lane731mo ago

Honestly that "sets slower" part just changed my mind about cold weather mortar.