19
Old timer told me my mortar mix was too wet. I argued with him for 10 minutes.
I was laying block on a foundation job in Columbus last fall and this retired mason walked by. He said my mortar was too wet and would crack within a year. I went home, looked it up, and he was right. Do you mix yours stiffer than most guys recommend?
2 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In2 Comments
anderson.jason1mo ago
That old timer probably saved you a headache down the road. I mix mine stiffer than most guys too, especially after watching a buddy's block wall start spiderwebbing with cracks because he got impatient and ran it too wet. Funny thing is I still have trouble telling when it's just right, so I usually just poke it with my finger and guess. Good thing I'm not doing anything critical like a foundation, right? All my mistakes are hidden under trees nobody climbs.
8
Wait, so you actually went home and looked it up? That's more than most guys would do. I used to think wetter was always better because it felt easier to work with, but @anderson.jason is right about that spiderwebbing. A buddy of mine had the same problem on a retaining wall last year and had to tear it out after a few months. Now I keep mine stiff enough that it almost feels too dry at first. It's way harder to work with but the peace of mind is worth it. I still mess it up sometimes though and just guess with the finger test like everyone else.
4