Quick tip: Pre-wet your bricks in hot weather

I used to lay dry bricks until a job in Phoenix last July where my mortar kept drying too fast and cracking. Soaking them for 10 minutes before laying made a huge difference in the bond. Anyone else do this or just me?

2 comments

2 Comments

matthewgonzalez12d ago

Learned that the hard way too after a batch turned to dust in the sun.

mason_flores2112d ago

Honestly, you're not alone at all. But I gotta point out, @matthewgonzalez, dry bricks turning to dust in the sun sounds like maybe the mortar mix was off too. Pre-wetting helps a ton but if the mortar itself is too sandy or you're not keeping it shaded, it'll still flash-set. I do a quick soak for maybe 5 minutes, not 10, because too much water in the brick can make the mortar slump. Just a little damp on the surface is usually enough in my experience.