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Just realized my mortar mix was way too wet on a chimney rebuild in Denver
I was about halfway up this old brick chimney when I noticed the joints were sagging badly, and it turned out my helper had added almost two extra gallons of water to the batch. I had to stop, chip out all the fresh mortar with a brick chisel, and start over from the last solid course. What's your go-to method for checking mortar consistency before you start laying, especially in dry climates?
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simonk986mo ago
Two summers ago on a Denver patio job, I learned to check the mix by making a small ball in my hand. If it holds its shape without cracking and leaves just a bit of moisture on my glove, it's good. If it feels slick or drips at all, I add a handful of sand and dry mix back in. Why do helpers always think more water makes it easier?
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rileyd436mo ago
That "chip out all the fresh mortar" part is the worst. In dry air, I actually watch how fast the water soaks into my mixing board first thing in the morning. If it disappears in seconds, I know I'll need to mix a bit tighter than usual from the get go.
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scott.olivia5mo ago
I always keep a spray bottle on hand for those dry mornings. It lets me add just a little water back to the surface if it starts to set up too fast, which is smarter than starting too wet like @ramirez.vera's helper wants.
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