Rant: I mixed a batch of mortar with ice water on a hot day and it set way too fast

It was over 90 degrees on a job in Austin, so I thought using cold water from a cooler would help slow things down. The mix got stiff and crumbly in like 20 minutes, which totally threw off my rhythm for laying the soldier course. Has anyone else had this happen, and what's your go-to trick for working in serious heat?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_sean1mo ago

Try a retarder or just shade the mix.

young.michael1mo ago

@the_sean, what kind of retarder works best?

singh.harper1mo ago

Michael, the real trick is the water temp.