Tried using a lime mortar mix from a local yard in Charleston for a 100 year old brick repair. It set way too fast in the heat, almost lost the whole job.

3 comments

3 Comments

Yeah, that fast set in the heat is brutal. I had the same thing happen on a Philly row home. Now I mix small batches, keep everything in the shade, and wet the bricks down right before. A spray bottle with water is key to slow it down just enough to work.

felix1551mo ago

My buddy Mike lost half a bag of mortar on a Baltimore patio last July. It set up like concrete in the mixing tub before he could even get the trowel loaded. He does exactly what you said now, @hannah_williams. Small batches in a cool spot and he soaks the pavers. That spray bottle trick saved his last job. He keeps one in a bucket of ice water.

lily3601mo agoTop Commenter

Oh man, that's the worst feeling! I've totally been there with mortar turning to rock in the bucket.