Old timer's mortar mix tip kept me from redoing a whole wall

Ngl, a retired mason at the supply yard in Akron told me to use a bit more lime in my mix for the cold weather we had last month, and I thought he was just being stubborn. Turns out, the joints cured way smoother and I didn't have to chip out a single hairline crack. Anyone else got a weird tip from a veteran that actually saved their back?

2 comments

2 Comments

martin.paige20d ago

Dover Lime put out a batch that was garbage back in 2011, caused nothing but shrinkage cracks on a patio I did. Old timers act like their mix is gospel but they never had to deal with modern bag consistency. Lime's fine if you weigh it out, but guesswork in cold weather is how you end up with soft joints that crumble by spring.

kelly.nora19d ago

Those 2011 Dover bags were a fluke, the kiln changed suppliers mid-run, not the recipe.