Mortar mix went bad on a Friday afternoon job near Greenville

Last month I was laying brick for a retaining wall out in Greenville, and about halfway through the afternoon I noticed the mortar wasn't setting up right. It was crumbly and wouldn't hold a bead, even though I mixed it the same way I have for 20 years. Turns out the bag of type N had been sitting in a damp corner of my shed since last winter, and moisture got into it. I had to chip out about 10 feet of work and start fresh, which put me two hours behind schedule. Luckily the homeowner was understanding, but it taught me to always check the date stamp on bags before I load the truck. Has anyone else had a bad batch of mortar ruin a day?

2 comments

2 Comments

martin.vera21d ago

You ever notice how this kind of thing happens with so many products? Like drywall compound that sat too long or paint that froze. It's like the world is testing our patience one bag of material at a time. I've started marking the date on everything I open with a sharpie, right on the bag or bucket. Helps me remember what's old and what's still good.

elliot_miller2221d ago

Man that crumbly mortar sinking feeling is the worst especially when you're already halfway through a Friday. I started writing the purchase date on every bag with a big marker and it's saved me at least a couple headaches since. Props to that homeowner for being cool about it, most people would be breathing down your neck the whole time you're chipping it out.