Swapped my old mortar mix for type S last month and glad I did

I used to use whatever bag was cheapest at the supply house for years, mostly type N. Then I took on a retaining wall job in Pittsburgh where the freeze-thaw cycle wrecked a section after two winters. Talked to a mason there who said type S with the higher Portland content holds up way better. Anyone else switch types and notice a big difference in durability?

3 comments

3 Comments

ryan_clark401d ago

Ha, yeah I learned that lesson the hard way too. Had a walkway I did with type N and the corners started flaking off after one rough winter. Now I pretty much only use type S for anything outdoors in this climate. The extra cost is nothing compared to tearing out failed work.

taraw161d ago

Brought back memories of my uncle's failed stone wall from the same mistake, what a mess that was.

paul_thompson671d ago

Yep @taraw16, I learned that one the hard way on a patio myself. Total waste of money.