Had a fresh mortar bed fail on me after a heavy rain last Thursday

We were doing a retaining wall job up in Beaverton, got the first two courses laid perfect and level. Then a surprise thunderstorm rolled in overnight and pretty much washed out all the joints before they had a chance to set. Had to tear down about 40 feet of wall and start over, which ate up a whole extra day of labor. Has anyone else tried using quick-set mortar in weather like that, or do you just plan around the forecast better?

2 comments

2 Comments

faith_perez6d ago

Not sure I'd blame the mortar when the forecast is right there on your phone. Quick-set or not, leaving fresh work uncovered when the weather calls for storms is asking for trouble. A tarp and some stakes would've saved you that whole day, honestly.

lily5116d ago

Gotta disagree a little. In my experience quick-set can buy you a few hours if you catch the window right, but a heavy rain at the wrong moment will still wreck it before it cures.