Masonry Tips: Follow These When Weather Outside Is Cold


When the temperature goes below 40 F, masonry work needs special and careful attention. This is because extremely cold weather leads to change in the nature of mortar, thereby, increasing the chances for cracks and related issues. Experts like masonry work Brooklyn work promptly and are particular about keeping the masonry warm and easy to work with.

Influence of Cold Weather on Mortar
Well, hydration of mortar slows down when the climate is icy. Freezing of water in the mortar causes unappreciable change in its volume. More than 6% water in the mortar leads to expansion, which further leads to cracks in the mortar. Not just this but moisture on the surface of masonry units interrupts the coordination between the mortar and its units.
Some Useful Tips
Generally, it is good to check that the material is dry while storing and mortar is kept above 40 F.
Mixing Mortar: The Guide
  • Small amount of mortar mix has to be mixed to prevent water absorption by the materials.
  • To avoid dryness of mortar, thanks to the applied heat, checking mortar temperature is essential.
  • To keep the mortar above 40 F, sand or water must be heated as required. Hot water must be combined with cold sand to prevent flash set.
  • Speed hydration should be utilized by using admixture, accelerator or high-early cement.
  • Last but not the least, it is important to know that most of the commercial masonry antifreeze admixtures are not freezing-point depressants but accelerators.

Sneak Peek Into Storing & Handling Materials

  • Materials should be kept on planks and covered with tarps
  • When possible, it is good to use bulk-delivered dry mortar ingredients
  • If needed, frozen sand lumps should be melt through heating & breaking
  • Masonry units should be placed on unfrozen surfaces
  • To let cement hydration take place appropriately, masonry materials should be used only after heating
  • To prevent freezing while applying, mortar must be placed on heated surfaces
  • During the cold periods, glass masonry units should not be installed
  • Masonry units with high absorption should not be kept dried
How To Safeguard New Masonry Structures
  • When temperature is above 32 F, walls should be covered with plastic to inhibit water from entering the masonry.
  • When temperature is between 32 F and 20 F, walls should be covered with 1/2-inch insulation blankets to decrease or stop heat loss along with preventing water from entering the masonry.
  • When temperature is between 20 F and 200 F, walls should be covered with 1-inch insulation blanket. Another way is maintaining a heated area to 40 F for two days after the installation.
  • When speed of wind is more than 15 miles per hour, install windbreakers
And, it’s a wrap! Adhering to these tips is an invitation of masonry work that lasts strong for years to come.

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