Does this mortar meet building regs?

[TedTrippin]

I got concerned cus my builder keeps his left over mortar in a wheel barrow submerged in water to stop it going off then uses it again the next day.

Builder put a wall up just over a month ago and I can fairly easily scrape the mortar out with my fingernail. After 10 scrapes i've taken 5m out. Should I allow it longer to harden? Should I be worried? What can I do?

 

[noseall]

I got concerned cus my builder keeps his left over mortar in a wheel barrow submerged in water to stop it going off then uses it again the next day.

Builder put a wall up just over a month ago and I can fairly easily scrape the mortar out with my fingernail. After 10 scrapes i've taken 5m out. Should I allow it longer to harden? Should I be worried? What can I do?

Is it ready-mix?

 

[TedTrippin]

Apparently it comes in tubs freshly prepared (wet) from a supplier.

 

[^woody^]

Just tell him to stop. You're the client you dictate what you are paying for, and not the builder must does what he likes.

Instruct him to use a designated mortar suitable for the type of work you are having done and your location. You'll need to specify it.

 

[noseall]

Apparently it comes in tubs freshly prepared (wet) from a supplier.

Ready-mix (tubbed gear) contains all manner of additives, that reduce the amount of cement needed and increase the shelf life of the muck. It's not unusual to see this gear still useable after a couple of days.
It rarely sets as hard as traditional s/c muck though.

 

[TedTrippin]

Cheers both. I'll keep an eye open.