Repointing

[fitzpak]

We repointed our gable end wall at the weekend and have suspicions about the integrity of the mortar. We used a four to one mix (plus plasticiser). It has now been four days and when you rub your finger against the mortar it rubs away and seems to have not set. We have been rest-assured by a local retired builder that this is normal and it will cure over time but we are not convinced. Is this normal?

We did use cement that had been opened (not sure how long for) but sealed and it was not at all damp. Is it possible this was off?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[geraldthehamster]

We repointed our gable end wall at the weekend and have suspicions about the integrity of the mortar. We used a four to one mix (plus plasticiser). It has now been four days and when you rub your finger against the mortar it rubs away and seems to have not set. We have been rest-assured by a local retired builder that this is normal and it will cure over time but we are not convinced. Is this normal?

We did use cement that had been opened (not sure how long for) but sealed and it was not at all damp. Is it possible this was off?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Yes, it can take days, depending on the wetness of the mortar, and the weather. I went through the same worry the first time I built a wall, some years ago, in the back yard of my last house. The mortar was soft for days, but within a week or so had gone hard as a rock.

Cheers
Richard

 

[fitzpak]

Thanks for the reply Richard. The problem is it's not even wet any more. It literally just rubs away like sand in your hands. It may be damp but certainly not wet.

Cheers,

Kate

 

[geraldthehamster]

Thanks for the reply Richard. The problem is it's not even wet any more. It literally just rubs away like sand in your hands. It may be damp but certainly not wet.

Cheers,

Kate

Give it another week and see what happens.

Cheers
Richard