Why does nobody mention how wind ruins mortar consistency?

I was on a site with strong gusts and my mortar turned to powder before I could set the bricks. It was a HUGE waste of time and material. What do you guys do to slow down the drying? I'm thinking of trying a retarder additive next time.

4 comments

4 Comments

keith7441mo ago

Wind absolutely wrecks mortar, been there. Mixing smaller batches helps a ton.

davidprice1mo ago

In coastal areas, I've had success by mixing under a pop-up canopy (the cheap kind from the hardware store). The shade and wind block make a huge difference.

the_alice1mo ago

Saw a video from a guy in Oregon who uses old political yard signs as windbreaks. He stakes them into the ground around his mixing tub. Said the corrugated plastic works way better than a tarp because it doesn't flap around as much.

the_thea1mo ago

Yeah, the powder thing is brutal. My friend had his whole patio mix just turn to dust on a windy day last summer (he was near the coast too). He ended up draping plastic sheeting around his work area like a little tent.