The mortar in between these bricks was repaired, but the mix failed. It can be removed and repaired. (Courtesy of Tim Carter) Analysis by Tim Carter It appears I wasted some money five years ago ...

One more important thing: Mix only a small amount of mortar at a time. As an amateur, you will be working very slowly. Mortar begins to set in 15 minutes, and after that it cannot be used effectively.

Use as little water as possible, less than half a bucket, to ensure the strength of the mortar mix. Step 7: Mortar mixes can be stored covered with a damp tarp or in a sealed bucket for several weeks.

Don't confuse concrete mix with sand mix or mortar mix. They don't contain the aggregate (stones or gravel) that's necessary to make a pour thicker than about 3/4 in.

Add some lime to your mortar mix to more closely match your old mortar. You can buy bags of lime at your building supply outlet. — Send your questions to Here’s How, 6906 Royalgreen Dr ...

Dear Tim: I have a lovely brick patio that has mortar between the brick. After pressure-washing it this past weekend, I noticed several locations where the mortar has disintegrated. Most of the ...

If your house is over 50 years old, the mortar probably had a higher lime content than the high-cement-ratio mortars used today. Add some lime to your mortar mix to more closely match your old mortar.

When you mix the three ingredients above to make fresh mortar, the cement and lime coat each grain of sand much like adding beans to a meat chili. The color of each sand particle is hidden by the ...