Warning: That new rapid-set mortar is no joke in hot weather

I was laying a small patio in Phoenix last Tuesday, temperature hit 105. Mixed a bag of that 'Fast-Set Pro' stuff for a section. It started going off in the bucket before I could even spread half of it, turned into a solid rock. Had to chip it out and lost a full $18 bag. Now I only mix tiny batches if it's over 90 degrees. Anyone got a good summer mix they like for high heat?

3 comments

3 Comments

jade321mo ago

Holy cow, 105 in Phoenix? That's brutal. Mixing a full bag in that heat is basically making patio-shaped cement art. Saw a guy on a crew last summer lose a whole wheelbarrow load the same way, just a useless lump in two minutes. Gotta use ice water and shade like your life depends on it.

claire_fisher411mo ago

Yeah, it's wild how many things just fall apart when the heat cranks up. I left a tube of sunscreen in my car last week and it basically turned into oil paint. Even simple stuff like baking cookies, if the butter's too soft the whole batch just melts into one sad puddle on the pan. Makes you realize how much of daily life is built for a pretty narrow window of okay weather.

claireg8115d ago

Ever try chilling your mixing bowl in the freezer for a bit before you start? What about those instant cold packs from the first aid kit, wrap one around the bowl?