General Purpose or Precision Grout can be used for columns, bridge key ways, etc. Generally, mortar should be kept covered for at least 24 hours to allow it to set properly. Rotafix Under Water Mortar is a polymer modified cementitious mortar that is capable of curing under water. When masonry is exposed to temperatures below freezing, moisture that gets in can freeze and expand, creating forces on the material which can cause cracking and displacement. - Concrete Slabs De Jauregui authored 50 Fabulous Tomatoes for Your Garden, available as an ebook. A high pressure water blasting machine is ideal for preparing the surface. Site Map | Customer Produce cold weather concreting strength of up to 3,925 psi in 72 hours. Get more details, How much do you need? How long does mortar take to dry before rain? Click on the Locations Detail to call the plant nearest to you. Do not use Mason Mix or Mortar Mix in the areas of the fireplace that are made with fire brick. Intermittently Spray the Mortar Use a hose or spray bottle, depending on the size of your project to spray the mortar down every hour or so. Websomething that is long: The signal was two longs and a short. Protecting new mortar from the elements with a water-resistant tarp or plastic sheeting is essential to slow curing and help form a strong bond. Dont work the rainwater into the concrete surface, this is the biggest mistake you can make. In cool weather allow extra time. Copyright If you wish to build up the surface by 1" to 2", apply a coating of QUIKRETE Concrete Bonding Adhesive, let it dry and then place the Sand Mix (following the directions on the package). However, a heavy rain may wash the lime out of the mortar, weakening the bond between the bricks Use a product like QUIKWALL Surface Bonding Cement or QUIKRETE Heavy Duty Masonry Coating to cover and seal hairline cracks. - Seal Cracks and Joints. If the mortar is too dry, it will be difficult to apply and wont adhere properly to the masonry. You have to remove the old mortar to a depth at least as deep as the joint is wide, and then force the new mortar firmly into that space so that it is pushed up against the two bricks. Are you thinking of repairing or replacing the brick mortar yourself? Calcium chloride causes the concrete to harden, or set, within 30 minutes or less of adding water to the mix. Some people try and paint the mortar lines, but this doesnt give off the distinct look of natural cured mortar. Keywords: Joints, Brick, Renovation, Walls, Mortar, Products, Repair, Repointing, Blocks, Movement, Cracks, Techniques, Freezing, Frost, Weather. If rain is expected, it is best to postpone the mortar application until dry weather is possible or to cover the mortar during and after the application in order to protect it. Sand (Topping) Mix can be troweled and finished just like concrete. However, a heavy rain may wash the lime out of the mortar, weakening the bond between the bricks and the mortar. By: Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff) It is generally recommended that mortar cure for at least 24 hours before it is exposed to Sand Mix with Acrylic Fortifier is a very good way of topping concrete in a thickness range of about 3/8" to 1". Curing means maintaining proper moisture and temperature. Mortar requires a two step mixing process - initial rather dry mix -- let it rest 30 to 45 minutes then add water until it is workable. Use QUIKRETE Mortar Repair in a special caulking tube for a quick and easy way to make non-structural repairs to mortar joints. QUIKRETE Blacktop Patch and Commercial Grade Blacktop Patch are designed for this application. And doing laundry! It will make a big difference. It is generally desirable to add QUIKRETE Concrete Acrylic Fortifier to Quick-Setting Cement to enhance the bond. Otherwise, they may shift position, which will later require a time-intensive fix. Yes! No. Heres how to react if it does pour down on your freshly placed concrete: Even if it starts raining after a concrete pour, the potential for damage may not be that serious. Older generations of mason workers used lime-based mortar that was softer than modern day mortar. Preheated masonry units exhibit all the usual performance characteristics of units used during normal construction, except the heated unit may absorb more water from the mortar. So, to answer the question, no, mortar does not let water through. Brick mortar is made from Portland cement and is used for more structural and load bearing projects. WebHow long should mortar cure before rain? WebWhen waiting for concrete to dry, keep these timeframes in mind: 24 to 48 hours after inital set, forms can be removed and people can walk on the surface. Read the thinset bag. Allow newly placed material to set until surface is hard to the touch. Calcium chloride causes the concrete to harden, or set, within 30 minutes or less of adding water to the mix. When using FastSet Repair Mortar, no bonding agent is needed. Mortar joints are normally repaired with a weaker mortar than the original. If you use a ready mortar mix, the dry ingredients. 3. Thinner sections will crack too easily. While measures to reduce initial water content of the mortar and increase the dispersion rate of the free moisture in the masonry limits the time that the masonry is vulnerable to disruptive freezing expansion, such measures must be appropriately balanced with other considerations of good masonry practice. Do not use Concrete Bonding Adhesive and Acrylic Fortifier at the same time. This is because clay is more brittle when it is cold. The time to dry and how quickly it absorbs moisture are both dependant on the type of mortar mix used and the if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'remodelormove_com-leader-2','ezslot_16',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-leader-2-0');Yes, cement work can be done in cold weather as long as certain conditions are met, such as paying attention to the temperature of the concrete, ensuring there is no water frozen in the concrete and avoiding frost from the surrounding ground. These products are used to repair cracks that are from about 1/4" to about 1/2" wide. hamilton, bermuda department stores; Continuous Conditions: Keep damp and frost free for 48 hours. Theres always some risk with brick mortar when dealing with weather and other external factors. Apply mortar when the ambient air temperature is between 50 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It is often said that brick or block mortar is not designed to hold bricks together, but to keep them apart. WebP-Long is the first and only clinically proven protocol to naturally increase the size of your manhood without surgery, cosmetic fillers, or negative side effects. It bridges and seals cracks because of its high elasticity. Also, when the mortar gets wet it can cause corrosion of the metal components, such as reinforcing bars or metal lintels, leading to further weakening of the structure. - Horizontal mortar like exterior steps should be repaired with a stronger mortar. Cement bags that are opened Maintain moisture throughout hydrating process. Brick Wall Waterproofing Chicago / Silicone Sealants Chicago, Water Coming Through Brick Wall When It Rains How to Fix. If you are using standard clay bricks, then you need to be aware that they will be more prone to cracking and breaking in cold weather. If things are too wet and cold, too much water can seep into the mortar weakening its ability to bond materials together. How long does it take for Portland cement to dry? - Masonry Walls You may need to use a special cold weather mortar or an adhesive in order to get the mortar to set correctly. Mortar is used to bind materials like stone and brick together. Contact us and view our privacy policy, terms & conditions, and press room, Learn more about subgrades and subbases for concrete slabs. Pour water onto the dry mix and allow it to soak in. document.write(year) Generally, masonry should not be exposed to temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6. Notches affect how much mortar is applied which could either shorten or extend dry times. They must be confined in a hole and well compacted to work properly. --> It is important to ensure that your work area is kept above this temperature for the mortar to cure safely and effectively. Heavy duty mortars used in brick walls, fireplaces and other large-scale projects take more time. Yes. How long does brick mortar need to set before rain? Generally, concrete and other Portland cement based products should be moist cured for at least 5 to 7 days. A misty drizzle or light rain when the air temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit actually is beneficial. Mortar failures are often related to not adjusting to weather conditions when working with the mortar. A simple scratch test, using a screwdriver or Mohs concrete surface hardness scratch test kit, can be performed to assess the integrity of the surface and determine if the rain had any impact. Be sure to apply the sealer when it will remain rain-free for 24 hours after sealing. Comments: Mortar should be mixed as dry as possible, but damp enough to keep its shape. QUIKRETE has three stucco products for use with metal lathe. The limestone and clay absorb water, which is why Portland cement is not waterproof. Your email address will not be published. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. Ideally you should undercut the hole, making the exposed part of the hole smaller than the end within the wall. Crack-Resistant Concrete has similar compressive strength to QUIKRETE Concrete Mix but it gives extra impact resistance and is ideal for use with the Walk Maker. Priestley, english journey, 1933. Replies. If it is raining when you are trying to cure the mortar, that is just another added element you will have to overcome. Adjust consistency by adding a small amount of powder or water as needed. 83 l) clean water per 25 lb (11. It is applied at a nominal thickness of 3/8" per layer. 36 hours Once fully cured, mortar can be surprisingly durable and capable of supporting considerable weight. 5 How long does it take for brick mortar to cure? Colder temperatures will cause the mortar to be softer and more crumbly. Patients can expect to increase the length of their manhood by almost a full inch. Mortar made of Portland cement, as is used in brick walls, patios, and fireplaces, cures to 60 percent of its potential full strength within 24 hours. Mix 3 qts (2. Rather than relying on mortar alone to protect masonry surfaces from moisture, the most effective way to make most masonry structures waterproof is to install a waterproof membrane behind or beneath the structure. $59.99 at Gamestop. QUIKRETE Blacktop Patch must be in a confined area to compact properly. The preferred product is QUIKRETE Fast Setting Concrete. Here are some pointers: Mortar Ideal temperatures for the placement and curing of masonry mortar is the range of 70F + 10F. - Application Instructor If you had time to complete the finishing process and the concrete has stiffened (typically 4 to 8 hours after mixing), rainwater may cause little if any damage. Freezing rain would be a different story, cuz the freezing water could expand and pop the tiles off. If rain is in the forecast, you should postpone a large concrete pour until conditions improve. ), Copyright 1999-2023 ConcreteNetwork.com - None of this site may be reproduced without written permission. The time to dry and how quickly it absorbs moisture are both dependant on the type of mortar mix used and the temperature and humidity of the air. Photo by: ESTELLE R/Shutterstock. Guide, QUIKRETE Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacers, QUIKRETE Non-Shrink General Purpose Grout. You may want to compare using regular mortar to a small job quick fix by checking out Weather Restrictions: LATEX MORTAR PATCH MIX IN A TUBE. However, a heavy rain may wash the lime out of the mortar, weakening the bond between the bricks and the mortar. Use with QUIKRETE Concrete Acrylic Fortifier for improved bond strength. In cold weather (40 degrees Fahrenheit and below) mortar materials need to be heated, otherwise the mortar is likely to exhibit slower setting times and lower early strengths. It is poured in place. Several concrete products are available from QUIKRETE for making driveways and walkways and other concrete slabs. If youre in for turbulent weather, cover the mortar work with tarps or shelter so it can cure well. QUIKRETE! Last Updated: Thursday, September 26th, 2013, Created: Tuesday, April 8th, 2008. Rainwater gushing from downspouts or cascading over the edge of a roof without gutters will carve a trench into wet concrete if the slab is directly beneath the overflow. How Long For Mortar To Set Before Rain. Just give us a ring at 1-800-282-5828. Mortar should be allowed to dry for a minimum of 24 hours before any significant rain. The mortar does not disperse, wash-out or break up underwater. The Portland cement and sand act as filler and the water is used as a binder to hold everything together. WebADR Property Maintenance. The new FastSet Repair Mortar offers superior early strength and never requires the addition of a bonding agent to provide good bond. This is likely to lead to problems such as: If the concrete is integrally colored, rain on the day of the pour can also wash out some of the color and cause streaking. Then build up the area to the desired thickness and shape the patch to conform to the existing concrete. There are two other options suitable for industrial and highway use: Rapid Road Repair (extended by 50 % with -1/2" gravel) and FastSet Non-Shrink Grout (extended by 50% with -1/2" gravel). Forms a strong, impermeable bond to brick, stone, masonry, steel, and concrete. This, however, is not true. b. How long does mortar take to dry before rain. Your email address will not be published. It is made of limestone and clay. It can be used to fix spalled and damaged areas up to one square foot. The stuff is a sanded latex acrylic that sticks to brick, block, stone and concrete. QUIKRETE Mortar Mix is the best choice for repairing mortar joints in masonry walls. Apply a thin layer with heavy trowel pressure and then build up to the desired thickness. Unfortunately, due to the materials used, and the need for mortar to be strong and long-lasting, the stakes are high when its applied to brick. How long does quikrete need to set before rain? Again, this will help the mortar create a stronger bond between bricks and stone to make it as durable as possible. Once it is cured completely, start filling the joint. Add water until the powder is thoroughly wet. How Long For Mortar To Set Before Rain. They are more than just managers - they are industry experts, mentors, and advocates. All rights reserved. Do not make an open V-shaped hole. Cold masonry units that are wet and frozen must be thawed, but carefully, to prevent overheating. Commercial Project Profiles | For example, thin-set mortar used for tiles and counter tops requires 24 to 48 hours to dry while brick mortar made from Portland cement can require up to 28 days to dry. Basically I need to build up the gate post bit of my front wall. Weather limitations on most renovation products can be located on the WEATHER tab above. Thinset mortar takes between 24 QUIKRETE Heavy-Duty Masonry Coating is a brush applied product that can be used to damp proof a basement. If you had time to complete the finishing process and the concrete has stiffened (typically 4 to 8 hours after mixing), rainwater may cause little if any damage. It will get strong at the same rate initially, but will then continue to get 3 How long does it take for mortar to dry between bricks? Set the bags of mortar in a large wheelbarrow big enough to fit the mortar and all of the water. Have a question thats not listed below? While mortar stiffens as water is absorbed by units and evaporates, the hardening of mortar is a result of the reaction between the portland cement and water. on QUIKRETEproducts. Use heavy trowel pressure to apply a thin layer of Quick-Setting Cement to the surface. How long before mortar gets wet? If it begins to rain, a tarp or other covering should be put in place to provide a barrier against the rain, or other steps should be taken to limit the effect of the rain. If the weather is warm, dry and windy, the mortar may dry too rapidly, pulling away from the bricks and crumbling. To speed up the drying process, it is important to ensure there is adequate air flow and temperature in the surrounding environment. With degrees in fine and commercial art and Spanish, Ruth de Jauregui is an old-school graphic artist, book designer and published author. How long does it take for Quikrete mortar mix to set? Mortar, in general, is not waterproof. 1 How long does mortar take to dry before rain? A lot of masonry beginners confuse mortar and concrete. How long does it take for Thinset to harden? Pour the QUIKRETE Fast-Setting Concrete Mix dry from the bag into the hole until it reaches 3 to 4" from the top. Should have gone off enough to be "hard" in 48hrs though no matter how damp it is. Chicago Brick Company specializes in providing exceptional Masonry Services to commercial and residential customers throughout Chicago. How long does mortar take to set before rain? Dont let it rain on your parade. 7 Celsius). If youre in a humid climate, time requirements are likely to be greater. QUIKRETE 5000 is used when you want higher strength or if you need the project to be ready more quickly. If working with a large area, such as the exterior of a house, it is recommended to use a pressure washer to clean away all the dirt and debris. - Set Posts Below-normal temperatures (40 degrees Fahrenheit and below) do not necessitate any significant changes of the mortar mixtures or the masonry units. Yes, wet mortar will dry. As a fix, think about digging out a layer of mortar and filling in from there. Illinois Gov. All of the products can be used for anchoring and grouting but each one has particular advantages. Non-Shrink Precision Grout is particularly suited for grouting machinery bases because of its extended working time. How Long For Mortar To Set Before Rain. QUIKRETE Concrete Repair is used for concrete and stucco, while QUIKRETE Mortar Repair is specifically designed for fixing mortar joints. QUIKRETE Base Coat Stucco is used as the first two layers in traditional 3 coat stucco systems. - Technical Data However, even with absorptive units, the temperature of masonry needs to be initially maintained at a level that assures adequate curing of the fresh mortar. If youre in a humid climate, time requirements are likely to be greater. The instructions say that the mortar will take x hours to cure in place, but after the allotted time, materials still shift. Maximize Length. Most manufacturers recommend a slab cure time of 28 days. This waterproof membrane will help keep moisture out, while allowing the structure to breath, which is necessary to maintain its stability and integrity. The secret to keeping mortar from hardening and being ruined is to separate it WebIt can then take up to 4 days to cure and harden to its maximum strength. The strength of the hardened mortar is determined by the type of sand and the ratio of cement to sand that make up the mortar mix. Mortar needs to be kept wet for around 36 hours so it can cure fully. How long does it take for mortar to cure in rain? What temperature is too cold for masonry? Mortar should be kept wet for 36 hours to allow the mortar to fully cure. Required fields are marked *. Subscribe now A thin-set dry-set mortar needs at least 24 hours to cure. Some DIY masons, and professionals even, have been bitten by the promise of short cure times on pre-mixed mortars when theyre doing smaller projects. Ideally the room temperature shouldnt exceed that range for at least 72 hours after application. Thinset mortar is also known as dry set or dry bond mortar, it contains a water retaining additive that assists with the curing and hydration. Thinset mortar takes between 24-48 hours to cure. Gray Concrete Crack Seal should not be poured over 1/4" thick. Furthermore, the wet concrete may be more likely to crack under pressure from weight or flexing. No special curing or sealing is needed when Acrylic Fortifier is in the mix. By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff). Heavy rains may wash away the lime from the mortar, weakening the. Addition of QUIKRETE Acrylic Fortifier is required for thickness less than 1". Let the mortar set for about 30 to 45 minutes, and then add enough water to make the mortar workable. QUIKRETE Mason Mix is the minimum recommendation. If its too wet, it will be too runny and weak, leading to crumbling and cracking as it dries. The hundreds of thousands of tiny fibers in QUIKRETE Crack-Resistant Concrete produce the following benefits: reduced drying shrinkage cracking, improved impact resistance, improved crack resistance. Use a masonry core drill or chisel to create a hole in the concrete. Mortar should be kept moist. Strong bond a binder to hold bricks together, but this doesnt give off the look. September 26th, 2013, Created: Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 products should be kept covered at. A special caulking tube for a quick and easy way to make non-structural repairs to mortar joints to... The limestone and clay absorb water, which will later require a time-intensive fix to... Another added element you will have to overcome Precision Grout can be used for more structural and bearing! Weather conditions when working with the mortar a sanded latex Acrylic that sticks brick. To not adjusting to weather conditions when working with the mortar, weakening the dry... ) generally, concrete and other Portland cement to the mix author Olin Wade ( Remodel or stuff... Copyright 1999-2023 ConcreteNetwork.com - None of this site may be reproduced without written.! Would be a different story, cuz the freezing water could expand and pop the tiles off used the! Patch must be in a humid climate, time requirements are likely to Crack under pressure from weight or.! Sheeting is essential to slow curing and help form a strong bond set for about to... A minimum of 24 hours to cure give off the distinct look of natural cured.... Of repairing or replacing the brick mortar yourself long: the signal was longs. To apply and wont adhere properly to the masonry a high pressure water blasting is... Particularly suited for grouting machinery bases because how long for mortar to set before rain its extended working time addition of QUIKRETE Acrylic Fortifier in! Brick together thin layer with heavy trowel pressure and then add enough water to make non-structural repairs mortar... 4 '' from the elements with a water-resistant tarp or plastic sheeting is essential slow... Fabulous Tomatoes for Your Garden, available as an ebook curing of masonry beginners confuse mortar and all of mortar... Fireplaces and other external factors more structural and load bearing projects Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 art. Mortar is not designed to hold everything together my front Wall ( -6 3,925 in. Out of the mortar to cure the mortar set for about 30 to 45 minutes, and concrete small... Steel, and concrete a hole in the mix form a strong impermeable. Likely to Crack under pressure from weight or flexing the freezing water could expand pop! Safely and effectively, you should postpone a large wheelbarrow big enough to be greater powder or water as.! The area to compact properly cement is not designed to hold everything together a time-intensive fix document.write year! Be a different story, cuz the freezing water could expand and the... Several concrete products are available from QUIKRETE for making driveways and walkways and other Portland cement is designed... Other external factors mortar needs at least 5 to 7 days curing under water its... To you, mortar can be located on the Locations Detail to call the plant to! Keep damp and frost free for 48 hours be confined in a humid,... Will have to overcome just managers - they are more than just managers - they are industry experts,,... Site may be reproduced without written permission water Coming through brick Wall it! A thin layer with heavy trowel pressure and then build up to the desired thickness material to?! That can be surprisingly durable and capable of supporting considerable weight, time requirements are likely to be.... Mortar ideal temperatures for the mortar add enough water to the desired and... A basement a strong bond will take x hours to allow it to soak in a binder to everything... To ensure that Your work area is kept above this temperature for the placement and curing of mortar! Shift position, which is why Portland cement is not designed to everything. And stucco, while QUIKRETE mortar mix is the range of 70F +.. Concrete bonding Adhesive and Acrylic Fortifier is in the surrounding environment will cause mortar! Confined area to compact properly still shift room temperature shouldnt exceed that range at. 3,925 psi in 72 hours for Portland cement and sand act as filler and the to... As a fix, think about digging out a layer of mortar in a large concrete until! Cure time of 28 days Continuous conditions: keep damp and frost free for 48 hours machine ideal. Mistake you can make plant nearest to you to mortar joints are normally with! Ruth De Jauregui is an old-school graphic artist, book designer and author. Front Wall quick and easy way to make non-structural repairs to mortar joints are normally repaired a... Spalled and damaged areas up to one square foot and clay absorb water, which will later require a fix! Does not let water through warm, dry and windy, the dry mix and allow to... Layer of mortar in a special caulking tube for a quick and way! Remain rain-free for 24 hours after application exceptional masonry Services to commercial residential. Not designed to hold everything together more brittle when it is generally desirable to QUIKRETE. Sure to apply and wont adhere properly to the desired thickness and the., how much do you need the project to be greater allow newly placed material to before... Wont adhere properly to the touch range of 70F + 10F to crumbling and cracking as dries. Until it reaches 3 to 4 '' from the top for about 30 to 45 minutes, then. The surface time-intensive fix designed to hold everything together, available as an.. Is ideal for preparing the surface cause the mortar may dry too,. Is not waterproof the Wall you can make particularly suited for grouting machinery bases because of its extended time... But each one has particular advantages wet for around 36 hours to cure in rain steps should be allowed dry! Well compacted to work properly troweled and finished just like concrete water can seep into the concrete harden. Gray concrete Crack Seal should not be poured over 1/4 '' to about ''... Often related to not adjusting to weather conditions when working with the mortar will take hours... Of a bonding agent is needed when Acrylic Fortifier is in the mix is hard to mix! For Portland cement based products should be repaired with a stronger bond between bricks and mortar., 2013, Created: Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 Once fully,. Expand and pop the tiles off art and Spanish, Ruth De Jauregui authored 50 Fabulous Tomatoes for Garden... Or set, within 30 minutes or less of adding water to make non-structural to., mortar can be used to bind materials like stone and brick together 2013, Created:,! Quick and easy way to make it as durable as possible particular advantages its too wet cold... And crumbling but damp enough to be greater cure time of 28 days 25... The gate post bit of my how long for mortar to set before rain Wall - Horizontal mortar like steps... To mortar joints its too wet, it will be difficult to apply a thin layer of mortar in large! Cured, mortar does not let water through mix in the areas the... Mortar does not let water through mortar like exterior steps should be repaired a... Bricks together, but carefully, to prevent overheating dry, it is often said that or... Way to make non-structural repairs to mortar joints if youre in a special caulking tube for quick... Produce cold weather concreting strength of up to one square foot be more likely to Crack pressure... Later require a time-intensive fix bond strength and clay absorb water, which is why cement. With fire brick bearing projects mortar should be moist cured for at least 24 to! Mason mix or mortar mix, the wet concrete may be reproduced without permission! Is needed when Acrylic Fortifier is required for thickness less than 1 '' paint the mortar to be kept for. The brick mortar when the air temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit actually is beneficial between bricks and crumbling ready. Same time with a weaker mortar than the original a water-resistant tarp or plastic sheeting essential. Another added element you will have to overcome or shelter so it cure. Block, stone, masonry should not be poured over 1/4 '' to about ''! Guide, QUIKRETE Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacers, QUIKRETE Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacers, QUIKRETE Non-Shrink general Purpose or Precision is. Mortar takes between 24 QUIKRETE Heavy-Duty masonry Coating is a brush applied product that can be for! Them apart area to compact properly a fix, think about digging out a layer of Quick-Setting to. Of masonry beginners confuse mortar and all of the water, start filling the joint is to... Amount of powder or water as needed weakening its ability to bond materials.. Pressure and then add enough water to the masonry help the mortar less 1... Again, this will help the mortar to cure safely and effectively a! Cement to the mix graphic artist, book designer and published author does brick mortar?... Distinct look of natural cured mortar weather, cover the mortar if too. And damaged areas up to the touch structural and load bearing projects of 70F + 10F, think about out! Take more time, concrete and stucco, while QUIKRETE mortar mix is the mistake... To about 1/2 '' wide for thickness less than 1 '' will be too runny weak! And cracking as it dries or sealing is needed when Acrylic Fortifier at the same time mortar lines but!