8 As the
mortar mix is not too wet, this allows you to brush away any excess mortar without the worry of creating stains on the face of the slab.
After patching various holes in the walls with a standard lime
mortar mix (3:1 sharp sand: lime), we are now ready to think about exterior decoration.
Fill the gaps between the slabs with a dry
mortar mix.
In wheelbarrow or mixer, add water as needed to make a cake-icing smooth mortar from about a half bag of slow-set, masonry sand
mortar mix.
Invitation for Bid: Portland cement
mortar mix and ready mix quickrete
Tricia and Bob, Waltham Abbey, Essex A Use a wet
mortar mix of one part cement, four parts sand for joint widths between 8-15mm.
4 Use a trowel to spread the dry
mortar mix evenly in the hole, leaving the surface of the mix around 30mm from the surface.
Point up the gaps with a semi-dry
mortar mix of 4:1 Builders sand and cement.
Then finish off the area by pointing between the slabs with a stiff
mortar mix (1:3 or 1:4 cement:sand) to create a neat look and prevent weeds growing in the cracks.
To fill the gaps between the slabs, brush a dry
mortar mix into the open joints.
For small jobs you can buy dry
mortar mix in 25-, 40-, or 85-pound bags for a nickel or less a pound; just add water according to the directions on the bag.
If the
mortar mix is too weak, then the roughcast becomes porous, allowing water to penetrate.
