Lost $300 on a bad batch of mortar mix last month

I bought 20 bags of a brand I never used before from a supply yard in Akron. Figured it was a deal at $15 a bag instead of the usual $22. Mixed the first batch and it never set right, stayed crumbly even after 24 hours. Had to tear down a whole garden wall I started and start over with my regular stuff. Has anyone else run into mortar that just won't cure properly?

3 comments

3 Comments

sarah_patel251mo ago

That brand might have had too much air in the bags from sitting around too long. I've seen old mortar go bad just from moisture getting in through little tears in the plastic, makes it useless.

the_amy1mo ago

Nah, that brand's packaging is actually really solid. Those bags are thick and seal tight, way better than most stuff on the shelf. Moisture getting in is super rare if it's stored right.

miles_young591mo ago

Oh sure, "stored right." That just means you need a climate-controlled vault and the hands of a safe cracker to get the seal perfect. My garage must be a swamp monster's bathroom compared to your setup.