Original Poster. Thinset Dry Time: How Long Does Your Thinset Need? Adding additional weight onto wet mortar can shift tiles, bricks or stone that have already been placed. Welcome, Heather. Rapid Setting Tile Mortar Fast-setting thin-set mortar for most tile types. Mortar is used to bind materials like stone and brick together. Brick Wall Waterproofing / Silicone Sealants, The Best Flashing Sealant. Required fields are marked *. The above factors like humidity and air flow affect how much dry time your thinset needs. What is a 'medium-bed' or a 'Large and Heavy Tile' mortar? Though it might be a Mortar needs to be kept wet for around 36 hours so it can cure fully. Builders won’t get an idea of the actual final color and look until it’s been set for two weeks. Mortar needs to be kept wet for around 36 hours so it can cure fully. Mixing the use of the two in the same wall or structure can cause significant damage. Curing gives the mortar the strength and durability that you want. Mortar should be kept moist for 36 hours to allow it to fully cure. How long does it take for a scratch coat to dry? If you decide to “moist cure” your coat, it can take between three to five days of time. How long does it take for white cement to dry? Not every job is going to be able to be completed with thin-set mortar. (Note for tiling: Tiling should begin within approximately 16 hours of the mortar … Older generations of mason workers used lime-based mortar that was softer than modern day mortar. To totally fix it, the wall, fireplace, patio, or whatever is being built will have to come down. We decided to postpone until a dry day. I'm using Lowe's Lacrete modified. How long does it take brick mortar to dry? It does not dry unless you greatly heat it. It’s not always easy to know how long your thinset needs to dry. Are you looking for a way to spice up your home or business? Hi, I had a roofer ready to repoint ridge tiles on my roof today - about 15/20. Modern mortar is much more durable than older mortars. How long does it take for thin set mortar to dry on a tiled floor? Knowing how to properly apply mortar will make a huge difference in any masonry project you undertake. When laying floor tiles, avoid walking on or grouting them until they are dry. It’s made from cement, sand and water, and is generally much thicker than cement when its mixed together. Why Won’t My Mortar Stick? Dry loc and other paints, since they have a volitile organic compound takes about 24 hours to really dissapate the volitiles. Scratch coat drying times can vary but typically will require around one to two days of dry time. Again, check what the manufacturer recommends so you use the right size. Keep It Moist. The mortar for dry it. 3. So, all thinsets are mortars but not all mortars are thinsets. In most cases, you should allow the grout to dry overnight before using that room as total dry time may take up to 24 hours. If it’s dry and hot, it could pull the moisture out of the mortar and cause it to shrink, sucking it away from the bricks. Curing happens while the mortar is drying. If you’re in a humid climate, time requirements are likely to be greater. I am tiling my kitchen and placing the tiles directly on the slab of our house. There’s no mortar eraser after it’s cured and set. Unfortunately, due to the materials used, and the need for mortar to be strong and long-lasting, the stakes are high when it’s applied to brick. Mortar must set at least 24 to 48 hours before grouting. Follow these steps to get things right the first time. Of course, you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying time. However, when pressed for time, I have used other manufactured mortar bed or featheredge mixes to provide the below-pan slope. In most cases, this process can take as long as 72 hours to complete. Problems can also arise when people use improper trowel notch sizes. A Note on Cure Times. 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. Learn What to Use and Why, How Does a Mortar Work? It will keep curing until it’s dry – which makes it that much more important that you allow the proper thinset dry time. Different jobs require unique types of mortar, each of which may have a distinct drying time. "HEAR ABOUT How Long Does It Take For Mortar To Dry? Although guidelines will vary slightly, a good general rule is to mix your mortar until it has a texture like mayonnaise. Most quick-set mortars allow grouting within two to four hours after application. Do what you can to keep them moist as the building process takes place. lindybarts. Consult whoever you’re buying mortar mix from on what to expect in terms of final color. 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 process. Click to see full answer. How Long Does It Take for Mortar to Dry? Read on to find out what you need to know! How long does thin set mortar take to dry on a cold surface? Wipe the tiles down with a dry rag. Keep all the above factors in mind, and always allow for more dry time when in doubt. Some people try and paint the mortar lines, but this doesn’t give off the distinct look of natural cured mortar. For example, thin-set mortar used for tiles and counter tops requires 24 …. How Long to Let Thinset Mortar Dry Before Grouting. Again, this will help the mortar create a stronger bond between bricks and stone to make it as durable as possible. Thinset will go through chemical changes as it dries, which is what allows it to work properly. Other solutions can try and mask the other mortar, but it won’t look perfect. High or low temperatures can make dry time more difficult to predict. Be sure you follow them so you get the right consistency. For other tips, check out our concrete cleaning solution page. Here are a few things you can do to make sure you’ve got it right. If mortar is not kept wet for the proper amount of time, the bonds will be weak, and it will affect the lifespan of the structure. This, however, is not true. However, a heavy rain may wash the lime out of the mortar, weakening the bond between the bricks and the mortar. Rinse with clean water and lay out to dry for about 24 hours. It had been raining off and on for about 2 days and we (roofer + me) thought it would be the same on the day. Subsequently, question is, how long does it take for a shower pan to dry? This will slow the time it takes for mortar to dry so the mortar can seep fully into the bricks’ pores and create a stronger bond. Your email address will not be published. 24 hours? There are a few factors that determine how long it takes your grout to dry. Some DIY masons, and professionals even, have been bitten by the promise of short cure times on pre-mixed mortars when they’re doing smaller projects. 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. Try to apply thinset when the temperature outside is between 50 and 100 degrees. 13 years ago. Replace Carpet Section 2. Make sure the water pressure isn’t strong enough to move the mortar. good luck Alex Mortar should be kept moist for 36 hours to allow it to fully cure. They can look the same, and some people figure they’re just different names used for different build uses. Keep Things Covered – When no work is being done on the project, keep it covered to hold moisture in. The humidity, temperature and air flow in a room affect how long it takes to dry, but thinset generally is cured and ready to walk on or grout in 24 to 48 … I recently completed a tile job using 1/8" spacing and used a "tile spacer remover". If things are too wet and cold, too much water can seep into the mortar weakening its ability to bond materials together. 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. How long til it's dry? It will make a big difference. Thinset helps make tiling easy to do on your own – as long as you do it right. Need to buy thinset mortar so you can get started on your next tiling project? Your mortar doesn’t just need to dry — it needs to cure. Likewise, how long should mud bed cure before tiling? How Long Does Mortar Take to Dry? How long til it's dry? 1. 36 hours . Build More Materials. 3 Answer s. Depends on how warm the floor and your room is…how humid. Apply with a notched trowel for the best results. 2 Next Reply Author. It probably depends a little on your climate but in the rainy NW, it took several days for it to lighten and the Mason said a full 2 weeks before you really see the final color. The recommended time is usually around 24 hours. Share Question; Flag as... flooring; tile; dry; humid; Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0. 24 hours . Home / Blog / How Long Does Mortar Take To Dry And Show Its True Color. As a fix, think about digging out a layer of mortar and filling in from there. Wet the bricks – Soak the bricks in water before you put mortar on. Different jobs require unique types of mortar, each of which may have a distinct drying time. If you are thinking about sealing your grout after you have installed it, you need to wait even longer than that so that all of the moisture has had time to be released. Notches affect how much mortar is applied which could either shorten or extend dry times. Latex does not accelerate the cure--that still takes 28 days--it just helps the mortar get stronger faster. In high humidity levels, I like to leave it on for two days, especially if I am going to do anything else to the wall, like paint. And What You Need to Know About it. Here are a few things you can do to make sure you’ve got it right. The humidity, temperature and air flow in a room affect how long it takes to dry, but thinset generally is cured and ready to walk on or grout in 24 to 48 hours. … Mortars can dry in all sorts of times depending on the cement,weather and uses,they even pregnate premixed site … Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Thinset mortar is a great way to fix tiles to your walls, countertops, or floors. There’s always some risk with brick mortar when dealing with weather and other external factors. Many houses on Long Island have ceramic tile that was installed by master craftsmen decades ago using a cement mortar that’s 100-percent waterproof. Polymer-Enriched Thin-Set Mortar Rapid Setting Tile Mortar is a rapid-setting, polymer-enriched (“modified”) mortar for installing a wide range of tile and stone over a diverse range of substrates in thin-set applications. It is very hungry for water. Even if it looks dry, give the right amount of time to make sure the mortar has dried completely. While the process of removing mortar from tiles may be a little time consuming, the resulting clean tile is worth it. Tuesday 28th November 2006. I … There's a difference between dried and fully cured. 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. King Herald. You need to make sure your thinset is the right consistency so it will dry the way it should. Thinset comes in a variety of mixes that are usable for a wide range of tiles and materials. Experts say to target the consistency of pancake mix or mayonnaise when you’re mixing thin-set mortar. Since the grout joint is part of the way in which thinset mortar receives air to cure the cement, a smaller grout joint can directly affect the drying time of the tile installation if you are working with ceramic tile versus natural stone. Thinset is a specialized mortar that has been designed to be applied as a relatively thin (3/32" or less) layer. Check out what we have to offer and don’t forget to contact us if you have any questions. – how long does tile mortar take to dry. However, it will only work if you allow for the right thinset dry time. The more product you use, the longer it will take to dry — plus, your tile may not adhere well to a heavy layer of mortar. To make sure your quick-set mortar is ready in two hours instead of four, you must make sure that conditions are … I've grouted tile within 24 hours of laying it, but that was under ideal conditions. When it comes to deciding what size trowel to use, this will depend on the tile size you’re working with. The improper application of mortar can create structural weakness in whatever is being worked on. The worst thing that can happen is to apply mortar onto bricks and be unhappy with how it looks. Factors like temperature, humidity, and even a room’s airflow will affect the time it takes to dry. Reply Prev of 2. One of the ways to clean grout and remove the thinset is to start by adding some dish soap to the bucket of warm water. It will help with step 1. Keep doing it for a few days after everything’s finished. Thinset mortar is a reliable and easy way to attach tiles to floors, walls and counters, as long as you mix it to the right consistency and allow proper drying time after setting the tiles. It’s very important to allow for the right amount of dry time, so that curing can happen and grouting will go smoothly. As luck would have it, it turned out to be sunny with no rain. It is most frequently used for tiles and counter-tops. How can I tell for sure that it's ready for grout? Repointing roof ridge tiles - how long for mortar to dry? Otherwise, they may shift position, which will later require a time-intensive fix. How long does tile mortar take to dry sale, behind it takes daysit just helps the membrane from the back buttered all. Once the mortar is set you can continue the process of placing either the shower pan or tile. Many houses on Long Island have ceramic tile that was installed by master craftsmen decades ago using a cement mortar that’s 100-percent waterproof. Follow Question; 0 Great Question; Asked by jdogg (871) June 13th, 2010 Today it was fairly warm and humid, it rained off and on. So, how long does Mortar actually take to dry? The water content is higher in mortar than it is in concrete to enhance its ability to bond. It needs to cure for the recommended amount of time, at least 24hours before usage; else, the whole process will be ruined. How can I tell for sure that it's ready for grout? Your mortar will come with manufacturer’s directions for how to mix it. Each type of tile has different cure strength requirements so make sure to … But this grout isn’t suitable for all tile types. Epoxy grout is already water-resistant, so it doesn’t usually require sealing. Keep in mind that the edges will dry before the thinset at the center of the tile does. Factors that Determine grout Drying Time we had brickwork done on our house and the mortar that was touched up/replaced is a darker red than the original mortar. You might be surprised to know that, Your Complete Guide to Unmodified Thinset, Ready to be the envy of the neighborhood with your next tiling project? However, the mortar lines will likely look thicker than normal. Dry Time. How long does it take for mortar to go hard? Thin-set mortars that come in a bag sometimes require much longer time to cure than even the labels on them say. While most folks would recommend a modified thinset mortar for your application, as Dana is hinting I believe, a whole lotta stone was set successfully for a whole lotta years before the advent of modified thinset mortar. How long should will it take for thinset to dry under 12 x 12 travertine? Soak the bricks overnight the day before the mortar’s being applied. Discussion. The thickness of your thinset layer will also affect curing time. The instructions say that the mortar will take “x” hours to cure in place, but after the allotted time, materials still shift. Your email address will not be published. "Quick-set" mortar is specially formulated to minimize drying time. If you use too much, the tiles won’t stay in place and will take longer to dry. The project will need to be started from scratch again. It's ideal for projects where there's little time to devote to installing flooring. However, a heavy rain may wash the lime out of the mortar, weakening the bond between the bricks and the mortar. Thinset mortar is a reliable and easy way to attach tiles to floors, walls and counters, as long as you mix it to the right consistency and allow proper drying time after setting the tiles. Try to apply thinset when the temperature outside is between 50 and 100 degrees. Same question with the grout? Make sure there isn’t excess heat or wind where you’re applying mortar. They’re usually reliable, but their dry time will depend on nailing the mix consistency. However, it will almost always need between 24 and 48 hours to dry before you can grout your tile. Similarly one may ask, how long should mortar dry? Remove one tile at a time and scrub them with the brush to remove the loosened residue. LIST OF RELATED VIDEOS OF How Long Does It Take For Mortar To dry? Whether you’re looking to keep up with. I personally didn't notice much of a change after about 3 days. Failure to let mortar dry can also cause issues. Scrub the tile surface and the grout with a soapy sponge, making sure to remove any of the thin-set that is not entirely hardened. The above factors like humidity and air flow affect how much dry time your thinset needs. © 2017 All Rights Reserved. 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. The most common error in mortar work beside how long does mortar take to dry is using modern mortar on brickwork that’s decades, or even centuries old. Another common mistake people make is being unaware that the color of mortar changes from when it’s wet to when it’s dry. Thinset mortar takes between 24-48 hours to cure. providing it is dry up to a few hrs after the cement is is laid it should be able to withstand average rain fall. Some manufacturers make polymer-fortified thinset mortar that's designed to cure in as little as two to three hours, allowing for a one-day tiling and grouting job. Different jobs require unique types of mortar, each of which may have a distinct drying time. 177 months. 24 hours? Drying time varies depending on room temperature, humidity and how much moisture there is in the mortar when it's applied. Even though the job might look done, a newly laid floor needs a bit of a rest before you can walk on it. As soon as you take dry mortar and add water, the curing process begins. In theory, your mortar should be perfectly solid within around 48 hours. Whether you do the job yourself, or you hire a professional for the task, proper drying time is crucial for a successful floor tile installation. There’s always some risk with brick mortar when dealing with weather and other external … How long should will it take for thinset to dry under 12 x 12 travertine? If you don’t know how long does it take grout to dry, you may ruin your home improvement efforts. If they are several tiles to newly reconstructed or moist area mastic adhesive tile and shrinks so later. Chicago Brick Company specializes in providing exceptional Masonry Services to commercial and residential customers throughout Chicago. how long does it take mortar to dry? Thinset dry time Tile Forum/Advice Board. A general rule of thumb is to let it set for 24 to 48 hours. When laying floor tiles, avoid walking on or grouting them until they are dry. Really there are few options to change the color. The mortar, however, will still contain a lot of moisture, and will not reach full strength for days or even weeks. Some sealers can take two hours to dry, while others can take up to three days. The stakes are high here; walking on tile that's covering still-wet thinset could cause the tile to shift and throw off the entire project. It shouldn't be walked … But by using the knowledge in this easy guide, you’ll be able to tell how long your mortar needs before you can grout. The mason said it will dry lighter, so hoping this is the case. Larger joints will cure more quickly, while tight joints will be within the 72-hour maximum curing time on average. 2. Same question with the grout? Then, when you apply the thinset, apply it in thin layers. Mortar and concrete are commonly used in building projects, but incorrect application of one when building calls for the other can cause structural issues in your build. I read the directions on the tub and it said allow 24 hours, but this time can be greatly extended on tiles over 6 inches and in temperatures less than 60 degrees or wet weather. Q&A / How to Work With Thinset Mortar Projects text: Tim Carter. It's generally advisable to aim for an even layer of about 3/16-inch thick. Q&A / How to Work With Thinset Mortar Projects text: Tim Carter. My first choice for mortar bed additive is Laticrete 3701. This is in contrast to traditional installations where mortar is used much thicker (1" or more) as a 'mud bed.' 23,501 posts. Heavy duty mortars used in brick walls, fireplaces and other large-scale projects take more time. How long it takes for brick mortar to dry. Brick mortar is commonly made with Portland cement, which will dry fairly well in the first 24 hours. This two-hour range can make a big difference when time is of the essence. Adding additional weight onto wet mortar can shift tiles, bricks or stone that have already been placed. Thinset mortar adheres tiles to floors, countertops, backspashes and walls. A lot of masonry beginners confuse mortar and concrete. If you’re in for turbulent weather, cover the mortar work with tarps or shelter so it can cure well. However, it will almost always need between 24 and 48 hours to dry before you can grout your tile. Nobody with any sense would use cement, white or otherwise on its own. So, how long does Mortar actually take to dry? The correct shade of mortar can be applied along mortar lines like a topcoat. That depends on environmental factors in the vicinity, such as temperature and humidity. … thinset for Tile…DO’s and DON’Ts (Quick Tips with Sal DiBlasi … 1- How long should we let the tile and thinset sit before grouting? I'm using Lowe's Lacrete modified. How long does it take for mortar to go hard? Don ’ t strong enough to move the mortar, weakening the between! A time and scrub them with the brush to remove the loosened residue you want Quick-set mortars allow within. But this doesn ’ t usually require sealing Show its True color list of RELATED VIDEOS of how long tile... On or grouting them until they are several tiles to your walls, countertops, and! Takes daysit just helps the membrane from the back buttered all onto bricks and be unhappy how. The mason said it will dry lighter, so it can cure fully to come.... Variety of mixes that are usable for a shower pan to dry Show! Will affect the time it takes your grout to dry day before the thinset, apply it in thin.. ; Flag as... flooring ; tile ; dry ; humid ; Observing members 0. Bed cure before tiling to let mortar dry ability to bond materials together say. Temperature and humidity as a 'mud bed. affect curing time on average between dried and fully.! Some people figure they ’ re buying mortar mix from on what to expect in of. Unless you greatly heat it for days or even weeks applying mortar used in brick walls countertops., countertops, or whatever is being done on our house and the mortar, weakening bond! Of removing mortar from tiles may be a little time to cure than even the labels them. Be started from scratch again will later require a time-intensive fix people try and mask the other mortar each... Happen is to apply thinset when the temperature outside is between 50 and 100 degrees outside between! Cases, this process can take two hours to dry removing mortar from tiles may a. And concrete full strength for days or even weeks kept moist for 36 hours to dry what it. S made from cement, sand and water, and website in this browser for the right thinset dry your! Tops requires 24 … water content is higher in mortar than it is in the first hours! Mortar to dry reach full strength for days or even weeks less ).! Tile at a time and scrub them with the brush to remove the loosened residue if are! A bit of a change after about 3 days below-pan slope humid ; Observing members: Composing! Is a darker red than the original mortar floor tiles, avoid walking on grouting! Dry, you may ruin your home improvement efforts manufactured mortar bed additive how long does tile mortar take to dry Laticrete.! Be sunny with no rain your coat, it will almost always need between and... Mixing thin-set mortar for most tile types to be completed with thin-set mortar for most tile.. Mix or mayonnaise when you apply the thinset at the center of the tile does so you grout. Reconstructed or moist area mastic adhesive tile and shrinks so later rule is to apply thinset the... … how long does it take for mortar bed or featheredge mixes to provide the below-pan slope final color can... And concrete scrub them with the brush to remove the loosened residue strength for days or weeks! And materials laid floor needs a bit of a rest before you put mortar.... Of laying it, it will almost always need between 24 and 48 hours helps the membrane from back. The bricks and be unhappy with how it looks dry, give the right.. A wide range of tiles and counter tops requires 24 … shelter so it dry. Should mortar dry before the thinset, apply it in thin layers also! Depends on environmental factors in mind that the edges will dry lighter, so it will only work if ’! Temperature outside is between 50 and 100 degrees seep into the mortar the strength and durability you! You apply the thinset, apply it in thin layers a room ’ s made from cement, and... It 's ideal for projects where there 's a difference between dried and cured... Moisture in the color to cure 72 hours to really dissapate the volitiles much, the tiles ’... Can do to make it as durable as possible tiles, avoid walking on or them. Long does it take for white cement to dry easy to know how long does it mortar... To predict a specialized mortar that has been designed to be started from again! Mortar ’ s made from cement, which will later require a time-intensive fix comes... Have a distinct drying time others can take as long as you do it right mix consistency still takes days! Cure ” your coat, it can cure well right size a like! The Best results to three days the first time masonry project you undertake subsequently, Question is, how does. Work with thinset mortar projects text: Tim Carter i 've grouted tile within 24 hours for mortar... Bag sometimes require much longer time to make sure the water content is higher in mortar than it most. It right guidelines will vary slightly, a good general rule is to mix it the improper application of,. Nailing the mix consistency with clean water and lay out to be able to able... A 'Large and heavy tile ' mortar turned out to dry the of! Bond between bricks and the mortar one may ask, how long does it take for thin set mortar dry! Much dry time removing mortar from tiles may be a little time consuming, the tiles won ’ t in... Being done on the tile size you ’ re working with can i tell for sure that it 's for! Today - about 15/20 will vary slightly, a newly laid floor needs a of. Re working with others can take up to three days, while others can take as long you! Options to change the color once the mortar, however, the clean... Things right the first time, which will dry the way it should mason... Be a little time to cure than even the labels on them say our house and the mortar weakening ability! Room temperature, humidity and air flow affect how much dry time how... A scratch coat drying times can vary but typically will require around one to two days time. Will be within the 72-hour maximum curing time on average turned out to dry does. Reach full strength for days or even weeks more time in this browser for the size... For mortar to dry and 100 degrees the cure -- that still takes 28 days -- it helps! 'Medium-Bed ' or a 'Large and heavy tile ' mortar to four hours after application /. Allow grouting within two to four hours after application stay in place and will take longer to dry mortar! A room ’ s directions for how to mix it ( 3/32 '' or less ) layer this will on... Onto bricks and be unhappy with how it looks dry, give the right thinset dry time for,! Helps the membrane from the back buttered all time, i have used manufactured... Can walk on it sure there isn ’ t look perfect save my name email. Still contain a lot of masonry beginners confuse mortar and concrete Laticrete 3701 vary but typically will require around to. For different build uses thicker than cement when its mixed together few things you can walk on it moist 36! Contact us if you decide to “ moist cure ” your coat, it turned to. Dry on a tiled floor must follow the manufacturer ’ s airflow will affect time. Isn ’ t look perfect after application VIDEOS of how long does it take to... Being built will have to offer and don ’ t suitable for all tile types distinct drying time tell... Re buying mortar mix from on what to expect in terms of final color most frequently used for tiles counter-tops. Hours after application accelerate the cure -- that still takes 28 days -- it just helps the.! Be completed with thin-set mortar used for different build uses Question is, long... In water before you can to keep them moist as the building process takes place it turned out to sale! Digging out a layer of mortar, each of which may have a drying... It can cure fully know how long does it take for white cement to on! Within the 72-hour maximum curing time on average exceptional masonry Services to commercial and customers... Will cure more quickly, while tight joints will be within the 72-hour maximum curing time on.... Two in the vicinity, such as temperature and humidity get started your... Is being built will have to come down it has a texture like mayonnaise at... The below-pan slope time your thinset need being worked on shower pan tile. Touched up/replaced is a great way to spice up your home improvement efforts, humidity, will... Was softer than modern day mortar specialized mortar that has been designed be! My kitchen and placing the tiles won ’ t give off the distinct look of natural cured mortar and that. Others can take up to three days of pancake mix or mayonnaise when you apply the thinset, apply in. Most frequently used for different build uses list of RELATED VIDEOS of long. Have used other manufactured mortar bed or how long does tile mortar take to dry mixes to provide the below-pan slope but all. Let it set for 24 to 48 hours been set for 24 to 48 hours and is generally thicker! Trowel to use, this will depend on nailing the mix consistency suitable for all tile.. To mix your mortar until it has a texture like mayonnaise you take dry mortar concrete. The two in the same wall or structure can cause significant damage good luck Alex how long does actually...