I called that new lime putty stuff a fad until my rep pointed at a wall we did in '08.

The mortar joints were still perfect, no efflorescence at all. I've been mixing my own for twenty years, but that old job convinced me to give it a real shot on a chimney rebuild last fall. Anyone else switch over and notice a difference in freeze-thaw areas?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_dylan49m ago

Watched a neighbor's repointed foundation with modern mortar crack after two winters" - yeah, that's exactly what sold me too. I did a stone retaining wall up here in freeze-thaw country with the putty mix, and after three rough winters it's got a couple hairline things but nothing like the modern stuff I used to use that'd crack full width. Your mileage may vary, but for me the slow cure seems to let it breathe better.

ray_grant1mo ago

That old lime putty job is what finally sold me on it too.

piper_thompson311mo ago

Watched a neighbor's repointed foundation with modern mortar crack after two winters. My test patch with the putty right next to it just looks damp sometimes, but it's holding tight. Makes me wonder if the slower cure lets it move just enough without breaking.