How to Moisten Mortar

Misting dry mortar between brickwork can prevent cracking in the joints as the bricks settle.

Building a patio or path out of brick or stone can be a large undertaking, but you're less likely to encounter problems if you begin the job properly. Make sure the ground is level and filled with sand before laying the bricks or stones. If you choose to lay the bricks and apply wet mortar, the mortar joints may crack as the bricks and sand begin to settle. You can avoid cracks by packing dry mortar between the joints of the bricks and then moistening the mortar gradually over the course of a week.

Things You'll Need

• Mortar
• Trowel
• Garden hose
• Mist attachment

Instructions

1. Apply the dry mortar in between the bricks or stones.

2. Pack it in well using a trowel.

3. Mist the mortar from above with a fine spray from a garden-hose attachment. Avoid using a high-pressure setting or a pressure washer. Moisten the mortar thoroughly but not to the point where mortar comes out of the joints.

4. Repeat this misting process over the course of a week so that the mortar adjusts to the settling of the bricks.

Tips & Warnings

• Repeat this entire process in a year or two if more mortar ever needs to be added to the joints.

References

• Extreme How To; Do-It-Yourself Brick Patio and Walk; Monte Burch

Resources

• Coffman Stone: Glossary of Stone-Related Terms