winter masonary

[Meanix]

Is it ok to add regular watered down anti freeze when there is a chance of freeze before set up time? I am doing a chimney veneer and the weather so far except for a little rain is cooperating as far as temp goes. May be a chance at night for some freeze. Will the red antifreeze discolor my pointing? I am going to use it for brown and setting stone, just wondering if it will change mud color and if there is a specified product for winter apps.

[MuirView Design]

I've used a winter add mix for mortar in the past. Someone told me they stopped making it, but I'm not sure if that's true or not. I would call the concrete yard and check. Personally, I wouldn't be too keen on adding red antifreeze to my mortar. Is it up near the top of the chimney where you can throw a blanket on it?

[Meanix]

30' chimney. I have seen admix but have never used it or even knew what it was. They have it at allied I will look in to it. Set up scaffold yesterday 2 towers 5 sections each. I am not normally afraid of heights with ladders or pump jacks but it will take me a while to get used to the scaffold movement.

[Mark]

The add mix you're speaking of will actually weaken your mud. I can't say I would jump on adding regular automotive anti-freeze to your mortar. Will you be tenting in around your scaffolding? Blankets will help alot....we will actually put electric heaters in the firebox inside the house when temps are hovering around freezing. They will actually help keep some of the chill off your block work.

You did tie the scaffolding back to the house correct???

[Meanix]

I am going to tie the 2 towers together. And then see how much movement there is. The house has only one area where I can tie back to the roof line if necessary. The weeks forecast looks decent with temps only getting to 35 for a low so I should be ok. I am not going to tent. How does the admix weaken the mud?

[Mark]

I am going to tie the 2 towers together. And then see how much movement there is. The house has only one area where I can tie back to the roof line if necessary. The weeks forecast looks decent with temps only getting to 35 for a low so I should be ok. I am not going to tent. How does the admix weaken the mud?

I'm not sure what the chemical process is that weakens it but I've been told that by many people and it is what I was taught 10 years ago or so. Kind of poor reasoning huh! I hate that answer. It may have to do with the speed in which the mud cures but I could be wrong.:noidea:

[Mark]

http://www.tpub.com/content/ArmyCRREL/SR97_16/SR97_160031.htm
http://www.tpub.com/content/construction/14043/css/14043_214.htm

Here's some info I found...maybe what I've been told is wrong

[Hardscaping1]

Grace Construction Products has a suitable product, Morset: http://www.na.graceconstruction.com/masonry/download/MORSET%20data%20sheet%20(MP-027D).pdf

[custom patios]

Is it ok to add regular watered down anti freeze when there is a chance of freeze before set up time? I am doing a chimney veneer and the weather so far except for a little rain is cooperating as far as temp goes. May be a chance at night for some freeze. Will the red antifreeze discolor my pointing? I am going to use it for brown and setting stone, just wondering if it will change mud color and if there is a specified product for winter apps.

johnson,
Adam is correct.winter add mix is safe and good. you can also use thermo lube by quickrete. the idea is to increase early strength in the mortar so that it may withstand freezing.never, never, ever use red antifreeze or any antifreeze for that matter. antifreeze can decrease the compressive and bond strengths of masonry if used in quantities that lower the freezing point of the mortar ( which is what you are trying to acheive by using it).
some tips: always used heated water, try to keep your sand warm, build a wind enclosure, and when temps drop below 20 degrees do all of the above and heat the enclosure. using thermal blankets is a great way to keep the masonry from freezing as well.
oh btw, what is masonARY.

[Meanix]

I'm not an english teacher steve. Been waiting for a response from you thank yoo.

[custom patios]

I'm not an english teacher steve. Been waiting for a response from you thank yoo.

anytime bro. if you use winter add mix use it sparingly. like Mark said it can weaken the mortar if it is used in excess. if you are using it for colored pointing be sure each batch is made exactly the same, it will effect the color.