Hot & Cold Weather Masonry Construction

Recommendations

Hot weather masonry construction and its quality control require some additional attention to construction practices and protection. Attention should be directed to the following details as well as those normally attended.

1. Implement the hot weather construction and protection requirements of this recommended practice when daytime temperatures are forecast to exceed 100°F (37.8°C) or 90°F (32.2°C) with a wind velocity greater than 8 mph (12.9km/h). Check local weather reports before the start of each day and periodically measure air temperature and wind speed during the day.

2. Receive, store, and protect construction materials in ways that prevent water from entering the materials. Cover or shade mortar materials; protect water, sand, and cement from exposure to direct sunlight. When shelters are constructed to shade materials, support covers such that they do not come into direct contact with the materials being protected and air circulation is allowed to take place.

3. Do not exceed a maximum mortar or grout temperature of 120°F (48.9°C). Check mortar temperature after mixing and before use. Use cold water to mix the mortar or grout. Ice may be added to the water, but complete melting must take place before mixing with other materials. Sand piles may be cooled by sprinkling.

4. Fog spray all newly constructed masonry until damp, at least three times a day until the masonry is three days old. Cover walls with polyethelyne plastic sheeting to prevent moisture loss from the masonry to the atmosphere.

5. At the end of the day, protect the top surfaces of all masonry to prevent moisture, as rain, from entering the masonry. Cover the top surfaces such that the protection extends down a minimum of 2 feet (0.6 m) down all sides of the masonry.

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