Masonry in Cold and Hot Weather Conditions

During cold weather, rapid-hardening cement is used in mortar preparation. Hot water is added to it, keeping the mortar temperature between 40 degrees to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, until placed.

For temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit,  the masonry units, and cement bags are stored on a raised platform, covered using water-resistive sheets, and heated using space heaters.

The freezing of sand is prevented by heating it using an electric blanket or heat pipes.

Additionally, windbreaks are provided on the worksite if wind velocity is greater than 15 miles per hour.

At the end of work, the masonry wall is covered using insulated blankets for 24 hours to prevent freezing.

During hot weather, masonry units, sand, cement bags, and mortar equipment are protected from direct sunlight.

Flushing mortar equipment with water, adding cool water to mortar mix, and prewetting masonry units before laying them are practiced for hot weather masonry.

At the end of work, fog spray is applied on the masonry and covered with weather-resistant membranes to protect it from the sun.