Sharp sand - wet

[Mojooo]

I have just had a laod of sharp sand delivered for a paving project I am doing

I will probably not actually use it for a few weeks, which is will no doubt rain during.

I will be using it as a mortar mix so it will get wet.

Question is, is there a certain wetness that it becomings annoyingly unusable in, or is it always good to go?

I spose if the sand is already wet that will affect how much water I will have to add to get the right mix for my mortar?

[Mattt]

Can't you cover it with a tarp?

It will affect your water/cement ratio - and will make it hard to calculate mixture - but seeing as it's only paving, I wouldn't worry massively.

[TheD]

Last poster is correct. It can be a nightmare getting the consistency right when its soaking and the cement just doesn't seem to bond as good but I wouldn't worry about it with regards to what you are using it for.

[Emsman]

All aggregates suffer from 'baulking' to some degree.
Knock the water down by 5% you should be fine.

If uncovered you could be looking at up to 30% but you are only laying slabs so can't see it being too critical.

[steve1]

With sharp sand you have to let it mix for longer than other aggregates, seems to hold water water longer.

[CoolC]

My brother had a similar siuation last weekend. He mixed the sand and cement with no water at all, and it was nearly right, just the slightest splash or water was needed to get the consistancy right

[Gingerbread Man]

Cover it over to stop cats using it as a litter tray.

[Mojooo]

Gingerbread Man said:

Cover it over to stop cats using it as a litter tray.

dont worry, i havent got any cats and if any come into my garden i will throw them over the 6ft fence

[Gingerbread Man]

Mojooo said:

Gingerbread Man said:

Cover it over to stop cats using it as a litter tray.

dont worry, i havent got any cats and if any come into my garden i will throw them over the 6ft fence

Looks like you're sorted and ready to go then.