How long will type n portland cement already mixed with water stay usable if kept moist?
Question:I'm in the middle of a project and had to stop to do something else. My cement is in a six gallon container. I covered the top with seran wrap. Will the cement still be usable in about 12-18 hours?
Answers:
By the type N I assume you are talking about mortar. If that is the case you have about 2 hours to use the product. You can re-temper the mud by addiing a small amount of water to make it plastic again. While this is not recommended commercially it has always worked just fine. I would say that if you have not placed it in 3 hours, and not tempered it more than twice in that time, you should probably mix a new batch. If it is concrete and not mortar it will be a bit more unforgiving but I would still say that you should not temper more than 2 times in a 2 hour period and to wet the surface you are applying it to so it does not dry too quickly.
After 12-18 hours it is likely to be set up so if you need to salvage the container get it out now.
Concrete will cure underwater if submerged so keeping it moist will only slightly slow down the hydration but will not save it for that period.
No, as a restoration contractor, if a batch of our "mud" cement sits for more than half an hour, we throw it away. If you keep watering it down, it loses its strength.
No. Portland cement hardens (cures) by combining with the water, not by drying out.
it wont last long. alan is absolutely correct.
Cement will start to go Hot ( which mean the chemicals will start to bond and harden ) in about 4 to 6 hours depending on climate conditions, unless the is a retarder in the mix. even covering it with water or basicly anything will not stop the chemical reaction...You can actuall feel the cement get warm.
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