[tstex]

Hello to all,

We have an outdoor fireplace that faces the west sun and most of the mortar has cracked and is breaking [off]. The material is an Austin Stone [limestone] and looking for an outdoor caulk-based material w sand like material w in to give more of a mortar look. Does anyone have a product they can recommend? we would need an off-white to very light gray to match mortar as best as possible.

Note, I can send some pics if helpful.

thank you very much,
tstex

 

[stadry]

caulk is NEVER correct material,,, need to repoint,,, HOWEVER you can rake out the mortar & install a sealant, preferably polyurethane, then dust it w/fine aggregate IF that's what you want to do

 

[ClarenceBauer]

I will agree with Stadry on the repointing.
If you elect to go the caulking route look for Mor-Flexx Sashco sanded caulking for Mortar & Stucco.

 

[tstex]

All, bad word choice in a generic sense using the word "caulk", meaning to use a tube like applicator vs true mortar and trowel.

How easy is it to smooth out a polyurethane type product? Assuming oil-based will require an oil based product for cleanup, yes? Durability is the best too. Does the finished / dried product look rubbery and what are the color options?

Here's a few pics of the stone, broken/cracked mortar and material colors. Application is important bc material will need to be manually smoothed-out over varying depths of lost mortar.

Thanks to all.

 

[ClarenceBauer]

In the photo it appears that the right is a textured Stucco with a metal casing bead where the straight line separation is. If that is a metal or plastic bead there is NO mortar that will adhere to it.

 

[tstex]

Thanks Clarence.

When I remove the mortar, I will determine what is/are the specific substrate/(s). If my memory serves me correctly, the project was completed in November/December 2014...the mortar started to crack and about 6-8 mo's ago.

The back side of the fire place ( which is pictured), receives our 1230-1pm to 7pm summer brutal summer sun. After 5 yrs of sun, wind & rain, it's taken its toll.

I reviewed the product you recommended and the specs state pthe roduct can adhere to almost anything. It's also flexible and expands & contracts w temps. Once I start removing the cracked mortar, I will have a better idea of what substrates any product will be compliant or not.

Thanks again

 

[ZTMAN]

In answer to your questions, they do make mortar repair in a caulking tube

https://www.lowes.com/pd/QUIKRETE-1...VjLbICh0MzAFWEAQYAiABEgIkKvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[stadry]

we use spatulas of various sizes to shape the sealant,,, any decent masonary restoration supply house will have a full range