I'm repointing my old house with 1:1:6 cement:lime:washed sharp sand. I can't find the washed sharp sand at the local builders merchants. Do any of the sheds sell it?
If I use unwashed sand will I have problems?
Can I wash my own sand? If so, what type of soap should I use - only kidding.
Thank you,
Neil
Yes, but you have to do it one grain at a time. Only kidding ;)
PoP
Build yourself an open wooden frame and put it on an old bed sheet across it. Put the sharp sand on the top then run a hose over it for a minute or two. Guaranteed to wash any sand you've bought. Even the cheapest of sharp sand.
"PoP" wrote | Niel A. Farrow) wrote: | >Can I wash my own sand? If so, what type of soap should I use - only kidding. | Yes, but you have to do it one grain at a time. Only kidding ;)
A Miele'll wash anything. Only kidding ;)
Owain
In message , Andrew Gabriel writes
I always thought it referred to washing sand that may have come from a marine source to get rid of the salt. Which AIUI can affect the setting of the mortar
There are two types of sand: bricklaying sand which is very fine and plastering sand which is larger. (There is also a concrete grade but it isn't really sand.) Get the coarser of the sand from your builder's. It will be local and cheaper than the bagged stuff from a warehouse.
Sharp sand is a reference to its edges which if not freshly quarried may have smooth edges due to abrasion. It happens in sea sand and it happens in desert dunes.
The only problem is the colour. Unless you know the original supply you will just have to hope for the best.
Be warned - there are at least three grades. We had a problem when we ordered plastering sand - the sand delivered included very small stones (around 1-2mm) and was totally unsuitable for rendering. Turned out this was a grade generally used for floor screeds. The BM had sent the wrong kind, but it was only when we mentioned the small stones they finally twigged what they had done. This may be the standard 'sharp sand' which is also mixed with aggregate to make concrete (the 'concrete grade' referred to above?). I suspect there are regional variations as well, depending on the quarries and local terminology.
HTH Dave R
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.