Visiting old brick cities on a break turned my hurry around

I was all about getting jobs done quick with fast setting mortar. Took a vacation to see some old towns in Europe, like Prague. Walking over the Charles Bridge, I stared at the brickwork that's stood for hundreds of years. The mortar joints looked solid, not cracked or weak. It clicked that rushing my mixes was a mistake for long term stuff. Now I take my time, use a slower cure mix with extra lime. My walls just feel sturdier and handle weather way better. That trip basically schooled me on why old school methods rock.

3 comments

3 Comments

jesse9942mo ago

How badly did that fast stuff crumble on you? I've totally been there, rushing a job just to get it done (it never ends well). The original post is so right, that hurry-up mindset really screws things up for the long haul. Seeing those old buildings makes you realize good work just can't be rushed. It's a tough lesson to learn the hard way on your own project though. Slowing down really is the only fix, even if it feels wrong at first.

burns.anna2mo ago

Totally bought into the quick-fix stuff before. Now it's obvious why the old ways last.

margaret_gonzalez252mo ago

My last DIY project used fast setting stuff and looks like a toddler stacked it. Should've taken a vacation first.