what mortar do I need for cold weather brick laying

[Shawn]

I always thought 50F was the absolute hard limit for mortar to cure right, but I see masons out there laying brick in the middle of winter! What gives?
I'm trying to stick thin brick to cement board in the cold, and I need the right product. What thin set mortar can I use that won't totally fail when the temperature drops? Help me skip the standard mortar fail!

 

[El VMX]

They can still work in cold weather because they use special mortar mixes that cure even when it’s chilly. Afaik, they usually cover the work with heated tents or blankets to keep everything stable while it sets. For thin brick on cement board, I highly recommend going with a polymer‑modified thin set that’s made for cold‑weather installs. Those mixes are designed to stick better and cure properly even when it’s chilly out.

 

[ChicagoDogz]

you can run heaters under a tarp. also, get accelerators that speed up the curing process so that the mortar sets before it freezes

 

[Ozzie_]

use accelerators. products like Set It or calcium based additives (for non structural work) speed up the hydration process so the mortar generates its own heat and cures before it can freeze
for thin brick on cement board, look for a LFT mortar that is Rapid Setting

it’ll be rock hard in 3–4 hours, enough time to beat the overnight freeze

 

[Alan]

They use different techniques like accelerators to speed setting also tents or heated enclosures. A mortar joint freezes within the first 24 hours, it can lose up to 50% of its ultimate strength. That’s why winter masonry is significantly more expensive, it's all about the labor of managing the heat!