The rework rate of the project has increased dramatically? It turns out that the mortar is peeling off!

 n construction projects, mortar dusting and insufficient strength are common problems that can seriously affect quality, cause rework, delay schedules, and increase costs. The root causes often lie in the following aspects:

1. Raw Material Issues

1. Cement: Inadequate strength grade, expired or damp cement will reduce bonding performance and lower final strength.

2. Sand: High mud content or poor gradation reduces bonding and compaction, leading to poor strength.

3. Water: Impurities or abnormal pH levels can interfere with cement hydration and mortar performance.

2. Mix Proportion Issues

1. Insufficient Cement: Not enough binding power → low strength.

2. Excessive Sand: Not enough paste to coat sand particles → weak adhesion.

3. Improper Water-Cement Ratio:
    • Too high → high porosity, bleeding, low strength;
    • Too low → incomplete hydration, weak structure.

3. Construction Process Issues

1. Uneven Mixing: Poor distribution of materials leads to unstable performance.

2. Inadequate Curing: Low temperature or insufficient humidity slows or stops hydration.

3. Poor Substrate Preparation: Dust, oil, or excessive dryness reduces adhesion, causing delamination and dusting.

4. Other Factors

1. Improper Use of Admixtures: Wrong type or dosage can delay setting or weaken the mix.

2. Environmental Conditions: High temperature, wind, or dry air causes rapid water loss, leading to surface dusting and cracking

✅ Conclusion

To avoid mortar issues, always ensure material quality, accurate mix ratios, proper workmanship, and suitable curing conditions. Prevention is better than costly repairs.