This week in Akron history, canal commission awarded contracts, workers installed pipes, motorists bought maps and firefighters opened a new station.

ASK THE BUILDER | You may be able to spray onto the brick and mortar a clear water repellent that's got a very high solids content. It's possible the liquid may dry and do a great job of repelling ...

Step 3: Lime mortar can be slaked (cooked) overnight or for up to two years to increase its strength. To slake the mortar mix, slowly pour a third of a bucket of water over the lime.

Repair those with new mortar that's made using hydrated lime and fine silica sand. The second step is to apply two coats of a silane/siloxane solvent-based water repellent to the face of the brick.

You may not have ever given much thought to how bricklayer’s mortar is made. Standard mortar is a combination of three ingredients: sand; powdered Portland cement, lime and some other ingredients; and ...

I've not used it, but I know that no caulk, no matter what it contains, could equal the lifespan of lime mortar. When you mix hydrated lime with water, it transforms back into limestone.

Lime mortar's advantages were its flexibility and breathability. It provides a more forgiving environment for old stones and timbers. It allows old structures to let water evaporate.

If rain water runs down your brickwork it will damage the surface and can wash the mortar out of joints. Use lime, not cement Lime mortars should nearly always be used when repointing a building.