Understanding mortar sieve results and intro on improving imperfect sand

A skilled mechanic can make almost any aggregate work for most uses on historic buildings. But learning how to locate (or assemble from several sources) a better aggregate will make for better working characteristics and a more durable product.

What you need to learn from a mortar analysis about aggregates and ratios

Sand is not sand is not sand. Often when people are having stucco or plaster application problems (although the same can happen with bricklaying mortar), it turns out the aggregate is to blame. In short, it is not as simple as accepting whatever is at the local masonry supply house. Nor for that matter if…