Crumbling mortar - Mortar crumbling in brick wall

[gardeninggal]

Help!!
I've laid a really small wall - 3 courses woopie doo - and the mortar is crumbling on the top layer. The mortar was mixed 4-1 ratio as advised and then covered to allow it to go off properly - this was November mind, and now I'm being told the mortar is crumbling on the top layer, any idea why? I've never had this problem before with bricklaying and am in a quandry and have a very miffed client!!
Thanks guys

[msh paving]

was the mortar to dry when mixed or not mixed well,did frost get it overnight,cement was gone off, maybe post a piccy MSH

[lutonlagerlout]

sounds like the frost has got it,what did you cover it with?
a picture would be handy for diagnosis
LLL

[topgrafter2007]

the frost..... cant say how many people in the trade have had probs with frost last two months! BUT THERES PLENTY. this recent cold weather has caused havoc. suffered myself prob your culprit. weve added additives, covered up an still had probs. should be less risk now cold weathers eased off.

[simeonronacrete]

If you can afford it, switch from Portland cement to a rapid hardening cement such as Ronascreed Powder or Monoset Powder which are designed for low temperature application to 0oC and -10oC respectively.

Add Ronafix to the gauging water and you gain water and frost resistance.

The downside, cost.

The upside, not having to go back and re-do what has failed.

If you want more information, give us a call. We'd be delighted to hear from you.

Regards

Simeon

p.s. we manufacture all 3 products mentioned.

[gardeninggal]

Thank you everyone, your responses are kinda what I thought too, so I'll take your advice on board for next time. It was a particularly cold spell in November when we put it in, and although it was mixed ok ie. not too wet or dry as we were pointing the top layer, and we mixed it to the correct proportions, we didn't add any rapid hardener, but covered it over with a tarp - but clearly this wasn't enough!
I'll know more next time!
Thanks again

[gardeninggal]

Hi everyone, have a bit of an update on the wall - have tried to upload a picture, but have no clue how to - any help appreciated there!
I've been to see the wall, and its actally the top two courses that are giving me hassle - the mortar at the bottom is sound and is as hard as nails, but the top mortar is crumbling like mad and doesn't look like its got any cement in it at all, despite the mix being 4:1 the same as the bottom layer. Does this mean that the frost has got to it, or could it be a problem with the cement used - has it gone off?
Your help would truly be appreciated!

[lutonlagerlout]

this should help with the pictures

generally 90% of mortar problems occur between the drum and the dozy so and so knocking it up and texting his m8s at the same time,either that or the frost has "had" it
LLL