The Brew Cabin

Is it necessary to soak bluestone prior to setting in mortar with mortar joints to prevent the bluestone from drying-out the mortar and causing cracking?

Bluestone - that's an American type of flagstone isn't it? We don't have it in Britain or Ireland, apart from the odd nutter that has deemed it a worthwhile investment to bring some over for a specific project.

I have discussed bluestone with other trans-atlantic correspondents, but, as we don't have it and we don't work with it, I can't really tell you what would be the best way to work with it. However, soaking a flagstone prior to pointing is something that is only done over here when the weather has been/is exceptionally hot and the sub-layers are parched.

Thank you for the reply. You've just described the weather and conditions that we experience every single day starting at the beginning of May. I've also read that you can simply periodically spray with a water hose to keep it moist. I think this is what I'll do.

Yeah - that's right - rub it in about the bloody weather!

We've got a bank holiday weekend coming up and it's guaranteed to piss down for the full three days, so some Yank boasting about their perfect climate is just what we need! ;)

Let me know how it turns out (the pointing, not the weather!)