TYPES OF MORTAR

Mortar is a workable paste used to bind building blocks such as stones, bricks, and concrete masonry units together, fill and seal the irregular gaps between them, and sometimes add decorative colors or patterns in masonry walls.

Some of the types of mortar depending upon the material used to prepare the mix are as follows:-

• Cement Mortar

It is a mixture of cement, sand and water, cement is used as the binding material. The ratio of cement and sand is decided based on the specified durability and working conditions through the mortar analysis.

• Lime Mortar

Here lime is used as the binding material therefore it is a mixture of lime which are either fat lime or hydraulic lime, sand and water. It has a high plasticity and flexibility compared to cement mortar.

• Gauged Mortar

This is a combination mixture of cement, lime, sand and water. Gauging is the process of adding cement to lime mortar to improve its quality. This results to a stronger, dense and economical mortar.

• Surkhi Mortar

Surkhi is finely powdered burnt clay from brick. Surkhi acts as a substitute for sand. Therefore Surkhi mortar consists lime, surkhi and water. It gives more strength than sand and cheaply available in the market.

Uses of Mortar

• To bind building blocks such as stones, bricks, and concrete.
• Fill and seal the irregular gaps between the blocks
• To add decorative colors or patterns in masonry walls.
• To give a soft even bed between different layers of masonry
• To fill up the spaces between bricks or stones for making walls tight.
•  Used in concrete as a matrix.
•  Used in plastering works to hide the joints and to improve appearance.
•  For molding and ornamental purpose.

ü      Features of Good Mortar.

• Good adhesion with the building materials such as stones
•  Durability
•  Low mortar deformation 
•  Affordability
• Workable
• Resistance to penetration of water.
• There should be no cracks.

For quality services using any type on mortar please contact us on:-

 

Telephone: 0202001038, Mobile: 0774299636

Email: info@eastafricanflooring.co.ke

Website: www.eastafricanflooring.co.ke

Article by: Imelda Atieno

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