When planning the construction of your own house, it is important to consider many factors. The building should have notable strength that can withstand external influences and an aesthetically pleasing appearance. To achieve this goal, specialists recommend a proper approach to selecting building materials. Brick or gas concrete remains a priority, as they offer optimal prices and demonstrate significant strength over long periods of time.
Types of mortar for masonry by purpose
An important point: the quality of the structure, regardless of its architectural features, also depends on the properly chosen mortar for masonry. It’s essential to understand the basic rules for selecting the mixture and pay attention to the type of building material.
Moreover, you should consider whether it makes sense to mix the mortar yourself or buy a ready-made mix.
The main components of the masonry mix are water, cement, and sand. Other ingredients are added based on the intended use of the mixture.
Key examples:
- Mortar for construction and finishing works;
- Mortar for laying foundations, regardless of the volume of materials used;
- Mixture for working with solid or hollow materials (important parameter: water absorption of the sides).
When choosing the mortar mix for laying bricks or gas blocks, it is also important to take into account the climatic conditions under which the work will take place. Some materials come with additional additives that are permissible for use at low temperatures.
Additionally, when selecting the components for the mortar, it’s worth considering the aesthetic properties of the joints. Do you need the joint to be colored based on the hue of the building material, among other factors?
To properly select the mortar for masonry, experts recommend familiarizing yourself with the main types of mixes by purpose.
The most popular options are:
- Universal;
- Colored;
- Warm;
- For the foundation;
- Special.
Universal mortar
Universal mixes are suitable for laying any building material. They are known for their significant strength. A disadvantage is that they are only available in a gray color, so these mixes are often used solely for technical works.
Colored mortar
Colored mortar mixtures, thanks to high-quality pigments, offer the opportunity to find a perfect match for the hue of the building material. Pigmented mixes are also quite eco-friendly, which makes them safe for use in the construction of any building. Additionally, the color retains its appeal even under direct sunlight.
Warm mortar
When working with aerated concrete or gas blocks, specialists recommend using warm mixes for masonry. Their elasticity guarantees excellent adhesion without forming cold bridges. As a result, the masonry can withstand temperature fluctuations and retain its properties for a long time.
Foundation mortar
For preparing mortar mixtures used in foundation construction, it is necessary to use cement with high strength (example: M-400 and higher). Gravel or granite crushed stone should be used as filler, as both materials can withstand mechanical loads and temperature changes. Mortar mixtures for the foundation are a good option for building both residential houses and utility structures.
Special mortar
Specialized mixes should be chosen when building structures of special purpose, such as fireplaces, chimneys, stoves, barbecues, and others. The durability of these mixes depends on their ability to withstand various factors.
Materials for mortar preparation
The selection of mortar material should be based on the intended use and external influences.
Main materials for mortar mixtures:
- Cement;
- Gypsum;
- Lime.
Classic options made with cement, water, and sand are affordable and have notable strength. Specialists recommend gypsum mixtures when working with ceramic bricks.
Adding gypsum to the mortar accelerates hardening. However, the presence of gypsum reduces strength, so such mixtures are only suitable for creating decorative elements or interior work in general.
Lime in the mortar makes it more elastic, which is essential when working with stone or gas blocks. Additionally, lime-based mortar has a certain warmth, eliminating the need for additional insulation solutions. However, lime significantly increases the drying time of the mixture. Furthermore, there are concerns about the strength of the mortar. For this reason, experts recommend using lime mortar only for internal works.
How to choose a quality mortar
When selecting mortar for brick or block masonry, pay attention to the following aspects:
- Ability to separate: An optimal indicator is no more than 10%.
- Full filling of voids and even distribution across the surface: This affects the quality of adhesion based on the type of building material.
- Ability to retain moisture: Over-drying negatively impacts the strength of the mortar. It’s recommended that the mortar retains at least 90% of the moisture added during preparation.
- Setting speed: Choose a mixture with optimal setting indicators, as this affects the quality of the building process.
Additionally, when purchasing mortar for bricks or blocks, it would be useful to check the temperature range of the mixture. To calculate the required amount, you should consider wind speed and the moisture level of the surrounding environment.
Expert tip: When selecting mortar, focus on the material’s properties after hardening. A proper evaluation of the main parameters will help you choose the right mix.
Moreover, the manufacturer plays a crucial role in your purchase: ensure the components used in the material are of high quality, and that the product is certified (or the individual ingredients).