A Complete Guide On How To Use Mortar
Mortar is the combination of sand, Portland cement, hydrated lime, & water. The lime assists in improving the water-retention property. There are various kinds of the mortar used for different purposes. It becomes hard after drying and provides strength to the building being constructed. They can even withstand the hammering and chiselling required to be done for the door frames and windows. Always look for the best mortar block joint supplier in India for assured quality.
Directions for using mortar for better results:
- First of all, before applying the thin-bed block joining masonry, make the blocks wet and assure that they are touch dry.
- The area where it is to applied must be free from all the dust particles, grease, loose materials, etc.
- The area should be free from contaminants, so as to maintain the bond strength.
- There should be no holes and cracks on the wall.
Mixing of mortar:
- You are required to add 1 part of water and 3 parts of the mortar. Slowly keep on adding the water and keep on mixing the mixture.
- Keep on mixing it for about 3-5 minutes to get a smooth mixture without any lumps, it will help in providing great bonding strength.
Some tips to follows before application of mortar:
- Have a separate time for preparation: You may think that you have plenty of time to plan, but it is just an illusion. You require more time than expected, and you should be prepared to allow more time to it. You need to wait for at least 24 hours after its application to let it dry before applying another coat.
- Take out as much furniture as possible: You should take all the furniture out of the room so that it does not splash over it and damages it. Keeping it out of the room will also help in finishing the work much earlier. In case you cannot take the furniture out, you can place them together in the centre.
- Withdraw all the hardware/fixtures: It might seem easy to apply it around lights, handles, and switchboards. But it will make the work look messy. You should remove all the fixtures first to get a tidy finish.
Various kinds of mortar are as follows:
- Type M: It has the maximum compressive strength of all and is most suitable to use where there is contact with the ground like retaining walls and walks.
- Type N: It has medium strength and is most widely used. It is appropriate for normal use like on freestanding walls and non-load bearing structures.
- Type S: It is an average-strength mortar and is applied where there is a need to resist bending. It is more widely used where there are high winds and other side loads.
- Type O: It has minimal strength as compared to the others. It is appropriate to apply it in the interiors.
- Thinset Mortar: Thinset mortar is utilized for installing tiles/marbles. When tiling at the outdoor areas, use latex-modified thinsets and grouts for better results.
It would be best if you get the mortar supplies from a reliable supplier, like Trimurti. We are one of the leading AAC block suppliers India and supply across India.