About Mortar
Mortar is a workable paste made of water and cement. The first mortars were made of mud or clay and water. It is used primarily in bricklaying but may also be used for tile and stone work. Mortar used for tile installation will have higher water content than brick or stone mortar.
History
The first evidence of mortar used for building is in 2900 BC at the ziggurat of Sialk in Iran. Later, Egyptian pyramids constructed from 2500 to 2600 BC were made from mortar of mud and clay. The material next appeared in Ancient Greece to build aqueducts around 500 BC. The Italians and Romans soon followed suit and began to use mortar in their construction. During the middle ages, mortar was used to construct Gothic cathedrals. Over the years, mortar has been used almost universally for various construction applications.
Function
Mortar is used in construction to bind concrete bricks and fill the gaps between them, lending strength and stability to the construction. It can also be used to repair existing joints when the original mortar has washed away or eroded. Mortar is commonly used by bricklayers as walls are being constructed.
Features
Mortar is a mixture of water, sand and a binder. The binder can be cement, lime or various polymers. It can be purchased as a pre-mixed solution or mixed manually before use. Once mixed, it forms a thick paste which is applied to bricks or concrete with a hand trowel.
Types
There are five primary types of mortar available to consumers today. Type N is a medium strength mortar and is typically used for soft stone masonry. Type S is used for outdoor projects and is known for its ability to absorb impact. Type M mortar is the strongest type and is generally used only with stone. Glass block mortar is a type S mortar that has added color. It is used primarily for glass block projects. Refractory mortar is used in high temperature situations and will resist heat and cure in wet conditions.
Warning
Mortar has several disadvantages. The rigid render is brittle and does not allow for structural movement. Cured mortar also contracts and expands regularly which can result in cracks and crumbling. Buildings constructed using bricks and mortar do not stand up well in natural disasters such as earthquakes. In spite of this, mortar is still used extensively in the construction field.
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