Mortar is a mixture of cement, sand, water, and sometimes lime used to bind together building materials such as bricks, stones, and concrete blocks. Mortar is an essential component of most construction projects, as it provides a strong, durable bond that can withstand the stresses of time and weather.
There are several types of mortar are used in construction for different purposes. In this article, we will explore all the types of mortar and their uses.
Cement Mortar
Cement mortar is a common type of mortar used in masonry work. It is made by mixing cement, sand, and water in the correct proportions. The cement used can be ordinary Portland cement, rapid-hardening cement, or low-heat cement, depending on the specific requirements of the project.
Use
- Cement mortar is used to bond bricks, blocks, and other materials together, and provides a strong, durable, and weather-resistant bond.
Lime Mortar
Lime mortar is a traditional type of mortar that has been used in construction for centuries. It is made by mixing lime, sand, and water in the correct proportions. The lime used can be hydraulic lime or non-hydraulic lime, depending on the specific requirements of the project.
Use
- Lime mortar is used in the construction of historic buildings and restoration work because it is flexible, porous, and allows for the movement of moisture through the walls.
Gypsum Mortar
Gypsum mortar is a type of mortar that is made by mixing gypsum powder, sand, and water.
Use
- It is commonly used in the construction of interior walls and ceilings, as it sets quickly and has good fire resistance.
- Gypsum mortar is also used in the construction of false ceilings and decorative plasterwork.
Surkhi Mortar
Surkhi mortar is a type of mortar that is commonly used in low-cost housing and other structures in developing countries. It is made by mixing surkhi (a type of burnt clay), sand, and water in the correct proportions.
Use
- Surkhi mortar is preferred in low-cost housing construction because it is cheaper than other types of mortar, and provides good insulation and soundproofing properties. However, it is not as strong or durable as other types of mortar, and is therefore not suitable for high-rise buildings or other structures where strength is a primary concern.
Mud Mortar
Mud mortar is a type of mortar that is made by mixing mud, straw, and water.
Use
- It is commonly used in traditional construction in rural areas, particularly in developing countries. Mud mortar is preferred in these areas because it is readily available, inexpensive, and provides good insulation properties.
Clay Mortar
Clay mortar is a type of mortar that is made by mixing clay, sand, and water.
Use
- It is commonly used in the construction of adobe buildings and other traditional structures. Clay mortar is preferred in these structures because it is compatible with the materials used in the walls, and provides good insulation and soundproofing properties.
Bituminous Mortar
Bituminous mortar is a type of mortar that is made by mixing bitumen, sand, and water.
Use
- It is commonly used in the construction of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. Bituminous mortar provides good adhesion to asphalt and concrete surfaces and is resistant to weathering and erosion.
Polymer Mortar
Polymer mortar is a type of mortar that is made by mixing polymer resins, sand, and water. It is commonly used in the construction of tile and stone installations. Polymer mortar provides good adhesion to the surface and is resistant to water, chemicals, and abrasion.
It is preferred over traditional mortar because it is stronger, more durable, and more resistant to cracking and shrinkage.
Epoxy Mortar
Epoxy mortar is a type of mortar that is made by mixing epoxy resins, hardeners, and aggregates.
Use
- It is commonly used in the construction of industrial flooring, walls, and other applications where high strength and durability are required.
Epoxy mortar provides good adhesion to the surface, and is resistant to chemicals, abrasion, and impact.
Magnesium Oxychloride Mortar
Magnesium oxychloride mortar is a type of mortar that is made by mixing magnesium oxide, magnesium chloride, and water.
Use
- It is commonly used in the construction of flooring, walls, and other applications where a strong and durable surface is required. Magnesium oxychloride mortar provides good adhesion to the surface and is resistant to water, fire, and chemicals.
Refractory Mortar
Refractory mortar is a type of mortar that is made by mixing high-temperature refractory materials such as alumina, silica, and fire clay.
Use
- It is commonly used in the construction of high-temperature applications such as furnaces, kilns, and fireplaces. Refractory mortar provides good adhesion to the surface and is resistant to high temperatures and thermal shock.
Heat Resistant Mortar
Heat-resistant mortar is a type of mortar that is made by mixing special aggregates and bonding agents.
Use
- It is commonly used in the construction of chimneys, fireplaces, and other applications where high heat resistance is required. Heat-resistant mortar provides good adhesion to the surface and is resistant to high temperatures and thermal shock.
Air Entrained Mortar
Air-entrained mortar is a type of mortar that has air bubbles intentionally added during the mixing process. The air bubbles provide better freeze-thaw resistance and durability to the mortar.
Use
- Air-entrained mortar is commonly used in areas with harsh winter conditions where mortar is exposed to repeated freezing and thawing.
Pozzolanic Mortar
Pozzolanic mortar is a type of mortar that is made by mixing pozzolanic materials with Portland cement. Pozzolanic materials are typically industrial waste materials, such as fly ash or slag, that have cementitious properties.
Use
- This type of mortar is commonly used in the construction of buildings and structures that require high durability and chemical resistance.
Composite Mortar
Composite mortar is a type of mortar that is made by combining two or more types of mortar, such as cement and lime mortar or cement and epoxy mortar.
Composite mortar can offer improved properties, such as increased strength, durability, and workability, over individual mortars.
Masonry Mortar
Masonry mortar is a type of mortar that is specifically formulated for use in brick, concrete block, and stone masonry construction. It typically consists of a mixture of cement, hydrated lime, and sand.
The mix proportions vary depending on the specific application and the properties required of the mortar, such as strength, workability, and bond.
Pointing Mortar
Pointing mortar is a type of mortar that is used to fill the gaps between bricks, stones, or other masonry units. It is typically a mixture of cement, hydrated lime, and sand.
Pointing mortar provides both an aesthetic and functional purpose, as it helps to seal the joints and prevent water penetration.
Tuckpointing Mortar
Tuckpointing mortar is a specific type of pointing mortar that is used to create a decorative effect.
It involves using two contrasting colors of mortar to create the appearance of thin, neat lines between the bricks or stones. Tuckpointing mortar is typically a mixture of cement, hydrated lime, and pigments.
Stucco Mortar
Stucco mortar is a type of mortar that is used to create a decorative or protective coating on exterior walls.
It is typically a mixture of cement, sand, and water, with optional additives for improved workability and adhesion. Stucco mortar can be applied in a variety of textures and finishes to achieve different aesthetic effects.
Plaster Mortar
Plaster mortar is a type of mortar that is used to create an interior coating on walls and ceilings. It is typically a mixture of cement, lime, sand, and water, with optional additives for improved workability and adhesion.
Plaster mortar can be applied in a variety of textures and finishes to achieve different aesthetic effects.
Dry Pack Mortar
Dry pack mortar is a type of mortar that is used for applications where a high-strength, load-bearing base is required. It is typically a mixture of cement, sand, and a minimal amount of water.
Dry pack mortar is typically used to create a level base for shower pans, precast concrete elements, and other structural elements.
Grout Mortar
Grout mortar is a type of mortar that is used to fill the gaps between tiles, masonry units, or other building materials. It is typically a mixture of cement, sand, and water, with optional additives for improved workability and performance.
Use
- Grout mortar can be used to achieve different aesthetic effects and provide structural support.
Concrete Repair Mortar
Concrete repair mortar is a type of mortar that is used to repair damaged or deteriorated concrete structures. It is typically a mixture of cement, sand, and special additives that provide enhanced adhesion and durability.
Use
- Concrete repair mortar can be used to repair cracks, spalls, and other defects in concrete structures, and to restore their structural integrity.
