If you’re anything like the rest of us, you depend on experts to advise you in fields too specific for our level of knowledge. Masonry is one of these fields. We all love the look of a natural stone or a polished brick on our home or office building, but when the specifics start to get discussed, there’s only so much we can learn. The experts at Top Quality Building Products have broken down the ins and outs of mortar and how it fits into your project.
What Is Mortar?
First thing’s first, what is mortar? It is, quite literally, the glue that holds the entire project together. Mortar is the bonding agent used to stack bricks, adhere to stone, and fill the joints between building blocks. It has many uses on a building site, but every one of them is crucial to the project’s success. Not to mention, the selection of mortar can change the aesthetic appearance of a project significantly. Five different types of mortar are recognized: M, S, N, O, and K. They are differentiated and identified by their bonding ability, flexibility, and compressive strength. The variance of these factors allows builders to decide which type of mortar is the best fit for their project.
Choosing the Right Mortar
When it comes to choosing the right mortar type for your project, assess the needs of your chosen masonry. What level of bond strength will it need? Since mortar is the agent holding the blocks together, it’s crucial to find the right fit. For an exterior project, you’ll need to consider the weather. If the climate exposes your masonry to harsh elements or potential erosion, you’ll want to use a more potent bonding agent to prevent breakage. On the contrary, if you’re doing an interior or climate-controlled project, you can consider a lighter or less firm hold.
After you’ve figured out the bonding property needed to secure your project, consider the flexibility and compressive strength you’ll need. There will always be slight shifts in the project with weather variances and natural changes after construction. Naturally, this will affect the masonry on the outside of the building. The flexibility of the mortar will allow it to absorb the shifts without compromising the bond of the stone or brick. The compressive strength of the mortar will ensure that any potential cracks happen within the mortar and not the stone itself. The mortar can be replaced more quickly than the brick or stone, providing no costly repairs down the road.
With all of these factors considered, the experts will tailor your mortar selection to your project and your end goals. Use these tips, along with advice and consulting, to ensure that you have the project of your dreams upon completion.
Need Residential or Commercial Brick for Your Next Project?
If you’re ready to tackle a brick project for your home or business, Top Quality Building Products can help. Whether you need a small order for a brick home repair project or you’re searching for the highest-quality brick and masonry materials for a commercial brick building, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today for more details.