El mortar It is an essential element in the field of reforms and construction thanks to its great utility.
If you want to know what the mortar is made of, the types of mortars according to their use and how to prepare it correctly, we will explain it to you in detail below.
what is a mortar
A mortar is a homogeneous substance that is obtained by mixing sand, water and some type of inorganic binder, such as plaster, cement or lime.
The usefulness of the binder is to create a total union between the sand and the water, and the most used is cement.
Sand, for its part, is the ingredient in the highest proportion in the mortar and can be limestone or siliceous in nature with a maximum grain size of 4 mm.
Its usefulness lies in the fact that it contributes to mechanical resistance and to control shrinkage.
Water, on the other hand, is essential because it is responsible for the plasticity of the mortar.
Ideally, it should be a water with a minimum pH of 5 and with a low concentration of chlorine or any compound of organic origin.
Additionally, although they are not necessary, the mortars also include additives, pigments or fibers that can modify the hardness or color of the mixture.
Types of mortar and their uses
The main types of mortars and its uses are as follows:
Cement mortar
It is one of the most popular and widespread types of mortar in the field of construction.
This mortar is characterized by being made in the simplest way: water, sand and cement, it is also especially resistant to compression.
Depending on the amount of sand and cement that is added, its workability may be different.
Therefore, it is common for traces of clay or silt to be introduced to improve its appearance, although sometimes it can affect its resistance.
lime mortar
The lime mortar is the oldest mortar of all.
It is made up of lime, water and sand and was the classic mortar used in construction for a long time until the use of cement became popular.
Air lime or hydraulic lime can be used, although the most common is the use of air lime, normally gray lime or white lime.
In this mixture, the sand plays a very important role because it must regulate the appearance of cracks due to contractions of the mass itself while a carbonation reaction is taking place.
bastard mortars
It is known as bastard mortars to those that are made by combining the two elements that we have just seen, lime and cement.
For this reason, it is usually included within the types of cement mortars, although in reality it uses both binders.
It stands out for its greater efficiency compared to the rest because it retains water better and the resistance value is high.
Although these qualities depend on the numerical amounts of the different components, it is common for this type of mortar to acquire a more suitable consistency to work with.
How to prepare the mortar
Preparing the mortar is not a complex task, but it is important to take into account some important tips.
First of all, you have to take into account the proportions.
SIt is recommended to use four parts of sand for each part of cement and for each part of water.
Depending on the type of cement, this proportion can vary slightly, becoming three parts of sand for every part of water and cement.
As it is a proportional mix, these amounts can be doubled, tripled or multiplied by the amount you want until you get the amount of mortar you need for your job.
Therefore, the use of a electric mortar mixer to facilitate a homogeneous mix of the mortar is essential to achieve lasting results.
An electric mortar mixer, such as the Rubi Rubimix 9 Power Max, is essential to mix the mortar quickly and homogeneously without having to make any physical effort.
This is possible thanks to powerful mixing sticks the components until creating a paste with the desired consistency.
To prepare the mortar, it is recommended to use a basket in which to pour all the components and where to mix with the help of an electric mortar mixer.
To know that the mortar is ready, you can apply a small amount on a shovel and, if you turn it upside down and it does not fall, it is ready to be used.
Now you know the types of mortars according to their use and how to correctly prepare a mortar, either at a domestic or professional level.
Thanks to tools like the electric mortar mixer, large quantities can be created with little effort.
In our store, you can find this kind of tools and many others, so don't hesitate to take a look.
