Mortar in construction is a fundamental material.
Mortar is a mixture of sand and cements that is most often used to build brick or block walls. This material serves as the binding agent that holds masonry units together, creating durable and stable structures.
While the composition of mortar might sound similar to concrete, which also involves sand and cement (and typically aggregate like gravel), there are intentional differences in their formulations. These differences mean that mortar and concrete are not interchangeable materials for most construction applications.
Key Characteristics and Use
- Composition: Primarily composed of sand and cement(s). Water is added to create a workable paste.
- Primary Function: Mortar's main role is to bond masonry units (like bricks, concrete blocks, or stones) together. It fills the gaps between them, distributing loads and preventing movement.
- Application: It is commonly applied with a trowel between layers of bricks or blocks as they are laid.
Unlike concrete, which is often used for structural elements like foundations, slabs, or beams, mortar is specifically designed for laying masonry. Its texture and strength are suited for this task, providing adhesion and sealing joints against moisture ingress.
Mortar vs. Concrete: A Quick Comparison
Although both use cement and sand, their specific proportions and additional components (or lack thereof) differentiate them significantly for their intended uses.
| Feature | Mortar | Concrete |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Bonding bricks, blocks, or stone | Structural elements (slabs, foundations, beams) |
| Main Components | Sand, Cement(s), Water | Sand, Cement(s), Aggregate (Gravel/Stone), Water |
| Aggregate Size | Fine sand | Fine sand + Coarse aggregate (gravel/stone) |
| Strength | Generally lower than concrete | Generally higher than mortar |
| Consistency | Workable paste for troweling | More fluid (for pouring/placing) |
Understanding that mortar and cement formulations have intentional differences is crucial, highlighting why these materials should not be used interchangeably in construction projects. Mortar is specifically tailored for the intricate task of building stable and weather-resistant masonry walls.
