The best brands and mortar for bricks for stoves and cladding: Review + Video

Today, the construction of buildings can be made from various materials. New, cost-effective construction technologies from combined materials are gaining popularity, but despite all the new products, brick construction is considered the most reliable, and buildings are warmer and more durable.

An important element of brickwork is the mortar, which is used to create a durable structure from individual elements.

Proportions of solution components

Using a concrete mixer makes mixing the mortar easier.
Depending on where the solution will be used, the composition of the mixture may vary. The most common type of mortar is considered to be cement-sand. It has a wide range of applications, is easy to prepare and does not require the use of special additives. Cement masonry can withstand heavy loads and is highly resistant to water and temperature changes.

There are entire tables of proportions of components used to create cement mortar, but several of the most used types have been experimentally determined:

1. Grade 100 - consists of 1 part M400 cement and 4 parts sand. To impart elasticity, plasticizers are added to the solution, and a dye is used if necessary. The second version of the solution of the same brand is 1 part M500 cement and 5 parts sand. This mixture is used for laying solid bricks and heavy natural stone, as well as for creating the underground part of brick foundations.
2. Cement mortar grade 200 is prepared from 1 part M400 cement and 2 parts sand. The mixture has increased strength and waterproofing properties. Used for laying heavy facing coatings and clinker bricks.
3. The M75 grade mixture consists of 1 part M400 cement and 5-6 parts sand. It has low strength, which is why its use for the construction of brick walls is limited. But this solution is well suited for waterproofing various communications: sewer pipes, water pipes or wells.

Independent calculation of consumption

Step-by-step calculation of consumption allows you to obtain the most accurate amount of solution with minimal errors. First you need to calculate the area of ​​the masonry, excluding the area of ​​door and window openings, and then calculate the amount of mortar per each cubic meter of area - a third of a cubic meter of mixture.

For example: the task is to build a one-story building, with a wall length of 15 m and a ceiling height of 3.4 m. There are seven windows measuring 1.8 x 1.2 m and a pair of doorways 2.1 x 1.3 m.

An independent calculation of masonry with an external thickness of 64 cm and an internal thickness of 25 cm will be as follows:

• determine the total volume of the external walls: (4 walls x 15 m x 3.4 m – 7 windows x 1.8 m x 1.2 m – 2 doors x 2.1 m x 1.3 m) x 0.64 m;
• determine the total volume of the internal walls: (42 m x 3.4 m – 5 x 2 x 1.3) x 0.25 m;
• we calculate the ratio of aggregates and binding components 4:1;
• calculate the amount of cement.

As a rule, the following proportions are used when mixing:

• one part cement;
• three parts of sifted sand;
• ½ part water.

To prepare the most common types of mortar, the following proportions of sand and cement are recommended:

• 5:1 for the manufacture of grade M25;
• 4:1 for the manufacture of grade M50;
• 3:1 for the manufacture of grade M75;

For example, to prepare M25 you need to mix 2 tons of sifted sand, 0.26 tons of M400 cement and add 350 liters of water. The ratio may vary depending on many factors, including soil and climatic conditions and the location of the work. Clinker facing bricks require compositions with increased viscosity. The strength of lime mortar can be increased using hammer slag. A properly prepared mixture spreads quite slowly.

Material consumption and mobility

The most commonly used mortar is cement-sand. The consumption of such material will be as follows: if your masonry is made in one brick, then for 1 square meter of such a wall it will take approximately 70-80 liters of the mixture. Accordingly, if you lay one and a half bricks, you will use about 120 liters of mixture per 1 square meter.

Although today there are countless different masonry materials for installing brick walls on the construction market, the most common cement-sand mortar still remains unrivaled. The most favorable season for construction can rightfully be considered summer.

The mobility of the material depends primarily on the components of the batch. To determine mobility, use a 15 cm cone, the angle of which is 30 degrees with a total mass of 300 g. After your composition is ready, this cone is immersed in it. Its mobility depends on how deep in centimeters the cone descends into the mass. When laying solid bricks, the mobility of the masonry composition should be at least 90-130 mm. If you plan to lay any type of hollow brick, a mobility of 70-80 mm will be acceptable

It is very important to know that the mobility of the mixtures in the heat should reach 120-140 mm for durable masonry.

The strength of the finished wall is influenced by many factors; reliability of operation depends not only on the composition and characteristics of the batch itself.

How much solution will be needed

Before starting construction work, it is necessary to carefully calculate how much materials will be required. The consumption of mortar for brickwork is calculated per 1 m2 and also depends on the thickness of the brick and the thickness of the walls in the bricks. It can be viewed in the table.

Based on the required amount of solution, you can calculate the amount of necessary consumables.

We advise you to study: For plastering and masonry work

Mortars with the addition of cement and lime

In order to prepare this type of mortar, water, sand, cement and lime are used. Thanks to the last ingredient, the finished solution is more plastic and also has greater strength than lime. This composition has the most optimal combination of properties, which is why this type of mixture is more often used in professional construction. When constructing plinths and foundations, this type of solution is used everywhere.

Preparation of cement-lime mortar - table

Preparation of cement-lime mortar - step-by-step instructions

We will make M100 grade mortar using M400 cement. This will require 10 kg of cement, 50 kg of sand, 0.5 kg of lime and 50 liters of water.

Step 1. As when preparing any other solution, you must first prepare the necessary components. The water must be clean, temperature +15-20 degrees, the sand must be sifted. Cement does not require additional processing before use.

Step 2. Next, you need to pour 2/3 of the expected amount of water into the concrete mixer, in our case - 30 liters. You can use a hose, or you can use a bucket.

Filling with water

Step 3. Now you need to fill in 10 kg of cement and 5 kg of lime. Next, you need to mix these ingredients for a couple of minutes.

We fill up the cement

Step 4. Now you should add filler, that is, sand, to the solution and add the rest of the water. Sand requires 50 kg, water - 20 liters.

We fill up the sand

Step 5. At this stage, you need to mix the solution for 5 minutes to achieve a uniform consistency of the mixture.

Step 6. The solution is ready, you need to pour it into a tub or other prepared container.

Pour out the solution

Making a solution with your own hands is not at all difficult; you just need to determine for yourself what mixture is needed for your purposes, correctly calculate the proportions and strictly adhere to them.

Brands of masonry mixtures

Masonry mixtures act as an indispensable component in construction. They are usually classified into: calcareous; cement; cement-lime. These compositions differ from each other in strength, which is different for each brand. For example, a mixture of grade M50 is used for laying brick and stone. The solution contains lime and cement. This solution allows you to rid the surface of roughness. In addition, the pressure between the bricks and stones is distributed evenly. This masonry mixture is used to fill joints when building elements do not fit together. In the future, it is possible to achieve moisture resistance and durability of the building. This solution is most often used in low-rise construction. Its preparation is carried out on site.

MASONRY MORTAR FOR BRICK, ITS TYPES, MAIN CHARACTERISTICS AND AREAS OF APPLICATION.

Optimal - they can be used in different types of bricks during the construction of residential buildings or other buildings. Dry mixtures for masonry are divided into:

For laying standard building bricks, a crumbly cement-based masonry mixture with the addition of sand is best suited. There are also various additional additives for lime. They can significantly increase the storage time of the solution, improve its operating properties, but are not resistant to moisture.

1. For laying bricks for cladding, it is better to use mixed compositions based on high-quality Portland cement, with an admixture of various modifiers that can provide the plasticity necessary for your solution, as well as moisture resistance and thermal conductivity.

1. Today, the most popular masonry mixture is M 150. It gained its popularity due to its excellent performance properties, low water absorption, high resistance to sudden temperature changes (from minus to plus) and good heat insulation qualities. Colored masonry mixture for bricks will help in fully realize all your design ideas and solutions. Its use allows you to harmoniously combine the color of the brick and the seams between them. In order to make a similar mixture at home and with your own hands, you need to mix white cement for light colors, and gray for dark shades. That is, a white masonry mixture for bricks will be obtained if you mix white cement with water.
2. Special mixtures are best used for the construction of large structures and their individual elements.

Composition of the working mixture

The working composition that allows you to lay bricks consists of several components. This:

• cement or lime;
• sand;
• water;
• additives.

Cement or lime are the binding components. The name depends on their quantity: the mortar is called lime, cement-lime, cement-clay or cement. The most common is a cement composition. It has rigidity, water resistance and durability. It is used to lay brick buildings and partitions.

Cement is the binding component of the solution

The lime composition has plasticity and low shrinkage. It adheres very well to many surfaces in construction. The solution is made warm. Often used in the construction of buildings that bear light loads. It is used to seal cracks.

Cement-lime composition is used in the construction of above-ground and underground structures. It is highly durable and frost-resistant. This composition has greater thermal insulation capacity than the previous ones. He is capable of laying brick partitions and sealing cracks.

The least durable of the mortars is cement-clay. But it is cheap and highly flexible, frost-resistant and durable. The composition is used when working with ceramics, brick, and stone. Any solution must include sand. It must be sifted and cleared of impurities. Impurities include inclusions of earth and clay, grass and plant leaves, various roots and other objects.

The amount of binders can make the solution simple or complex. If the composition contains a single binder component, the mixture will be called simple. With 2 or more components, the composition will be complex.

Selection principles

The key task of the masonry mortar is to perform a connecting function between all elements of the structure being built, and the choice of mixture should be based on the mandatory consideration of the following principles:

• the composition of the working solution for performing work in summer and winter has certain differences;
• when choosing a mixture, it is necessary to take into account the location of the object, since underground and above-ground work is carried out using solutions of different compositions;
• laying with clinker bricks is carried out using a working solution of a special composition;
• When constructing stove or fireplace structures, the use of cement mortars must be excluded.

Masonry mixture: choice, cost

The type of binder component included in the standard solution allows you to determine the type of hardening, which can be either hydraulic or air. If there is one binder component, then we have a simple mixture represented by lime and cement compositions. The presence of several binding elements is a sign of a complex masonry mixture, which can have high ductility and successfully resist cracking under the influence of negative external factors.

When ready-made masonry mixture for bricks is needed

Requirements for masonry mixture

The requirements for masonry mortars are described in detail in GOST 28013-98. According to this document, the following requirements apply to mortar mixtures:

• the composition must have a high degree of adhesion to brick and other substrates;
• withstand large amounts of freezing and defrosting;
• to ensure that the masonry does not collapse under the influence of atmospheric influences and temperature changes, the masonry mixtures must have high water resistance;
• due to the plasticity of the mortar, during the laying process, it becomes possible to timely adjust the position of the masonry material, which significantly increases the quality and productivity of the work;
• water-retaining properties prevent decomposition of the mixture and precipitation of heavy fractions;
• the strength characteristics of the composition are decisive in the calculation of building structures. This parameter shows what maximum loads the material can withstand. The brand of the solution reflects its strength in kgf/cm2.

Failure to comply with these requirements leads to the formation of cracks in the brickwork, increased consumption of the mortar mixture, increased thickness of the joints and reduces work productivity.

Consumption standards

Depending on the thickness of the brickwork, standard standards for the consumption of working material may vary.

Step-by-step instruction

It is important to note that it is necessary to lay elements, regardless of the parameters of the structure being constructed, from the corners, following simple technology. Step 1

Take a couple of bricks and place them, maintaining a right angle, on the foundation base, checking the accuracy of the location with a building triangle

Step 1. Take a couple of bricks and place them, maintaining a right angle, on the foundation base, checking the accuracy of the location with a building triangle.

Step 2. Lay the next pair of elements, and then lay two more on top of the resulting group of four bricks, allowing the next row to overlap the previous row.

Half-brick facing masonry

Half-brick brickwork

Step 3. Having drawn the area into three elements, you need to carry out the same work on the other corner, using the order and pulling the moorings, which will allow the rows to be oriented strictly horizontally. The lacing should be located approximately every 5 m, without sagging.

Laying corners using single-row dressing

Single-row masonry involves building the beginning of the outer wall, and then the inner one, after which the backfill is laid. Multi-row masonry involves arranging blocks in a mixed or stepwise manner.

How to calculate mixture consumption

To calculate the required amount of mixture, you must first determine the amount of solution. Typically it is 0.2 m3 (75 liters) for each square meter of masonry with a thickness of 1 brick . Half-brick masonry (the most common thickness of the facing layer) will require 0.16 m3 of mortar (94 liters).

For 1 m3 of solution it takes 8 bags of cement. Knowing the volume of mortar required for laying facing bricks, you can easily calculate the amount of cement by dividing the total volume by 8 . The result obtained will show the number of bags, and multiplying it by 50 (standard weight of a bag of cement), we get the weight of cement. Multiplying it by 4 will give you the weight of the sand to get the correct mixture ratio.

Water is added as needed, but the usual ratio is 8-9.5 liters of water per 10 liters of cement (13 kg).

In what proportions should cement be diluted?

The correct proportions can vary significantly between different mixtures. Therefore, before mixing, it is necessary to decide for what purposes a particular solution will be used.

Important! The consistency of the solution changes depending on the proportions of the components.

The most popular mortars that require cement are:

Mixture for plastering walls. To prepare it, it is recommended to use 1 part cement and 3 parts sand. The volume of water is usually equal to part of the cement, but it cannot be added immediately, so it is poured into the dry mixture in small portions to obtain the desired consistency. If you need to carry out internal plastering work, then the M150 or M200 grades are selected, and if you plan to plaster the facade, then the M300 grade is suitable.

Brick masonry mortar. Here we use 1 part cement and 4 parts sand. The optimal brands for this work are considered to be M300 and M400. Often slaked lime is added to this mixture, acting as a binder. Its amount is calculated as 0.2 parts per 1 part cement. This substance produces a plastic solution, which is quite easy and convenient to work with. The amount of water may vary, as it is added gradually until a solution of the desired density is obtained

It is important to make a mixture that will not flow from the spatula, tilted at an angle of 40 degrees.

A mixture designed to create a floor screed. Typically the following proportions are used: 1 part cement to three parts sand. The M400 brand is considered optimal. Water is added in a volume of ½ of the amount of cement

To make a rare solution, it is recommended to gradually add water, as it is important that the mixture stretches well, which ensures that all voids in the base are filled.

Concrete. To create concrete, use 1 part cement, 2 parts sand and 4 parts gravel.

If this solution is made to form the foundation of a building, then it is necessary to purchase material grade M500. The amount of water is equal to ½ of the cement. The water must be clean and potable, and it is recommended to stir the composition with a concrete mixer (how to choose a concrete mixer for your home and garden). The entire solution must be used within an hour after receiving it.

Important! If you want to get a mixture in sufficient quantity to form the foundation of a building, then you will need a fairly large amount of it, for which special equipment is used, represented by a concrete mixer.

Often, ready-made solutions are purchased at the factory, and in this case you need to make sure that the mixture is created immediately before sending it to the customer. Before purchasing, we study all the documents for the mixture in order to know what components it consists of, as well as what parameters it has.

It is necessary to choose the right grades of material to form different solutions. If the mixture is intended to create brickwork, then you can use grades M50 or M100, and if you need to make a foundation, then it is advisable to choose grades from M300 to M500. The higher the grade of material, the more durable and reliable the solution will be.

M75 brand mixture and its application

This solution is a high-class material in terms of super strength and water resistance. The composition is used in the construction of foundations and ground structures for industrial and public buildings. The mixture is excellent for laying blocks, preparing screeds, strengthening the foundation and leveling the floor. The material is a complex mixture, in the manufacturing process of which special equipment is used. If the outside air temperature is reduced at the time of hardening, this will make the curing period longer. You should also not increase the temperature, as the moisture will begin to evaporate too rapidly. Among the ingredients in the M75 brand mixture, the following should be highlighted: sand; cement; water. As for sand, the fraction should be 2.5 mm.

Compound

Masonry mortars are made of different compositions, taking into account the need for use in simple cases and in specific ones. Proportions and additives may vary even for interior and exterior work. Colored compositions used to create decorative effects may also differ in the percentage of binder material and auxiliary components, depending on the place of application.

Scheme of recommended compositions and their proportions depending on the purpose

The following excipients may be included in ready-made industrial formulations made for special applications:

1. Fillers, the role of which in the standard mixture is played by sand. In other options, it may be sand mixed with fiber, gravel or crushed stone in concrete added when performing pouring work. The composition, which has the ability to retain heat and perform the function of thermal insulation, may contain polystyrene, perlite or expanded clay.
2. Plasticizers - they are used to make masonry material elastic. But this is not the only goal for which plasticizers are included in the mixture. They increase adhesiveness (adhesion to the surface of the main structural element of the masonry) and thereby increase the characteristics of the mixture, the possibility of its easier use in work, and this improves the properties of the building, its reliability and service life.
3. Hardeners are added if any mortar (including cement mortar for bricklaying) does not dry well. Most often, this phenomenon is associated with weather or climatic conditions. There are serious reasons to use such a component. This is a damp and humid climate, swampy area, and a building near the sea. This is necessary so that the result obtained when making a masonry mixture with an excess of hardener does not become an obstacle to the construction of a building, wall or structure.
4. Antifreeze additives are the main condition for solving the problem of how to engage in construction at low temperatures. Knowing how to make bricklaying mortar frost-resistant, you can carry out work in winter or in conditions where the summer is short and the decrease in mercury is a constant feature of the climate.
5. Dyes are a feature of the recipe only in the category that is designated in GOST as colored. Using visualization of seam and plaster for decorative purposes or to create a stylistic feature of an interior, facade or fence construction involves selecting a dye to add to masonry mixtures at the factory. The consumer can only choose the desired or similar shade.

Variety of types of prepared compositions and their proportions

There are many discussions on the question of whether water can be considered an auxiliary component of prepared building mixtures or whether it is one of the main ones, which are essentially groundless, because without water no solution can be prepared.

Universal option

Cement-sand mortar according to the recipe given below can be used in many construction works.

To make a solution, you first need to prepare all the ingredients: cement, sand, water, detergent, which plays the role of a plasticizer. Detergents such as dishwashing liquid or liquid soap are a cheap substitute for special additives. They increase plasticity; add them in the amount of 1 teaspoon per bucket of cement. The grade of cement should be M 400 or M 500, sand with a fraction of 2 mm.

The proportions depend on the purpose of the composition. A mortar of grade M25 with a 5:1 ratio of sand and cement is used for most work, but for critical places where special strength is required, for example, for foundations, plinths, grades M50 (with a ratio of 4 to 1) and M75 (3 to 1) are used. .

A solution of grade M25 is prepared as follows. 1 cubic meter is obtained from:

• 2064 kg of sand;
• 268 kg of cement;
• 340-350 liters of water.

Usually the dry ingredients are mixed first and then diluted with water, but you can do it differently. First, pour water into the concrete mixer, and then gradually add the dry ingredients. This sequence will allow you to better control the thickness of the mixture.

First, detergent is poured into the water poured into the concrete mixer. After stirring for a few minutes it will foam. Next, sand is poured.

After sand, add cement and mix until smooth. Then add the remaining half of the sand and mix thoroughly again. As a result, the consistency of the mass should be like thick sour cream. Checking the thickness of the mixture is simple: if you run your finger over it, there should be a clear trace that does not blur.

After mixing all the ingredients, stir them for 2 minutes. After this, the mixture is ready for use. To prevent the cement from delaminating, it also needs to be stirred occasionally during work.

You should not prepare a lot of working mixture at once. Remember that within one and a half to two hours it begins to harden and becomes unusable due to loss of plasticity.

Preparation of mortar for bricklaying

Dry substances and water are mixed and mixed well.

Lime mortars

It is believed that the best mortar is cement mortar.

A more plastic composition is suitable for brick, which is necessary for the construction of various fences and internal walls. Therefore, you can use a warm lime solution, which is prepared from crushed quicklime and sand.

The dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed, and then just add water. After adding water, mix everything well; the resulting masonry mixture should not contain lumps or impurities.

The components for the solution are taken in the following proportions: 1 part lime, 2-5 parts sand.

Cement mortars

In cement mortar, the main components are cement and sand. The proportions of ingredients depend on the brand of cement. For example: 1 part cement and 3-6 parts sand.

Mix the dry ingredients with water until a single mass is formed. First, mix the dry ingredients, and only then add water. But this method is not very good, since even when using different brands of concrete, the solution turns out to be inactive and hard.

Cement-lime mortar

The solution consists of lime and cement. Principle of preparing the solution:

1. Lime mass (slaked lime), diluted with water until thick, then filtered;
2. Dry cement and sand are combined;
3. The dry ingredients are diluted with lime mortar and mixed.

Lime is introduced for plasticity, and was used for masonry of any type of brick.

Simple solution

A typical solution is made from a binder and sand. Sometimes clay is used as a binder, but this solution is used for highly specialized work.

A cement-sand mixture is prepared 1:3. Mix all the dry ingredients, then gradually add water. After adding water, the mixture is stirred.

Complex solution

The consistency of the solution should not be liquid, like water.

A complex mix of mortar is considered to be one in which several components and a binder are involved. For example: cement-lime-clay or cement-lime.

When adding clay, the solution does not fall apart and is laid neatly and easily.

For laying bricks on façade walls, plasticizers are added to the mortar. This solution is very economical and is applied to the surface in an even layer.

Experts recommend preparing such a solution, but it will take a little longer to prepare.

Ingredient ratio

To prepare the correct solution, you need to calculate the amount of ingredients. For the solution, sand is taken of the middle fraction; the brand of solution can be different, but it is the sand fraction that affects the proportions. For example:

1. We use M-500 cement, the proportions will be as follows: 1 part cement to 2/10 lime, take 3 parts sand;
2. We use grade 400 cement, the proportions will be as follows: 1 part cement to 1-3/10 parts lime to 2.5-4 parts sand;
3. We use grade 300 cement, take 1 part cement to 2/10 lime to 3.5 sand.

All components of the solution must be mixed well.

This example is for a cement-limestone mixture and for a cement-sand mixture.

Solution proportions:

1. When using cement grade 500, take 1 part cement to 3 parts sand;
2. For cement grade 400, take 1 part cement to 2.5 parts sand.

Main types

Today, the initial parameters of the mortar make it possible to subdivide all masonry construction and finishing mixtures into several main types.

Prices for cement and basic mixtures

Cement and base mixtures

Color additives

The color of the seam has a great decorative effect. The masonry becomes more elegant, the seam lines are emphasized and make the wall surface more expressive.

To change the color of the solution and give it the desired color, special pigments are used, which are added to the mixture when mixing the solution. There are different shades that can be achieved using pigments.

The simplest and oldest way to color a solution is to add soot. The result is a deep black solution. Currently, oxides of various metals are used as pigments. They are sold in construction stores and are quite affordable for purchase.

Features of mortars

Proper preparation of cement masonry mortar is a responsible process, since the strength of load-bearing structures that can withstand atmospheric influences, groundwater pressure, seasonal temperature changes and displacement of the subgrade depends on its quality.

• Cement mixtures are used for the construction of underground channels, communication lines, and basement floors that are constantly in contact with moist soils.
• A special composition of solutions is required for the construction of stoves and fireplaces, interior and exterior decoration of wall structures.

The conditions outside and inside buildings differ significantly, and they require different proportions of masonry mixtures.

What mortar is needed for laying bricks

Properly formulated masonry mortars must comply with the following standards:

1. Competent choice of masonry mortar recipe, proportions of sand and cement and volumes of raw materials.
2. Use of quality components.
3. Careful preparation of materials.
4. Compliance with production technology.
5. Optimal plasticity of the mixture. This parameter contributes to the effective sealing of recesses in masonry layers.
6. Hardening time. Large volumes of solution, which hardens quickly, are unsuitable for use. To eliminate this phenomenon, you need to add lime to the composition.
7. Increased strength. When the mixture hardens, the strength characteristics of the cement layers will be increased, and the brick wall will become resistant to deformation and other negative factors.

To ensure effective formation of solid CPS, it is necessary to correctly select the proportions of the solution. During the reaction of the components with water, the strength indicators increase, and the connecting component combines the building materials into a solid structure.

Regardless of the recipe used, the masonry mortar and proportions of sand and cement must include the following ingredients:

1. Knitting part. In most cases, masonry cement is used, which begins to harden when interacting with liquid, connecting with the rest of the mortar.
2. Filler substance. Designed to improve performance properties and increase the volume of the mixture.
3. Liquid. Water is used to react with the binder part of the additive and promote normal hydration.

The role of a substance with astringent properties can be performed by the following types of raw materials:

1. Portland cement.
2. Lime.
3. Lime-cement mixture.

When figuring out which cement is best for bricklaying, you need to take into account the type of tasks for which it will be used and the characteristics of the brand.

Cement mortar for bricklaying must contain additional components, including:

1. Additives to increase frost resistance. Their task is to prevent crystallization of liquid under the influence of frost and normalize hydration.
2. Plasticizing additives. Promote the workability of the working composition and facilitate its operation.
3. Hardeners. They improve the polymerization process of binder additives and reduce the period of strength development.
4. Dyes. Using colored pigments, you can change the range of materials and improve the aesthetic properties of the wall.

The final grade of the composition is determined by the proportions of sand and cement for bricklaying. As the sand content increases, the grade decreases, and as the proportion of cement increases, the grade increases. To mix mortars, different brands of cement-sand mixture for bricklaying are used, but M75 is the most common. In this case, the proportions of cement and sand for bricklaying are selected in the ratio 1:5:0.8.

Masonry mortar may differ in different ratios of ingredients. They are selected taking into account the purpose and scope of application.

Lime

For the construction of brick fences and wall structures, it is customary to use brickwork mortars with high plasticity. Therefore, lime combined with sand is added to their composition. Dry additives are thoroughly mixed and then filled with liquid. Then the ingredients are mixed again until a creamy consistency is formed without lumps or solid impurities.

The optimal proportions are selected at the rate of 1 part lime to 2-5 parts sand.

Cement

When wondering how to prepare a mortar for bricklaying, the proportions of sand and cement need to be selected taking into account certain requirements. Depending on the brand of the second component, the ratio of ingredients is determined: for example, for 1 part of cement there may be 3-6 parts of sand.

Cement-lime

The composition of the masonry mortar based on a cement-lime mixture is created from the following ingredients:

1. Slaked lime, diluted in water until thick. The lime mass is carefully filtered.
2. Dry cement for masonry and sand.

Each part is thoroughly mixed. The presence of lime in the cement increases the plasticity of the mixture and allows it to be used with any type of brick.

Simple mixture

A simple mixture is created based on a binding additive and sand. Clay can be used as the first, but this option is in demand only for narrow-profile tasks.

Complex mixture

A complex mixture is a mixture of various additives and a binder base. These include cement-lime-clay and other solutions. The presence of clay in the composition makes for easy and neat installation.

Cement masonry mortar

The cement mortar is prepared on the basis of cement (Portland cement), which is a water-hardening binder. Cement forms a strong material in the presence of water through hydration reactions.

Typically, cement mortars are used where the structure is exposed to aggressive environments (including humidity). Foundations and plinths are always made with cement mortar.

The advantages of cement masonry mortars are:

1. strength;
2. durability;
3. water resistance, frost resistance;
4. resistance to the development of fungus and mold;
5. no restrictions on use (can be used, for example, for structures that will be used in conditions of high humidity, exposure to low temperatures or aggressive environments);
6. rapid strength gain, which is especially important in multi-story construction.

Among the disadvantages of cement mortars are their high specific gravity, rigidity, and low mobility, which affects not only ease of use, but also how well the work will be carried out and, ultimately, how durable the structure will be.

To make the cement mortar more mobile and workable without adding excess water (which entails a loss of strength), plasticizing additives are used.

Important!

The depth of immersion of the cone in cement mortars for brickwork is from 9 to 13 cm.

The cheapest additives of this kind are slaked lime and clay. But their use is not always convenient. The lime must be slaked, that is, mixed with water and left for several days while the reaction occurs. Clay must have certain characteristics.

Special plasticizing additives are very convenient to use, for example, CemStone, which completely replaces clay and lime in cement masonry mortars. The supplement is laboratory tested and comes with clear instructions for dosing and use. It provides masonry mortars with all the necessary properties:

1. increases the “lifetime” of the solution (up to 5 hours), thus allowing you to mix it in large quantities at once and save time or order it at a mortar unit;
2. eliminates the delamination of the solution, as a result of which it does not require constant stirring;
3. increases the efficiency of cement, allowing the use of even stale cement;
4. does not cause corrosion of metal embedded parts and fittings;
5. reduces the time for full strength gain (7 days instead of 28 days, which is required for a solution without additives);
6. gives the solution increased characteristics of water resistance and frost resistance.

Hardening of the cement mortar occurs within 28 days, after which the mortar gains its design strength. The strength gain does not occur linearly: the fastest rate of hardening is observed immediately after laying the mortar, then it gradually slows down. Therefore, the more time has passed, the less adverse external influences affect the hardening process.

Adverse effects include too high or too low ambient temperatures and low air humidity. The optimal air temperature is +18–22° C and almost one hundred percent humidity.

Important!

The lower the ambient temperature, the slower the rate of strength gain, as can be seen in the table. At temperatures below +5°C, strength growth stops. Subsequently, when the air temperature rises, the solution gains strength, but is less durable than when cured under optimal conditions.

Obviously, it is impossible to avoid the work of laying bricks at low and subzero temperatures, because in this case it would be necessary to postpone construction for several months, which is not economically feasible.

In these conditions, masonry work can be carried out without compromising the strength of the structure if you use anti-frost additives, for example, CemFrio and HotIce from CEMMIX, which not only allow you to work at negative temperatures (down to –20°C), but also have plasticizer properties, as well as provide the following benefits:

1. saving cement up to 10% without loss of strength;
2. increasing the mobility of the solution;
3. elimination of solution delamination during transportation and storage.

Additives CemFrio and HotIce are compatible with any type of cement and are safe for humans.

Helpful Dosage Recommendations

It should be remembered that different types of building materials require mixing mixtures with different ratios of sand and cement for laying bricks. Solid brick requires one composition, and hollow brick requires another. Water for mixing should be used only clean, at a temperature of +15-20°C. If there is dirt or mold in it, it will show up later in the finishing. For cement-sand, the ratio of water to cement is as follows: 0.5-0.8 to 1 part of the binder component (depending on its brand). Sand is selected with a fraction of no more than 2.5 mm.

The proportions of cement consumption vary depending on its brand (the higher it is, the greater its viscosity). If M500 is used to mix the cement-sand composition, then 1 part of cement must be added to three parts of sand. For M400 their ratio will be different: 2.5 parts sand to 1 part binder component. The amount of sand can be greater, up to 8 parts - it depends on the purpose and brand of cement.

The finished mixture can be used within two hours, since after this the cement becomes less plastic and hardens. Therefore, you should mix exactly as much mortar as will be consumed on the masonry during this time.

How to cook it yourself?

First, the dry composition is mixed, sand is poured into the container, and then cement. It is better to sift everything first so that there are no lumps. The mixture is thoroughly mixed and water is added, after which everything is mixed again until the consistency becomes homogeneous. It is better to choose a container whose volume is almost the same as the amount of material required for a one-time job.

For greater strength and reliability, it is recommended to add detergent (50-100 g), it will increase its ductility. Cement consumption depends entirely on its brand. For 1 m3 you will need 510 kg of binder component grade M300, M200 - 410 kg, M150 - 330 kg. The consumption for masonry is affected by the building material used. For a solid brick it will be required less than for a hollow one. For 1 m2 of surface, about 0.2 m3 of composition is required for a single brick, and 0.25 m3 for a one-and-a-half brick.

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How do you know if the mixture is mixed correctly and is ready?

You can determine the readiness of the cement mortar with your own hands using a cone or by touch.

You should pay attention to the degree of adhesion to the brick, as well as how mobile it is. Its readiness can be determined by making a dent in it: if its shape is maintained, then it is ready for use

You can also tilt the container by 40-45°, it should not leak out.

You can use a cone, its height and width are 15 cm, it weighs 300 g. The readiness of the composition is determined by immersing the cone in it. The depth of drowning depends on the purpose of the mixture. For an ordinary brick it should sink by 9-13 cm, for a hollow brick - by 7-8 cm, but no more.

The quality of the masonry mortar is determined by the amount of moisture in it and its plasticity. If it is too dry, it has weak adhesion to the building material, and if it is too damp, it spreads a lot. If it sticks to the trowel, then add the dry ingredients and mix everything thoroughly again. Mobility depends largely on the sand fraction: the smaller it is, the less mobile the composition.

Density can also be determined using a cone or by plasticity. If it spreads under its own weight, then it is not suitable for use; if it crumbles too much, then it also cannot be used for masonry.

Cost of ready-mixes

To avoid mixing by hand, you can buy masonry mortar. The use of such building materials greatly simplifies work and time costs, since there is no need to deal with dosing.

The purpose depends on the proportion of the binding component. Improperly prepared not only complicates the work, but also significantly deteriorates the quality of the structure being built. For example, a wall made from a poor-quality composition may become brittle and cracked. As a result, the heat capacity of the room decreases; in hot weather it quickly heats up, and in cold weather it cools down. When mixing the solution, you need to strictly follow the proportions. If they are disturbed, cracks may appear in the masonry.

Useful tips

Some of the following recommendations may help you:

• Do not add lime to the mortar when laying the plinth and walls of wet rooms. Constantly moistening the wall, and even more so during temperature changes, leads to a rapid loss of masonry strength.
• The first floor, pillars and especially loaded areas are placed on solutions of a grade of at least 100.
• Do not mix more mixtures than you can produce in two hours. It sets and loses both mobility and mark.
• For better adhesion to the surface and saving materials, a composite or plastic reinforcing mesh should be laid in masonry made of ceramic hollow blocks and stones. It will prevent the solution from falling into the holes.
• If you are laying in winter, you need not only to add antifreeze to the mixture, but also to heat the water and sand. This way the solution remains viable longer.

A mixture of grades M125, 150 and 200

The masonry mixture for bricks M125 is suitable for the construction of walls made of stone and various blocks. The composition for laying gypsum tiles is often used. The fraction of sand used can vary from 0.5 to 1 mm. The M150 grade mixture is characterized by increased hardness. The material is suitable for masonry, and in domestic construction it is used for ceramics and finishing concrete structures. This mixture is good in that it is not sensitive to low temperatures, but requires adherence to a temperature range ranging from +5 to +35 °C during the work process. Heat-resistant masonry mixture M200 is characterized by its refractoriness and water-repellent characteristics. Use washed mountain sand without organic compounds for preparation. Among other things, shells and limestone fragments are used, the fraction of which is approximately 3 mm.

Features of traditional masonry

Technological processes and principles are based on certain key parameters, including masonry thickness:

• half a brick - thickness is 12 cm;
• in one brick - thickness is 25-26 cm;
• one and a half bricks - thickness is 38 cm;
• two bricks - thickness 58 cm;
• at two and a half - the thickness is 64 cm.

Types of brickwork

Ceramic building blocks are installed on a layer of special mortar or bed. The same mixture is used to fill the gaps or seams between the elements. The standard thickness of the aggregate should not exceed a centimeter. Specialists in the field of finishing and construction work practice several types of laying elements, but the most common and simplest is the chain construction of walls. The following masonry options can also be used:

• continuous type;
• with four-row ligation of seams;
• with an air gap;
• well.

Suture dressing scheme

Well masonry

Lightweight brickwork scheme

Types of masonry

The choice of construction method depends on the height of the structure, its purpose, quality characteristics and dimensions of the building material.