Masonry mix for bricks

When building a brick house, a special masonry mixture for bricks is used as a fastening material. The best option is a solution whose consistency meets the requirements.

For laying bricks, a solution of medium density is well suited, which can fit well on the product and at the same time be held on its surface until it hardens. In addition, it is important that the mortar has good adhesion, is durable and does not absorb excessive moisture.

For the construction of a reliable structure that meets the requirements of strength and durability, a high-quality mixture should be used, the preparation of which followed the technology and recommendations of specialists. The creation of such a solution requires knowledge of the varieties of existing mixtures.

Features of solutions

The choice of the type of masonry mixture should be based on the requirements for the construction of a particular object.

For example, the construction of a bath involves the use of a plastic solution that can fill all the seams, voids and surface irregularities. The requirements put forward to the composition include various characteristics. The solution must have sufficient strength, which will not cause deformation of the future wall. The density and speed of hardening of the mixture must correspond to the speed of the work performed. The time period required for the complete hardening of the composition depends on the components used and its purpose.

The classic simple composition involves the presence of water, sand and cement. This composition is used in the construction of small houses or auxiliary buildings. For its manufacture, cement 400-500, clean water and sand fractions up to 2 mm are used.

The amount of sand used in the composition determines how strong the finished mortar will be. The smaller it is, the more reliable the solution itself will be. And, accordingly, vice versa. The most commonly used proportions are:

5 parts of sand and 1 part of cement (M25);
4 parts sand and 1 part cement (M50);
3 parts sand and 1 part cement (M75).

The construction of particularly strong walls is carried out using a mixture of M50 and M75, where the use of an additional ingredient - sand, is reduced. The areas of application of such a mixture are columnar bases, work in conditions of high humidity and the construction of houses from clinker bricks.

For other construction needs, a solution of the M25 brand may be applicable. The preparation of such a mixture for 1 cubic meter of masonry requires:

water (250 liters);
cement (268 kg);
sand (1064 kg);
concrete mixer;
bucket and hose.

Solution preparation

In order to prepare a masonry mortar for bricks, it is recommended to use river sand. It must first be sifted and separated from all kinds of debris and large particles. It is important to knead exactly the amount of solution that will be used over the next two hours - this is exactly the plasticity period of this composition.

Using a concrete mixer, you need to gradually mix the ingredients into the composition in the following order: water, cement, sand and water residues.
The components must be added gradually and kneaded for about 2 minutes, after which the finished solution is poured into a container for further use as intended.
During the laying process, the mixture should be periodically stirred to ensure its uniformity.

Some cases involve the use of lime for the preparation of masonry mortar. Such a composition is characterized by increased plasticity. The time of possible work with such a solution increases to 5 hours.

This is very convenient, as you can prepare a sufficient amount in advance so as not to waste time on production. However, for masonry, which can be significantly affected by moisture, such a solution cannot be used.

Proportions for the preparation of cement-lime mortar:

1 part cement and lime + 4 parts sand (M25);
1 part cement + 0.5 parts lime + 4.5 parts sand (M50).

A concrete mixer is used to form the solution. Ingredients are added gradually, starting with water. Next, cement is added, then lime. Everything is thoroughly mixed and after that sand and the remaining liquid are added.

Some Features

You can not prepare the mortar with your own hands, but resort to the use of ready-made dry mixes, which, when water is added, are converted into masonry mortar. Such elements can be purchased in specialized stores.

For mixing, the same concrete mixer or construction mixer is used.
The amount of water required for each preparation is indicated on the packaging.
Mixing of such compositions, as a rule, takes about 6 minutes. It is important to follow the recommendations for the use of each specific mixture and in no case add additional ingredients. Such amateur performance can adversely affect the quality of future masonry.

For example, a porous, highly absorbent substrate will provide better strength to the masonry mortar, as opposed to a brick that does not absorb moisture well.
It is important to monitor the uniformity of the composition during the laying of products, i.e. constantly stirring the solution.
If necessary, the consistency can be improved by using additional components. Crushed stone, sand and other additives can increase the density of the solution. The quantity and quality of additional components determine the basic properties of the future material.

Practice shows that a self-prepared solution is of better quality than a purchased one. This is due both to the ingredients used and to personal control over the cooking process.

In addition, it is quite difficult to control the quality of the finished product sold, regardless of its price and manufacturer.

masonry process

The use of masonry mortars is quite wide:

walls of houses subjected to loads and external influences from precipitation;
foundations;
laying chimney pipes;
laying walls of concrete blocks;
laying walls of clinker bricks and more.

High-quality masonry implies compliance with certain rules when applying masonry material. It is important to maintain the thickness of the joints, which should be within 10-15 mm for cement and lime-cement options.

If the construction project provides for subsequent plastering of the building, then the seams should not be completely filled, but 5-10 mm should be left for their subsequent filling with plaster. This is necessary to increase the adhesion of the wall and plaster.
When plaster is not planned, the seams must be sealed with special care.
Before starting the laying process, the brick must be cleaned of dust and dirt.
In the hot period, you should hold the brick in water before starting work. Such a measure will allow the brick to be saturated with moisture before direct contact with the mortar, which will prevent premature drying of the material.
If there was a break in work, then the finished row of masonry can also be moistened.

You can use ready-made mixtures or prepare the solution yourself. In any case, it is important to control the quality of the raw materials used and adherence to the preparation technology. Good luck!

Masonry mix for bricks