Mixtures for facing brick masonry. How to prepare a mortar for bricklaying

If you are already prepared to buy building or facing bricks, then it's time to think about the solution. It would seem a simple task, but masonry mix  can greatly affect the properties and appearance of finished walls. Successfully selected mortar for bricklaying  able to make the wall heavy-duty, and even the simplest masonry can "tune" if you buy a contrast solution. Also, proper work with the solution helps to avoid the appearance of "efflorescence" - unpleasant white stains on the walls.

Professionals call masonry mortar  bricks in different ways: building, cement or masonry, but the essence of this does not change. This mixture performs a connecting role - it bonds the masonry into a single monolith. Its strength depends on the strength and viscosity of the solution. The flow rate of the solution is usually calculated per cubic meter. masonry.

The better the quality of the brick, the less mortar you need. To correct the fuzziness of the edges of the curved brick, you will spend more mortar and then close the seams. If you do not want to spend time fixing a manufacturer’s flaw, tune in to buy a quality ceramic brickswhich you can choose and to order  in our catalog.

Basic rules for choosing masonry mortars:

• For masonry in summer and winter, a different composition of the solution is used.
• For the laying of ground and underground structures, different solutions are needed.
• Special mixtures are needed for masonry clinker brick.
• Antisalt measures are required for face masonry.
• Cement mortar does not use cement mortar.

Types of mortars for bricklaying

Depending on the type of binder, air hardening and hydraulic solutions are isolated. The amount of binders divides the solutions into simple and complex. Simple mortars for bricklaying  You can easily do it yourself on our recommendation. This is a cement mortar and lime, they have one cementitious element - Portland cement or lime. If a mixture contains several binders (complex solutions), then they change the structure and properties of the building material. So, the added clay plays the role of a plasticizer (that is, when expanding, such joints resist cracks longer).

  Lime mortarwarmer, but the strength is significantly inferior to the strength of cement mixtures. They are prepared from lime dough or ground quicklime and sand. Just lime mortars are rarely used, since the masonry is fragile. And here cement-lime masonry mixes , consisting of cement and lime mortar, I use much more often. Lime dough (already slaked lime) is diluted with water until the milk is thick and filtered through a sieve. Then it is added to a mixture of sand and cement. Lime in this solution plays the role of a plasticizer, therefore, such a solution is applicable for masonry and ceramic and silicate brick.

Cement mortar- This is a classic that is most often used for bricklaying. We will discuss the preparation of cement mortars further.

How to prepare a cement mortar for bricklaying

Before starting work, check the "arsenal": a tank - a trough, tub or box with high sides, a shovel, for sifting a mixture of a sieve with cells of 3x3 mm (no less!), Buckets for sand, cement and water (separate). Also check the readiness of tools for bricklaying (trowel, flanges, blades). For the subsequent mixing of the solution, you can use a household concrete mixer. Order masonry mortar  it is possible only if you work with a team of ten people or more — solution deliveries from enterprises are carried out in large volumes. Therefore, mixing the solution in a convenient volume will have to be done manually.

For ceramic masonry and silicate brick  use a cement-sand mortar, that is, sand is added as a filler. It can be natural - river or mountain, or artificial with reduced weight. One way or another, the sand should be clean, without unnecessary impurities. Do not be lazy to sift all dry components through a sieve, then you are guaranteed to get a clean and reliable mortar for bricklaying.

Sand is added to the dry mix! Cement and sand are mixed to a homogeneous mass, and only then is water gradually added until the required viscosity is obtained.

  Council of Experienced Masons: It is best to prepare a dry mixture of cement with sand - pour sand and cement in the form of a bed in layers with a total height of up to 30 cm.This bed is mixed with shovels several times, and then the mixture is sieved through a frequent sieve with 3x3 mm cells.

The optimal consistency will give a homogeneous elastic solution. For starters, you should not prepare a solution in large volumes, because it is consumed quite slowly, but it sets quickly. Therefore, if you lay a brick with your own hands alone, then prepare a volume that you spend for 1-3 hours. Also note that when using a thickened (one and a half) brick, the flow rate of the solution will be less.

Proportions of mortar for bricklaying

Classic component ratio mixes for bricklaying: sand, cement, water 1:2,5-6. The proportion may vary depending on the brand of cement and the specific requirements for the mortar. For example, when clinker brick masonry  A solution of increased viscosity is required, since this prestigious brick has a very low water absorption. Use special reference tables that, based on analysis of soils, climatic conditions and masonry, will help you find the exact masonry mortar proportions. You can find these tables on specialized resources or in SNiPs for laying brick walls.

To improve the properties of the solutions, dispersion additives (for the aerial parts of buildings) are used - clay and lime. Limestone is used together with active silica additives or hammer slag - they increase the strength of the material.

The pour time of the mortar directly depends on the weather: in wet weather, the mortar for bricklaying retains viscosity longer, and quickly freezes in the sun. Regular mixing and adding a small amount of water (if it evaporates from the solution in the sun) can extend the working time with the finished solution.

At the initial choice in the direction of cheap brick, you do not assume that it will be followed by the consumption of time and masonry mortar, so first look brick reviews  on our pages.

Masonry mortar requirements

Masons try to make the mortar for masonry brick elastic - moderately liquid and moderately thick. This is especially true for the facing masonry of the brick for the alignment. Such a solution does not “tear”, it is a single mass (if the solution “tears”, you added too much sand to it).   Elastic solutionit is convenient to apply and distribute on the surface, and after masonry it is evenly distributed under the brick. The correct mixture optimally fills the entire space between the bricks and gives a high-quality seam at the exit. When laying, the brick squeezes the excess solution from all sides, while the elastic mixture does not leak and does not stain the wall. It is much easier to work with the elastic solution - you will free yourself from unnecessary work on sealing joints and cleaning walls, which means you will see the finished result faster. Mortar strength  can be determined by the brand of cement used, that is, the ability to withstand the compression load - say the number after the letter M, how many kilograms can withstand 1 sq.cm of the mixture. Experienced masons choose Portland cement M400-M500, in order to obtain maximum reliability and withstand high temperatures. To obtain an elastic solution, try to measure cement in specific doses, for this use a scale or utensil with a fixed volume.

Skinny, normal, and fatty solutions.  There are a lot of placeholder in skinny ones, it “breaks” and is inconvenient in work. In this case, a lean solution will not give optimal strength. A normal elastic solution contains both binder and aggregate in abundance. And in oily excess binder, so it cracked in operation. The fat content of the solution is determined mainly in clay and lime solutions using a shovel, with which it is mixed. If the solution does not stick, but only gets dirty - it is skinny, if it sticks in separate clots - it is normal, and if it has stuck around a shovel and is hardly shaken off, it is greasy. All this is easily corrected, astringent components are added to the lean solution, and filler is added to the greasy solution.

Solutions for laying foundations, socles, basements

Remember that solutions for working below the waterproofing layer of the building (laying of foundations and socles) must meet slightly different requirements. To do this, use special lookup tables. It depends on the type of soil water saturation - low moisture, moist and saturated. In a damp soil it is permissible to use lime dough and clay to add to the solution, but in humid conditions only sand and cement in a ratio of 1: 6 (when using PC 400).

The strength of the hardened mortar depends not only on the preparation, but also on the base, that is, on the brick itself. When laying on a porous base (normal ceramic brick or blocks with water absorption of 10-13%) the solution is optimally absorbed. But the laying of clinker bricks requires attention, since it does not absorb moisture well. Putting clinker brick  recommended for special solutions recommended by the manufacturer.

Hollow brick masonry

If you have chosen for masonry ceramic hollow brick  or silicate, as well as effective stones with complex voids, remember that any solution can kill their thermal conductivity. The fact is that hollow brick  clogged with a solution and the necessary "air gap" disappears. It’s useless to manipulate the solution here, just use special masonry netswhich do not interfere with grasping, but also do not allow holes to clog. In this case, the wall will be heat-efficient, as the manufacturer promises. Before direct use, the solution must be thoroughly mixed, since heavy particles settle, and the mixture may delaminate. Porous blocks are also placed on cement and lime-cement mortars of grade no lower than M25.

Masonry mortar

Holy of holies - masonry facade and cladding decorative brick. One uncertain motion and aesthetics of the wall will be ruined. In order not to damage the masonry, use a harsher mortar and tap the face brick with a trowel. Better yet, buy a special masonry tool - plastic template, which prevents the solution from leaking onto the face.

  Color solutions  either purchased ready-made or made at the construction site using pigments. Be very careful about the choice of pigment, especially when laying light brick. A poor-quality dye will simply float away from the water, so do a test beforehand so you don’t have to enjoy the smudged wall later on. Facing masonry requires less mortar and a thinner layer, make sure that the ceramic brick does not “float” and does not get dirty.

Ready-made mortars for facing masonry combine a lot of useful properties. With them you can put ceramic brick  or clinker with water absorption up to 5%, while the solution does not lose moisture and provides good adhesion. Moreover, the finished mixture has good frost resistance F50-F100. Prices  for such mixtures are very high, but when using elite bricks, the savings in mortar are not justified.

Masonry mortar

  Solid red brick or facing colored brick is chosen for the laying of stoves and fireplaces. Stoves are advised not to use for masonry cooking stoves  and house fireplaces with cement. Only clay-based solutions with sand. For masonry ceramic kiln brick  choose masonry mixes based on red clay. You can make them yourself or buy ready-made ones.

  Heat-resistant mortar for masonry furnaces  produced on the basis of fireclay - refractory clay. For no reason, do not use refractory clay. It must be taken only for masonry brickwork. Materials have different expansion sizes when heated, so follow the simple rule of “red brick - red clay”, “fireclay brick - refractory clay”, then your stove will reach the desired strength.

Ready mixes for laying kiln bricks, like soup in the dining room, are not uniform in quality from batch to batch. They may have little clay and a lot of fine sand - so trust only trusted manufacturers. Often, brick factories also sell mixtures for masonry of their products. This is the best option to buy, as well as ceramic stove brick, and the mixture is made from one raw material. And kiln and fireclay refractory bricks for your stove you can buy  on our website with delivery.

Masonry mortar in winter

If you need to build brick walls in the winter (although experts advise to refrain from this), then the composition of the solution should be slightly modified. To do this, you need to add plasticizers (which can threaten with efflorescence). Plasticizers for brick masonry- clay, lime, special additives to concrete. Many builders simply add salt, which will also come out stained.

Choose a solution that does not threaten with efflorescence

Specialists try to insure themselves when laying facing brick  - For better quality no efflorescence should appear on the walls. These are white stains from salts released from mortar and brick. It is impossible to predict whether efflorescences on your face masonry will be, because this process also depends on the chemical composition of the sediments. Outflows may unexpectedly appear after a rainy off-season or overwinter. To prevent this process, builders recommend anti-mudflow measures.

• Use cement mortar based on Portland cement grade ПЦ 400-500 without additives and additives;
• It is preferable to choose cement released in the summer;
• Use sand and water free of water soluble salts. If necessary, filter the water for the solution.
• Do not use too thin solution.
• Use only freshly prepared masonry mixes.
• Do not add additives that increase frost resistance to the solution. There is little sense from them in the solution, but they can reward the owner with additive efflorescences.
• When erecting walls, do not allow mortar to get on the front side of the masonry
• If the mixture still gets on the masonry, remove it with a dry brush.
• Do not put ceramic bricks in cold weather - at the same time, builders can add salts and additives to the mixture, which will then necessarily become stains.

The use of brickwork in construction implies the mandatory preparation of mortar. Its composition and consistency depend on many factors: what stage of work it is intended for, the type of brick used, climatic conditions and more. Having studied the features of preparing the mixture for bricklaying, you will protect the walls of the future design from many unpleasant moments.

Types of solutions, their characteristics

The key task of the masonry mortar is to perform the connecting function between the elements of the erected brick structure. The consumption of the mixture is usually determined per cubic meter of brickwork. An important condition is the quality of the building material used, in the presence of a large number of fuzzy faces of the masonry mixture, more than planned is required. The basic principles for choosing a solution are as follows:

• in summer and winter, the compositions have differences;
• surface and ground structures require an individual approach in the preparation of the mixture;
• construction using clinker brick involves a special composition of masonry mortar;
• facial masonry necessitates measures to prevent the formation of salt stains;
• the construction of the furnace design eliminates the use of cement mortar.

The binder included in the solution determines whether it will be hydraulic or air hardened. The presence of one binder component indicates a simple mixture, this includes lime and cement compositions. Several binders form a complex mixture for masonry, characterized by additional properties. So the introduced clay successfully performs the function of a plasticizer, giving the mortar for masonry plasticity. Seams made from such a complex composition successfully resist cracking during expansion.

Depending on the initial parameters, in construction I use the following types of solutions:

• The most commonly used cement mixture. It is characterized by high strength and rigidity. Suitable for private construction and for the construction of multi-storey structures.
• Cement-clay mixes are one step lower in strength. The preparation of the composition is preceded by a thorough cleaning of clay from impurities and its grinding.
• The cement-lime mixture is inferior in strength to the previous composition. During its preparation, the lime dough is diluted with water to a liquid state and purified by filtering through a construction sieve. The resulting liquid is gradually added to the dry cement-sand mixture. Lime here plays the role of a plasticizer; ceramic or silicate bricks are combined with the resulting composition.
• The use of lime solutions is limited. They are significantly inferior in strength to the cement composition, therefore, they are used exclusively for low structures. Among the advantages, low thermal conductivity is noted.

How to make a quality mix

Any workflow requires tools and equipment. For kneading you will need:

• a container in the form of a trough or duct with high walls;
• shovel;
• a sieve having cells of 3x3 mm or more;
• at least 3 buckets;
• trowel and embroidery;
• with large volumes, a concrete mixer will not be superfluous.

The connection of silicate or ceramic bricks is carried out using a cement-sand mixture. Mountain, river or artificial sand is suitable for the role of a filler, the latter has a reduced weight.

Important ! The sand is pre-cleaned by sieving.

Initially, sand and cement are mixed in a dry state, then water is poured in small doses until the desired degree of viscosity is formed. With significant volumes, specialists regularly engaged in bricklaying advise to pour the components of the future mixture into layers in the form of beds, the total height should not exceed 30 cm. The resulting ridge is mixed several times with shovels and passed through a sieve.

Upon reaching the optimal consistency of the mixture, a homogeneous composition is elastic. If the masonry is carried out alone or together, it is impractical to induce large volumes, since the flow rate moves slowly and the solution solidifies quickly. For individual work, there is enough volume, which will be used up during the next three hours. When laying one and a half bricks, consider the lower consumption of connecting material.

Proportion Options

Most often, the mixture for bricklaying has the following proportions:

• cement - 1 part;
• sand - 3 parts;
• water - 0.5 parts.

These indicators vary depending on the requirements for the composition and brand of cement. For example, masonry clinker brick requires a composition of high viscosity, since the facing brick has low water absorption. Before starting work, it is better to study the reference tables of SNiPs, which take into account the following factors:

• soil condition;
• climatic conditions;
• masonry place (underground or ground, external walls or internal partitions, etc.)

Improve the properties of the mixture for masonry allows dispersion additives in the form of lime and clay. To increase the strength of the composition, lime solutions are supplemented with hammer slags or active siliceous additives. The following table contains approximate relationships between the elements of the mixture for masonry:

Note! The period of solidification of the mixture depends on weather conditions: dampness prevents the rapid solidification of the mixture for bricklaying, it retains astringent properties longer; heat accelerates solidification.

To increase the viscosity of the prepared mixture when laying bricks in a hot climate will allow the addition of water in a small amount and regular mixing.

Solution requirements

High-quality brick laying involves the use of an elastic mortar when the correct ratio of density to liquid is selected. Especially this should be adhered to when laying facing bricks for laying. If the mixture "breaks", this indicates an excess of sand in it. The characteristic properties of an elastic mixture are ease of application and distribution over the surface of a brick. Correct solution  provides full filling of the space between the bricks, which further contributes to the formation of a high-quality seam. In the process of bricklaying, the excess mixture appears on all sides. The peculiarity of the elastic composition is that it will not leak, the wall remains clean. In the end, the process of bricklaying will complete faster, due to the absence of distracting procedures for fixing seams and cleaning walls.

The strength of the mortar is determined by the brand of cement used. The number after the letter M indicates how much weight 1 cm 2 of the mixture can withstand. Portland cement labeled 400-500 provides maximum reliability and prevents the risk of efflorescence. To obtain a high-quality mixture with the desired elasticity, measure the components of the future solution with specific doses, for this purpose, containers with a fixed volume or classic scales are used.

Among professional builders, there is a division of the mixture for bricklaying in the following categories:

• Skinny. Excessive aggregate (sand) provokes frequent tears. They do not correspond to the optimal strength of the brickwork.
• Normal mixtures are characterized by a proportional composition of the binder component and aggregate.
• Fatty compositions are characterized by an excessive presence of a cementing element, which subsequently leads to cracking of the mortar during brick laying.

To determine the fat content in lime and clay solutions, an ordinary shovel is used:

• in the absence of adhesion - the composition is lean and requires the addition of binders;
• individual adhering clots indicate a quality mixture with the correct elasticity;
• a sticky shovel, which is difficult to clean, indicates a greasy solution that must be diluted with a filler.

Factors determining the consumption of masonry mortar

The following factors influence the consumption of a mixture for bricklaying:

• The thickness of the seam between the bricks. Given their length, exceeding the norm by even a few millimeters will lead to a significant increase in the volume of solution used.
• Wall thickness.
• Type of bricks applied. Here, the flow rate increases when laying facing bricks, so take care of increasing the total volume of the mortar by 20-30%.

To find out the flow rate of the mixture, averaged data are used, according to which 25-30% of the volume of mortar falls on 1 m 3 of brickwork. Based on this, to determine the consumption of masonry composition, it is necessary to know the volume of brickwork. The algorithm of actions that allows calculating the need for cement includes the following steps:

• The total volume of brickwork is calculated. Remember to subtract the area of \u200b\u200bthe door and window openings.
• Based on the information that in 1 m 3 of masonry the proportion of mortar is 0.25-, 30 m 3, calculate the total volume of the building mixture.
• Based on the required proportion, determine the need for cement.

Important ! Calculations with volumetric dosages necessarily take into account the density of cement.

Correctly made calculations will allow you not to get out of the planned schedule of work and complete the entire process in a timely manner.

How to prepare a solution for bricklaying, many know. But not everyone knows how to make it right and so that the cost of masonry does not exceed the price of the brick itself. Often, cement or limestone mixes are used as bonding elements. Sand is used as a filler, which should be as clean as possible, light, without additional impurities, debris, residues of the plant root system, grass and other vegetation. In the construction industry, air or water hardening materials are used.

The preparation of an astringent product is a very important process on which the strength and safety of the knowledge being built depends. If violations are allowed, over time the masonry will begin to collapse, and the structure itself will sag. It is hardly necessary to clarify what this may lead to.

  Type of building material

Before embarking on an independent preparation of the product, you should study the composition of the masonry mortar and its main types, which differ in technical characteristics.

At the moment, there are three main types of mixture:

Consists of components such as clean, white sand and a cement product. This building material is characterized by a low degree of plasticity, sedentary mobility and is listed in the category of cold components. Regardless of the manufacturer, the cement product is considered unnecessarily tough, so it is rarely used.

Lime

It is made of warm, plastic, quicklime product and sand. In terms of strength, inferior to cement.

Cement and lime composite material

If it is difficult to determine the type, you can safely dwell on the combined one, which has all the advantages inherent in the cement and limestone component. Elements are great for almost all types of bricks.

  Constituent elements

First of all, it is necessary to carry out preliminary preparation of sand, remove all excess elements and sift. Only a clean, uniform material when mixed with other components can create an astringent effect.

If more cement is added to the composition, the level of ductility and mobility will increase.

As a filling element, sand, clay or limestone material can be used. The last two are flexible, but they can not be used in all cases, for example, in the process of laying bricks with cavities. Over time, they will absorb moisture, as a result of which walls and partitions will lose thermal insulation properties.

To increase the volume of the solution and to qualitatively improve its characteristics include fillers. And if only sand (preferably river) is suitable for laying bricks, then for the installation of monolithic structures you need to use crushed stone, gravel, expanded clay, perlite, etc.

Porous aggregates (slag, expanded clay) are needed to increase the thermal insulation of the entire structure. In this case, the maximum diameter of the filler should not exceed 15-20 mm, so as not to reduce the adhesion of the composition.

The most important component of the mass is water. It acts as a connecting element and provides the necessary ligament. Its quality, quantity are determined by GOST 23732-2011.

To improve properties, the following components can be added:

• elastic plasticizers - facilitate the application of the composition, increase the density and increase resistance to deformation;
• hardeners - used to accelerate the polymerization;
• anti-frost additives - stop the process of freezing water during the winter period and maintain the hydration of the substance;
• pigments - decorative additives to give the masonry a certain color.

  Popular material series

The brand of cement used for mixing shows how many kilograms can withstand 1 cc of cement mortar.

At the moment, product classifications of the following series are widely used:

• 0-2 - rarely used.
• 4, 10, 25, 50, 75 are the most popular brands.
• 100, 150, 200 - are used in the process of construction of specific structures.

A series is assigned after checking the rate of solidification of the product and compression.

It is forbidden to use the latest grade of cement (from F200 and higher) when mixing mortar with frost resistance requirements without air-entraining additives (plasticizers).

The more cement is added, the better the astringent properties, but its excess is fraught with rapid hardening of the solution

The correct texture has a certain degree of mobility, which is important for construction processes. The value of mobility is determined by the method of practical research. A special cone is immersed in a product of recent preparation, if the element goes down deep - the mixture has an increased degree of mobility, but the lower the immersion, the worse the elasticity of the components. It is advisable to conduct such an experiment every time a new portion is kneaded.

VIDEO: Preparation of mortar for bricklaying

  Composition and proportions table of cement-sand mixture

The proportions of the mortar for bricklaying can be calculated based on the following criteria:

• how many floors are planned to be built in the building;
• the purpose of the structure being manufactured;
• type of soil on which the house will be built, etc.

If you want to build a one-story cottage, then you can use a limestone type product that is lightweight and has a high degree of adhesion. The most optimal ratio is 4: 1.

Cement mix is \u200b\u200bneeded when erecting walls whose thickness does not exceed 250 mm. When mixing, components such as sand and cement are added in proportions of 3-6: 1. The amount of the first element depends on the purpose of the structure being built and the cement mix manufacturer.

For buildings built from refractory building materials, which are subsequently expected to be exposed to intense temperature, a special cementitious product is used, consisting of sand, clay, refractory component, fireclay powder. Often used for the construction of fireplaces or stoves.

  How to cook?

Consider the recipe and the steps on how to properly knead mortar for bricklaying.

1. It is necessary to prepare the components from which the cement product will be produced - sand, water, cement, limestone.
2. Then mix all the main components in the required proportions and in dry form. Then a little fireclay powder is added to increase the level of ductility.
3. Water is gradually poured into the mixture and thoroughly mixed to a homogeneous consistency. It is important to remember that the batch of mortar for bricklaying in 1.5-2 hours loses its specifications  and begins to freeze.

  Component consumption calculation

One of the most popular ways, how to prepare a mortar for laying bricks, is considered a combined version of the cement-sand type.

On 1 sq.m brick wall, with a thickness of one standard brick, up to 80 liters of liquid mixture are intended. If the masonry must be carried out with a thickness of one and a half bricks, more than 110 l / m 2 will be consumed.

Regardless of what the market building materials  Nowadays, it is full of various mixtures for the construction of houses, a self-made cement product is still not inferior to them in their technical features.

It should also be remembered that any work associated with the construction of any structures should be done in the summer season. Thus, the construction of a small cottage can be completed by the winter.

Among the main advantages of the cement component are easy accessibility, low cost of its components and the ability to apply with low grade brick material.

The only drawbacks are that special tools are required to prepare the mixture, when laying, a large layer thickness is obtained and after drying the material requires subsequent processing with decorative lining.

VIDEO: How to lay a brick. How to make perfect stitches

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The service life of a building depends not only on the selected material for construction, but also on the installation composition selected for the adhesion of brickwork, blocks. The masonry mixture for bricks must be strong, durable in order to maintain the solidity of the wall panel. It is important to know that masonry mixtures are for both ordinary building and clinker, fireclay, facing bricks. Manufacturing technology is quite simple, but requires strict observance of the rules. Otherwise, poorly prepared substance will lead to the destruction of the entire structure.

Types of mixtures and their purpose

There are several types of mortars for laying bricks:

• Cement, characterized by high strength, rigidity;
• Cement-clay, where pure clay introduced into the solution provides high water-repellent qualities;
• Cement-lime, prepared with the addition of lime milk. They are characterized by high ductility, good adhesion.
• Calcium mixtures are not the best, as they have reduced strength, are brittle and therefore indicated for use in low-rise construction.

The masonry composition is obtained by mixing dry fillers with water. If it is a factory mixture, compliance with the instructions is mandatory. Reducing the flow rate of the mixture depends on the speed of laying out the material, so it is much better to prepare small portions of the composition in order to produce them before drying.

Universal mixture

Shown for construction work  with brick, made on the basis of cement, sand and water. Sometimes plasticizers are included in the composition, for example, special anti-frost additives that allow you to work with the composition even during periods of severe temperature drops. The concept of universality applies to many varieties of compositions, for example, dry masonry is also included in this registry.

Universal composition suitable for laying ordinary brick. A cement-based mortar is used in this case. The proportions depend on the brand of cement: 1: 4, if it is the M400 brand, 1: 5 in the case of choosing the M500 brand. The composition is supplemented with dry clean sand and water. As a filler, you can use lime, which gives viscosity, as a result of which the solution better fills the voids. However, the composition with milk of lime is contraindicated in places of high humidity.

There is a ready-made universal mixture M150, in which plasticizers and water-repellent compounds can already be added. The price of the composition is from $ 12 per bag of 12-15 kg. The availability and quality of the solution allows it to be used quite widely. And the possibility of laying out not only ordinary building, but also clinker, silicate brick adds advantages.

White masonry mix

This is a composition that is used either for masonry cladding, or to restore the joints of buildings that have been in operation for more than one year. The composition of the mixture includes high-quality cement, plasticizers, milk of lime, sand and water. In addition to excellent aesthetic characteristics, the solution is notable for its strength, elasticity and practicality. Water absorption is kept within 3-10%, consumption per 1 m2 is not more than 1.6 kg.

The price of the mixture varies between $ 2-2.5 per bag from 10 kg. But due to the small expense, the need for application for facing work, the composition is popular.

Important! White masonry mixture has a water-holding ability (98%), which is absolutely necessary for facing bricks - the finish lasts much longer and does not lose its quality indicators.

Clinker Brick Mix

Due to some specific characteristics of the material, the masonry mix for clinker bricks is different from universal. Mineral binders are required in the composition, which minimizes the risk of shrinkage cracks.

Advice! When choosing a mortar for bricks with a reduced property of water absorption, you should choose a mortar with a Rhine track - the ingredient ensures the preservation of the color filling of the product.

The price of such a mixture is higher than the usual (from $ 30), but it is better to buy it. If the construction is done with high-quality clinker bricks, then buying a cheap mortar can reduce all finishing work to zero.

Color compounds

Colored masonry mixtures for bricks include a coloring pigment, polymers. It is thanks to the polymer fillers that the seams do not change the color scheme when exposed to the external environment. A lot of colored compositions for clinker bricks. Pure fine-grained sand as a filler and polymers guarantee reduced water absorption and high plasticity of the solution. A wide color spectrum allows the execution of any design decisions.

Advice! If you use colored compounds only for joint stitching, the consumption will be significantly reduced, which is important at prices for the composition from $ 50.

Mixtures for aggressive environments

These are the compounds used for work in areas of high temperature and humidity indicators. As a rule, these are rooms of mines, production shops and other special purposes. The composition of the solution always includes refractory powders, clay, sand. High plasticity, practicality of the composition is achieved by proper preparation technology: water is poured into the dry ingredients and mixed until the clay dissolves. Then the solution is infused for 3 hours, then water is added again. The correct consistency - the mass is dense, stable, but plastic. Easier - a lump from a shovel slides slowly, but surely. Such a substance is suitable for laying fireclay bricks used in the construction of stoves, fireplaces, chimneys. The price of the mortar is from $ 35, but it can withstand temperatures up to +1600 C, which is especially important if refractory bricks are used for calculation.

Important! All formulations and standards for mixtures are specified in GOST 28913-98.

How to make a mixture

If you need to quickly and easily prepare a mortar for masonry, ready-made dry mixes are sold in stores, which you only need to dilute with water. But if there is time, sand, cement, water, then the mixture is prepared independently:

1. The sand is sifted;
2. Cement is mixed with sand depending on the brand of cement;
3. Water is added, a solution of the desired consistency is mixed.

Knead the composition for at least 5-6 minutes so that all components mix well. Pour into the dry ingredients a third of the water first, then add the rest. The standard water flow rate is 0.6 parts, but it all depends on the desired viscosity of the solution.

Important! The cleaner the sand, the stronger and better the solution. Clay is introduced only in dry powder form. Milk of lime is added instead of part of the water. Plasticizers are sold in specialized stores and must be added strictly according to the instructions.

For refractory bricks, the solution is made of 60% clay, 30% sand, 10% cement. It turns out to be cheaper than the factory one, but there is no refractory component, therefore, the installation of fireclay bricks should be accompanied by refractory plaster, where 20-25% is liquid glass.

The flow rate of the solution depends on the thickness and size of the blocks. But you can calculate in advance how much mixture will be needed per square meter:

1. Calculate the volume of masonry with the exception of doors, windows;
2. Based on the data that 0.3 m3 of mixture is needed per 1 m3, the total volume of the solution is calculated;
3. The resulting proportions will allow you to calculate the right amount  cement.

The volume of masonry is calculated simply: 1 brick has standard sizes, it is not difficult to calculate the number of pieces per 1m3, and then calculate the total area of \u200b\u200bthe desired brick masonry. And remember that the faster the solution is used, the lower its consumption.