How to mix mortar?

Mortar is the glue that holds the bricks and stones that lay the foundation of your home in place. It would be an understatement to say that it is important during the construction of your home or any building. Mortar is one of the most crucial elements of construction, and mixing mortar is not just about mixing the ingredients; it is about the perfect ratio of mortar and precision. In this article, we are going to tell you everything you need to know about mortar mixing.

Source: Pinterest (DIY Doctor)

Ingredients of mortar

Before starting with the process of mixing, it is important to know your ingredients:

1. Cement: Helps in the solidification of the mortar. Good quality cement is necessary.
2. Sand: Improves the strength of the mixture while also providing bulk to the overall volume.
3. Water: Holds all the ingredients together while being the activating agent. 

Perfect ratio of mortar

You need to make sure that your mortar has a perfect consistency, i.e. not too thick and not too watery. While preparing mortar, you need to balance out all three elements in the perfect ratio. There are commonly three types of ratios, and their use depends on the type of mortar you want. Here are the three types:

1. General Purpose Mortar: Cement and sand should be in the ratio of 1:5
2. High-Strength Mortar: Cement and sand should be in the ratio of 1:4
3. Bricklaying Mortar: Cement and sand should be in the ratio of 1:6 

While measuring, keep in mind that these ratios are in terms of volume, not weight.

How to mix the mortar?

Source: Pinterest (Ronald Rahn)

 Necessary equipment:

Before starting with the process of mixing, here are some necessary ingredients that you need: Water, cement, water, a mixing container, and a mixing tool like a hoe.

1. The first step is to decide the type of mortar you need and properly measure the quantity of sand, cement and water.
2. Now fill the mixing container with the sand. Create a hollow centre for the cement and form a crater-like structure with the sand.
3. Gently fill the hole created in the centre with cement. Creating this crater-like shape and filling the cement in the centre allows it to mix evenly with the sand.
4. Now slowly mix sand and cement and ensure that cement covers the dust particles evenly. 
5. Keep mixing until you feel that you have mixed them properly.
6. The next step is to add water gradually. 
7. Do not mix all the water at once, or else you will end up with a watery solution. Add little water as you can add more if the solution is dry, but it would be difficult to fix if it has thin consistency.
8. To know whether you have achieved the right consistency, you should notice if the mortar holds its shape when you mould it. If it has a thin consistency, it will not be able to maintain its shape.

Mortar mixing dos

1. Wear protective gear: The chemicals can damage your skin, and the dust can irritate your eyes. While mixing mortar, you should wear protective gear such as gloves and goggles.
2. Mix in batches: Mortar dries quickly, so you should never mix an entire batch at once. Always mix in small batches, as this prevents the mortar from drying before use.
3. Test and adjust: Make a small batch first to check whether the proportions are right and if the resultant consistency is perfect. Keep mixing and testing until you find out the right ratio.
4. Keep tools clean: Keep the mixing container and other tools clean. Previous mortar, if mixed with new, can affect the quality of the new one.

Mortar mixing don’ts

1. Don’t overwater: Add water slowly while mixing so you don’t end up with a mixture that is too watery.
2. Don’t mix more than needed: Don’t mix excess mortar, as it won’t be of use after some time. Mix a small portion first and then mix again.
3. Don’t rely on guesswork: Don’t guess and mix; always take accurate measurements.

FAQs

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