MORTAR

Replacing Historic Mortar
Reproducing similar products for restoration and repair of existing masonry, and identifying the fundamental parameters and standardized testing methods for old mortar.

Understanding Mortar
It is critical to appreciate mortar’s properties and how the ingredients in mortar affect performance. Three important properties of mortar are workability, bond, and compressive strength.

Grinders for Removing Mortar
Small disc grinders are indispensable for repair contractors who do a lot of masonry repointing. These electric-powered right angle grinders allow hardened mortar to be cut out quickly and efficiently.

Pointing with Poise
Getting mortar into a thin joint between already-placed units can be a difficult, messy and expensive operation. Some innovative companies, however, have developed equipment that eliminates much of the agony.

A Case for Hydraulic Mortar
Like everything old, hydraulic mortars are new again, finding a place in historic restorations.

Selecting Mortar for Historic Preservation
The article provides guidelines for determining the composition of a structure’s existing mortar and advocates using a lime-based mortar for repointing if a lime mortar was used originally.

Surface Grouting to Repair Mortar Joints
When joints are weathered but not badly deteriorated, surface grouting can stop leaks more economically than repointing.