What is the right mortar mix ratio for a block wall?

When building your block wall, it is important that you are using good quality materials so that you get good quality results that last for years to come. The mortar that you use should be up to standard and should be fresh. Keep in mind that the consistency of mortar will change within an hour and a half to two hours. This consistency will affect the durability and life span of your block wall.

The most common mix proportions

How you set your mortar mix ratios should depend on the specific project you need to get done. Some mortar mixes are better suited for use in different ways.

These are the common mix ratios (We use this format – cement: lime: sand) and what they are best used for.


1:0:4 or 1:0:3


The standard and most basic mixture used by bricklayers, it uses one part of cement, no lime, to four or three parts of sand. The water you add is to be carefully combined with the dry materials until it reaches the desired property of mortar which is a thick, creamy, and smooth mixture. This ratio is commonly used in restoration and repairs.


1:1/2:3 1/2


This is the strongest mortar mix ratio. It uses one part cement, half part lime, and three and a half parts of sand that are often used in walls that would need strength and greater loadbearing abilities. 


1:1:6 or 1:1:5


Bricklayers use this mixture of one part cement, one part lime, and six or five parts sand for general purposes as they are strong enough to be used and is compatible with the majority of building materials.

Why you shouldn't go cheap on your mortar?

In general it is not a good idea to go cheap on construction and masonry building costs, especially on the materials you use to make your mortar with, because:


  • As mentioned above, your mortar is what holds your blocks together and keeps them packed and bonded in one piece.


  • It seals between joints and prevents water and moisture from entering the joints. If gaps exist where the mortar is not present then that area will likely experience cracks and crumbling sooner. This is so important, especially when your block wall is exposed to rough weather conditions like winds, rain and snow. 
  • It helps the blocks in supporting and evenly distributing the loads throughout the entire structure. Mortar helps the blocks and foundation itself by also absorbing some of the pressure that it receives from the weight of the structure. 



  • It makes the structure appear more visually appealing if placed neatly and properly. Aesthetics goes a long way in good masonry work!

Which materials are needed to make mortar?

Block walls are made of the most commonly used concrete in residential and construction areas. This concrete is highly durable and resistant to insects, and though it can be quite expensive, the fact that concrete block walls are fire-resistant (to an extent) and they resist harsh weather conditions, makes the cost very worth while.


When building a block wall, one of the most important things you need is the bonding agent commonly known as mortar.

Mortar is usually made using the following ingredients:


Cement

Cement is absolutely necessary for the making of a mortar mixture. It is used as the main binding material in the whole process. Though you can make mortar without using cement and using other materials like mud instead, it is only used on much smaller structures and will not have the strength and capabilities for heavier loads that cement can withstand. 

Lime

In many general builds, limes are often not used because they are considered to be optional, however, they are highly recommended for any type of mortar mixture as they contribute to the overall durability the mortar will have if it is included in the mix. Adding lime also minimizes the possibility of cracks showing as the mixture starts to dry and harden.


Water

Water is the most important ingredient to have when making a mortar mixture. Without water, the mixture will just be a useless combination of dry materials and will not be converted into a paste-like blend that would be used to firmly adhere the wall blocks together. It is vital to have the proper water mixture as too much will weaken the strength of the mortar, while adding too little would make the mix dry, patchy, and just hard to work with.


Aggregates

Aggregates are optional, but can be extremely helpful in adding strength and stability to your mortar mixture. It is crucial for you to do your research or ask the professional opinion of a mason on what aggregate you should use as some may not be compatible with the other ingredients that will be in your mortar blend. One example of a commonly used aggregate is sand. Sand is treated like a filler that adds volume and prevents mortar from cracking and shrinking.


If you’re looking for professional help in constructing your block wall, we’d be happy to help. We are experienced masons who are very well versed in constructing anything with brick, stone and blocks. We can provide a quote the same day and start work as it fits your schedule.

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