Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Different types of building lime can result in wide variations in a mortar's hardness, tensile
strength and vapour permeability, as well as in its other characteristics. When specifying
a lime mortar for masonry, the main principle is that the mortar should be softer, in its set
state, than the stone or brick used. This is so that any moisture taken in through the surface
of the wall can easily be released through the 'sacrificial' mortar joints, rather than being
held in the masonry where it has the potential to cause damage. Lime mortars should al-
ways be specified by a suitably qualified or experienced person who is used to using lime
in masonry work.
The main issue when specifying a mortar for masonry cladding is that the mortar is both
softer than the surrounding masonry while also strong enough for what is likely to be a
relatively thin masonry veneer. For such a thin depth of masonry cladding, bricks or a well-
dressed or cut stone are likely to be the material of choice, for the increased stability their
even shape brings.
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