Building with Concrete Block

[mjarrels]

Use brickloc type "S" cement.

mark

 

[Kendall69]

Also,wet the block. Sometimes the block is too hot from the sun and the mortor instantly dry's out when it hits the block. The block sucks all the moisture out of the block. By wetting the block it should stick better.

 

[EddieWalker]

Bill,

I usually just buy the ready to use Type N mortor. Just add water and mix. If it doesn't stick, I have it too dry and will add a little water until it's right. I'm sure everyones advice on changing the mix is accurate, but why not just by the sacks ready to use?

Eddie

 

[schmism]

my experience with block mortor has been its to wet if it wont hold a 3/8" amount so it kinda slimes off.....

usually a more dry mix has worked for me in the past.... but as others have mentioned, your results may varry based on mixture type and applicationn.

 

[Egon]

Different building materials require different mortar for best results. The premix will be the minum specs allowable and just changing water content may not meet the construction demands.

 

[WVBill]

Success!!

I did a small test batch this evening. The "recipe" on the bag of Masonry Cement calls for 2.25 to 3 parts sand to one part Masonry Cement for Type S Mortar (called for by code for a building foundation wall). That's what I was mixing it at.

So tonight I doubled it to 2.5 parts sand to 2 parts Masonry Cement and it stuck on the vertical joints real nice.

Now, at that ratio it's probably not technically "Type S" any more - but I doubt the inspector has a way of telling anyway - any the part of the wall I'm doing now will be buried over 2 feet deep the next time he inspects....

Anyway, the next time I mix a batch, I'll back it down to 2.5 parts sand to 1.5 parts Masonry Cement and see if it still sticks...

Thanks for the help, guys.

WVBill

 

[_RaT_]

Tpye S for sure. I like to add in a little fire clay, it makes it stick very well.

 

[Egon]

Sounds good.

 

[forgeblast]

what type of mortar would you use if you were building a bbq. I will be building one this summer, and i dont want the joints to crack with the heat.
thanks,
Forgeblast

 

[smitesmash]

also, check that your morterboard is wet when you mix the mortar on it. If it starts out dry, it can suck the moisture out of the mortar before you apply it to the blocks.