Technical Information Mortar

Technical Information Mortar Enhance Your Curb Appeal!

CMU

Mortar

Brick

Block Mortar Coverage:

Number of block per bag of mortar:

* When using non premixed mortar, like Type N, or S masonry cement, approximately 18 shovels or 200 lbs of fine masonry sand will be needed per bag of mortar.

Brick Mortar Coverage:

Number of brick per bag of mortar:
Modular: 125
Queen/Oversized: 90

* When using non premixed mortar, like Type N, or S masonry cement, approximately 18 shovels or 200 lbs of fine masonry sand will be needed per bag of mortar.

Mason Work

The five typical mortar mixes designated types M,S,N,O and K are labeled so because each is an alternate letter in the term MASON WORK in descending p.s.i strength. These designations were assigned in 1954 and replaced the mortar designations A-1, A-2, B and C.

        M 2,500 p.s.i

        A

        S 1,800 p.s.i

        O

        N 750 p.s.i

        W

        O 350 p.s.i

        R

        K 75 p.s.i

Know that a weaker psi mortar is not a "bad" or inferior mortar to one with a higher psi. A lower psi mortar has much better adhesive and sealing powers than a higher one. Mortars are selected on the balance between these attributes as to what is required for the building situation on a particular spot in the job. A type M mortar with its high strength yet poor adhesion and sealing can be a bad choice for one area of the job and just what is needed in another.