A Complete Guide As building and construction progress into modernity, it follows that there will be a dominance of more developed materials and methods used in the on-site activities. A crucial direction of architectural activity is the use of, among other elements, block joint mortar which is a product of bonding masonry constructed by AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) and concrete blocks. The commodity in stock, which is a specially designed ready-mix mortar that is capable of enhancing strength, efficiency, and accuracy has been introduced by the manufacturers for the better and the use of it in both residents and commercial places has been drastically getting results in a shorter time period and better life cycle. This guide is a tour of the elements of masonry jointing, the benefits, the application, and the appropriate uses of the two materials, to teach you everything about the building and what to do next.
What does Block Joint Mortar mean?
Block joint mortar is a polymer-enriched, ready mix mortar used to bond AAC and concrete blocks. Only the addition of water is needed for its use because it is in dry form when it is delivered. The application itself has to be in a thin layer (3-5 mm) which is way less than the traditional cement-sand mortar layer thickness. The dry material is made of cement, graded sand, and additives that are used to enhance adhesion and minimize shrinkage. Unlike other elements that were increasing their consistency and now being built, it is actually the cement and aerated concrete that are the main drivers of the building system where the product is mostly applied. The reason for this is that the aerated concrete wall is necessary for the building system to play its role properly.
Advantages of Using Block Jointing Mortar
Controlled Quality The site-mixed or batch-to-batch mortar production is known to have a lot of advantages in terms of control and, therefore, a lot of variability. Factory-made (dry) mortar products, like block joint mortar, perfectly meet the requirements of the technical properties of the material throughout the entire production period.
High Bonding Strength
Having the advanced formulation technology that it contains, it is the superiority and smoothness which is given to all the squares to be involved. This is responsible for the decrease of the probability of any fractures and displacements if any during the life of the edifice.
Thin Joints in Blocks
The requirement of a thinner joint in blocks will be one of the major factors responsible for the lower consumption of the raw material and therefore the lesser need for finishing is another one. The thin joints of the blocks are still in better condition, but they are less critical. Later on, when the building is completed, less plastering is applied to the walls where thin joints are.
Reduced Work and Manpower
The ready-mix mortar, obviously, removes the need to measure, sieve or mix any materials on-site at all. This is the main reason behind the construction being much faster and the requirement for fewer people to be accomplished.
Reduced Wastage
The presence of fixed proportions and the possibility to be able to use it very easy contribute to the fact that this type of plaster requires less waste than usual. As a result, thin layer joint mortar becomes an economical choice especially since it will achieve its goal in the long run.
Application Process
Applying block joint mortar is straightforward, but the correct application is crucial to ensure the best performance of the mixture.
Start by cleaning, levelling, and moistening the blocks’ surfaces. Then add water to the manufacturer’s chemical dry powder in a proportion that is recommended by the manufacturer then stir the mixture with the help of a mechanical stirrer into a paste that is uniform and lump-free.
In addition, uniformly apply the thin layer by using a notched trowel or mason’s trowel. Once applied, carefully set the block in a way to get the best grip possible. In case any levelling has to be done, do it straightaway as long as the mortar is still wet and pliable. Even so, the exposure time for the product should be minimal, thus only use water misting when the environment is so dry.
The Ideal Applications
Block joint mortar is the most suitable for the following kinds of buildings:
- Internal and external walls of AAC blocks
- Concrete hollow block construction
Load-bearing and partition walls in both commercial and residential buildings - Fast-track and high-rise projects in which time and correctness are of high importance
Consistency through performance in every task leads to the factor that it has actually made it the most preferable choice among builders both conscious of construction time and delivering quality work.
Ready Mix Mortar and Compatibility with Materials
We need to state another very crucial fact that solvent joint mortar as well as the other types of ready-mix is just a part of a whole range of other materials, which are also available in the market. Among them, we have mix plaster, adhesive tiles, and waterproofing mortars. Rarely will you be involved in a situation where your mortar will not fit the material perfectly, or your material will not perfectly fit the rest of the materials supplied by the same manufacturer. Thus, it makes the whole construction system(structure) durable and reliable for a longer time period.
Block joint mortar is a major innovation that has entirely changed the connectivity of AAC and concrete blocks in the construction sector. A well-prepared chemical mortar was actually the originator of this new high-quality construction item. It accomplishes significantly higher strength, cutting down the labour, fast and excellent quality construction work, and creating outstanding visual arrangements with cutting down the wasted money.