How to make Mortar

• The Common Mortars used are cement mortars and cement lime mortars

• Common mixes of Cement Mortars are 1:6 and 1:4 (1 Cement : 4 Coarse Sand)

• Common mixes of Cement Lime Mortars are 1:2 (One Lime : 2 Sand); 1:1:8 (1 cement, 1 Lime, 8 Sand); 1:2:9 (1 cement, 2 Lime, 9 Sand)

• Use fine to medium coarse Sand

 

Steps for making cement mortar

• Identify a clean and plane surface for mixing the mortar. Preferably make a plane surface using any thin metal sheet or plyboard.

• Depending on the quantity and mix of mortar required pour half the quantity of sand first on the surface prepared in step 1.

• Pour the entire quantity of cement required over the sand.

• Pour balance quantity of sand over the cement.

• Carry out the dry mixing of the contents by cutting the mix three to four times using belchas or favdas

• Ensure that the dry mixture of sand and cement is homogeneous.

• If you are using a cement lime mixture, lime shall be mixed with water to form a putty and kept for maturing for minimum 24hours.

• Make a heap of dry mixture created in Step 5 and create a depression on top of it by spreading the dry mix from top towards the sides.

• Start adding water into the depression created and add lime putty if required.

• Thoroughly mix the wet mix now by cutting the mix at least three to four times at intervals of 3-4 minutes between each cut.

•  Prepare only that much quantity of mortar which can be used within 30 minutes of wet mixing.

• Do not go on mixing water to the mortar if it has stiffened after not being used for over 30minutes. 

 

Method for making clay mortar

• Good clayey soil should be used for making the mortar.

• Pulverise the earth lumps completely and remove any unwanted organic material from the soil.

• Add an equal amount (by volume) of wheat or any other locally available straw along with cow-dung to the soil.

• First mix the dry ingredients thoroughly and then mix with water thoroughly in a pit.

• Work the mix thoroughly every day for minimum three days using shovel and feet

• The mortar should be used only after so ‘sleeping’ for minimum three days.