25/06/02
Quality mortar mix is changing
The trusty building site mixer is under attack as ready-to-use factory-produced mortars take an increasing share of the market.
A report prepared for the Mortar Industry Association shows that site-mixed mortar now makes up less than 25 per cent of the 2.5 million cubic metres-a-year British market. Ready-to-use wet mortars are taking 35 per cent, while semi-dry lime:sand mortars have 31 per cent and dry, silo mortars nearly 10 per cent.
MIA chairman Neil Beningfield expects factory-produced mortars to take a further 30 per cent of the volumes currently being mixed on site. "Beyond all else, it is a question of consistency and quality," he says. "An operative with a shovel cannot hope to meet today’s high specifications time after time in the same way that can be achieved with mortar produced under controlled conditions using precise weighing and calibration equipment.
"There have been a number of very costly mortar failures arising from material that has been poorly mixed with low cement content."
He added: "Certainly the major construction and brickworking specialists have come to realise that factory mortar can in reality be a lot more cost-effective, not least because you can reduce your labour costs and maximise the time devoted simply to laying bricks."
The survey, undertaken for the MIA by Construction Markets, shows the mortar market fairly evenly divided between bricks and block uses. In both cases, over half of mortar is used for private housing and nearly a third of that goes to the major housebuilders.
The report also, however, highlights the challenges that could face the mortar market from a swing to framed construction for houses as a result of new thermal insulation regulations. This could also result in a shift away from brick cladding to a lighter and faster to install alternative.
"The benefits and beauty of traditional brickwork are, however, well appreciated and we have every confidence in the future market for mortars," says Neil Beningfield.
Further information or access to any photographs contact Brian James at Brian.James@mineralproducts.org or call 020 7963 8000.
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