11/08/02

Pushing up the standards

The Mortar Industry Association has welcomed the planned introduction of a vital new European standard for factory-produced mortars.

The preparation of the standard, known as EN 998-2, is now in its final stages in Brussels and should be implemented across the EC over the next two years. The fundamental change it will bring will be to require that specifications for factory mortars are performance-led rather than based on the traditional 1:6 recipe.

"The old recipe system was unsophisticated and out-of-date because the strength achieved could be over a wide range," says MIA chairman Neil Beningfield. "The new standard will be based on the compressive strength of the set mortar and it will ensure consistency."

"Modern construction demands much greater control over the quality of the materials. We have been pressing for this approach for some time and we are delighted that it is now close to becoming a reality."

Mr Beningfield said that, while there remains no such standard for site-mixed mortars, the new legislation reinforced the divide between them and the factory-produced option. "Site mixing carries with it a risk that many builders simply will not take following the publicity given to costly mortar failures over recent years," he says. "The new European standards help factory producers to stand well clear of such problems."

A recent report prepared for the MIA 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.

The association, whose eight members supply over 90 per cent of the market, has also recently launched its own quality scheme as condition of membership. More information on the MIA quality scheme is available from Brian James on 020 7963 8000 or email Brian.James@mineralproducts.org.

Further information or access to any photographs contact Brian James at Brian.James@mineralproducts.org or call 020 7963 8000.

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