17/01/05

New European Standards for Mortar Introduced at End of January

New European product standards and common test methods for mortars come into force on 31 January 2005, replacing existing BS standards and procedures.

“Traditionally in the UK we have developed our standards on a recipe basis,” says chairman of the Mortar Industry Association, Neil Beningfield, “ but these new European standards are performance-led, a much more sophisticated approach that helps meet the calls for much greater control over the quality of building materials in modern construction. They reinforce the arguments for using factory-produced mortars rather than mixing on site. Only in that way, can users be sure they are using a quality controlled product that meets specification.“

The new standards are in two parts:

BS EN 998-1 Specification for mortar for masonry - Part one: Rendering and plastering mortar

BS EN 998-2 Specification for mortar for masonry – Part 2: Masonry mortar.

Additionally, there is a “Guide to the selection and specification of masonry mortar”, reference PD 6678, which is due to be published later in the year.

• A data sheet on the new standards is available on out Data Sheets page HERE.

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

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