Factory-produced mortars are a very simple, cost-effective way self-build developers can put their projects on a very firm footing. Their use eliminates any problems over the cement content and colour consistency of the mortars being used in construction, with the approved suppliers guaranteeing the material’s quality.

Whether you are physically carrying out the building work yourself or managing others to do so, the quality and associated cost benefits equally apply. Not only will you have the first class mortar you need, you won’t need to hire a cement mixer on site or find enough space to store cement and sand. That means less material wastage through spillage or weather damage, no pilferage and less site clean up as construction finishes.

Factory-produced mortars are made under tightly-controlled factory conditions and delivered to site, ready to use. They have guaranteed mix proportions and overcome any potential problems relating to site mixing. There are two broad versions: ‘wet’ and ‘dry’.

Wet mortars are stored in tubs on site and require no further mixing. They incorporate a retarding agent that makes them fully useable for a specific period - usually some 36 hours.

Dry mortars are stored in silos or bags. Silos are delivered to site complete with integral mixers and require only power and water supplies to be connected.

The benefits
Factory-produced mortars provide:

• accurate cement content
• consistent strength and colour
• reduced mixing and labour costs
• reduced wastage and pilferage
• guaranteed meeting of specification
• technical advice and test data upon request.

Where to buy factory-produced mortars
Please click on the following link for contact numbers for MIA member suppliers:

Mortars for self-build