There are two main types of factory-produced mortar: lime:sand and ready-to-use mortar.

Lime:sand mortars are a blend of sand and lime to which cement and water is added on site to produce a masonry mortar.

These mortars are well known for their plasticity and workability. The fact that they can completely fill vertical as well as horizontal joints helps in achieving good workmanship. The mortar also spreads easily under the trowel, so increasing productivity and minimising wastage.

For further information on lime:sand mortar see MIA data sheet 1.

"Factory-produced mortars reduce waste because the batches can be mixed as required, therefore productivity is improved by more lifts per day being acheived. Overall, it does what it says on the silo - and there's no need to worry about Fairy Liquid bottles!" Colin Rice, Edward Cullinan Architects