Mortar acts as both an adhesive and a sealant, ensuring that the structure is stable and durable.

1. Components:

   • Cement: Provides strength and binding power to the mortar mix.
   • Lime: Improves workability and flexibility of the mortar, reducing cracking.
   • Sand: Adds volume and structure, reducing shrinkage during the curing process.
   • Water: Initiates the chemical reactions that cause the mixture to harden and bond.

2. Types of Mortar:

   • Type N: Medium-strength mortar used in general-purpose construction, like residential walls.
   • Type S: High-strength mortar used in load-bearing walls, foundations, and exterior applications.
   • Type M: The strongest mortar, typically used for stone or heavy masonry structures.
   • Type O: Low-strength mortar, used mainly in non-load-bearing interior applications.

3. Properties:

   • Workability: Mortar should be easy to apply and spread on surfaces.
   • Adhesion: It must bond effectively to building materials for structural integrity.
   • Flexibility: Lime-based mortars are more flexible, reducing cracking over time.
   • Durability: Mortar must withstand weathering, moisture, and temperature changes.

4. Applications:

   • Masonry: Used to bond bricks, stones, or blocks in wall construction.
   • Plastering: Mortar is used as a base coat or finishing coat in interior and exterior walls.
   • Tiling: Mortar acts as a bed for tiles in flooring and wall applications.
   • Repair Work: Used for patching cracks and repointing brickwork.

5. Advantages:

   • Strong Bonding: Mortar holds masonry units firmly in place, contributing to the structural strength of the building.
   • Weatherproofing: Mortar seals gaps and joints between materials, preventing water penetration.
   • Durability: When cured properly, mortar can last for decades, making it a reliable choice for construction.

6. Maintenance:

   • Regular inspections of mortar joints are necessary, as deterioration can compromise the structure. Repointing (the process of replacing old or damaged mortar) can restore the integrity of masonry.