If you want to put bricks in a building, you can save money and time by learning how to mix the right amount of mortar (a mixture of cement, sand, lime, and water). Do not allow the mortar to dry or mix it with the wrong consistency. By knowing the right ratio of ingredients and taking the right steps to mix and handle mortar, you can make mortar dough well and quickly. After that, you can start the bricklaying project.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Learning the Recipe for Mixing Dough
Step 1. Measure out 3 parts sand and 1 part cement
To make a regular mortar, mix 3 parts sand with 1 part cement. If you mix all 1 bag of cement, you will need to use 3 times as much sand, and this will make a lot of dough. Make the mortar in the amount needed.
This dose doesn't have to be exactly the same as when you made the cake. In most projects where large quantities of mortar are mixed, the amount of sand is usually measured as a "shovel full" per bag of mortar mix. This usually ranges between 15 and 18 spades (depending on size). It is very important to mix the mortar in a ratio that is close to the ideal amount, although it doesn't have to be exactly the same. You don't need to use a teaspoon to measure it out exactly
Step 2. Measure out the right amount of water
One sack of mortar must be mixed with 11 liters of clean water to get the right thickness. The amount of water used may vary depending on the weather, the level of wetness of the sand, and the type of mortar mix used. So, read the directions on the package carefully before you add water.
- Environmental conditions (temperature and humidity) must be considered because they can affect the mixture.
- Dry mixes bind more tightly, while wet mixes are easier to work with. Experience will determine the best option.
Step 3. Use sand and mortar properly
A suitable and best option than other types is fine stone sand. New cement that has never been bagged is more effective than cement from bags that have been opened and used. A cement mix such as Mortindo or another brand is suitable for this project.
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Some manufacturers produce instant cement that has been mixed with sand and is ready to be used as mortar. This means that you don't need to add sand. This instant cement is slightly more expensive than regular Portland cement, but gives better results if you're only tackling small projects. Read the directions on the packaging and find out what the ingredients are. If you don't need to add sand, the method of mixing is the same.
Portland is not a cement brand. This is the name of the type of material that is often used to mix mortar, concrete, and other cement mixtures
- Keep the dry sand and cement covered to keep them dry. These materials are easily damaged if wet or damp. Try to make the right amount of mortar mix as needed, but also use the dry ingredients you already have to make the most of it.
- Check the cement bag for lumps. If there are lumps or hard lumps in the bag, the cement has been exposed to moisture and is not adhering properly. You have to throw it away.
- Each brand may suggest slightly different blends. Read the label on the packaging of the product you purchased and follow the instructions given. However, mixtures with a ratio of 3:1 are usually feasible and effective.
Step 4. Try adding lime
In areas of walls that are exposed to strong winds or other damaging elements, people usually add lime to add bonding power and strengthen the walls being built. If you add lime to the mixture, you will also have to increase the amount of sand to balance the ratio. This will result in a mortar that is stronger and has better bonding power.
If you're using lime, a good ratio for making mortar is: 6 parts sand, 2 parts lime, and 1 part cement
Step 5. Remember that using lime in the mixture will make the mortar harden faster
This means that you have to work quickly or make small batches of mortar mix.
Step 6. Adjust the mortar mix to the weather
If the weather is very wet, cold, or damp, you will need to mix the mortar at a slightly different ratio, unlike when the weather is very hot and dry. Using less sand and more water may be more effective. Experiment to get the right mix and consistency.
In general, mortar is easiest to use in mild, dry weather than in cold, damp weather. While this isn't always possible, you can learn to identify the right thickness, and use water accordingly
Step 7. Test the mortar
Mortar made in the right thickness should be able to stick to the mold positioned at an angle of 90 degrees. However, the mortar must also be wet enough to allow it to be handled easily and poured into and out of the bucket.
Step 8. Try adding more lime and warm/hot water when the weather is cold or almost freezing
This is to help the hydration reaction of the cement and make the mixture build up quickly. Remember, the mixture should not freeze until it is completely formed.
Part 2 of 4: Mixing Mortar with Cement Mixer
Step 1. Wet the mixer, wheelbarrow, and bucket
Before adding dry ingredients, wet all equipment, bring the mortar close to the mixer, and pour the mortar well to reduce wasted material. Put half the water needed to make the mixture into the cement mixer or container, and pour the water into the bucket or wheelbarrow used to carry it.
Depending on the size of the project, you can use a small cement mixing container, or use a gas-powered cement mixer if you want to make a large amount of mortar. This machine has rotating blades that can load up to 3 bags of cement measuring 40 kg and can save the energy needed to mix mortar dough. If you are working on a project within a few days, consider renting this machine
Step 2. Add the dry ingredients and start stirring
If using an electric mixer, turn on the appliance to turn the blades, then slowly add the dry ingredients. Be careful not to spill the material and splash water because it can waste cement.
The order in which you add the ingredients doesn't really matter, but some people prefer to put the cement before the sand (if you're not using instant cement). In general, it is easier to open the cement bag on top of the mixer, pour out the contents, and add the required amount of sand
Step 3. Do not bring your face close and wear respiratory protection
Do not inhale the dust that comes out because the mortar mixture contains silicates which can cause COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and cancer.
Step 4. Add additional water if necessary
When the machine stirs the mixture, pay close attention to the mortar. If the dough looks dry, add a little water to keep the mixture soft and moist. Don't add too much water and avoid adding too much water at the last moment as this will make the mortar too runny, non-adherent, and unusable.
Part 3 of 4: Mixing Mortar by Hand
Step 1. Make a pile of sand and place cement bags as needed next to the pile of sand
Shape the sand like a mountain.
Step 2. Open the cement bag by cutting one of the sides with a knife or shovel
Pour the cement by rolling the bag over and pulling it from the bottom.
Step 3. Use a small hoe or shovel to stir the mixture
Make sure all the ingredients are well mixed and change color. If it is not mixed evenly, the mortar will not get the right consistency.
Step 4. Use a shovel to make a crater (basin), then pour water into it
The water will start to seep into the mixture.
Step 5. Use a hoe or shovel to scoop out the dry mixture on the edges, and dip it into the water in the center
Keep adding water as needed to keep the mixture nice and wet. Stir all ingredients until well blended.
Step 6. Let the mixture sit for 3 to 5 minutes and let it rest for another 1 minute
Some cement brands recommend letting the mixture sit for a while to allow the particles to become damp. This makes the mortar more effective. To save time, you can "rest" the mixture while transporting it in a bucket or wheelbarrow. Don't let the mixture sit for too long as this can harden it. Mixing too much mortar can also dry it out and reduce its service life.
A good way to check the thickness of the mortar is to "wag" the trowel. Take an amount of mortar using the trowel, then flick your wrist down to level it with the flat side of the trowel, then rotate the trowel 90 degrees. If the mortar still sticks, it means the dough is good
Part 4 of 4: Using Mortar
Step 1. Start laying the bricks
Check that the mortar has reached the right consistency, then transfer it to a bucket or wheelbarrow to use for laying bricks. Make sure you've wet everything so the mortar will stick well. Mortar will be easy to use if you do everything right.
Step 2. Ensure that you are wearing appropriate safety equipment when handling mortar
Dry mortar that hits the eyes, lungs, and hands can be very painful and dangerous. It is very important to wear gloves when handling mortar, and to wear protective eyewear and a face mask when mixing dry ingredients. Dry materials can float in the air and hit the face, which is very harmful to the lungs. Do this carefully and always wear safety gear.
Step 3. Add a little water periodically
Mortar dries quickly, and this is what makes it effective and so great to use. You can put the bricks with mortar as quickly as you can afford. Eventually, the mortar on the boards will start to dry so you'll need to prepare the water to sprinkle and mix with the mortar using a fork to maintain a firm consistency.
The walls will weaken if you use a mortar that is too dry, and can be a big problem if you use it to build a foundation. To keep the mortar effective, keep the mixture wet and easy to use
Step 4. Never leave the mortar unused for more than 2 hours
After 1½ or 2 hours, the mortar will become too dry and unsuitable for use, even if you have added a little water to the mixture. Design your project carefully and mix the mortar as needed. The remaining mortar cannot be used.
- If you're using chalk, and you can't get to work quickly or this is your first time laying bricks, make small batches of the mixture. Mix enough mortar dough to work within 45 to 60 minutes.
- If someone else is willing to help, have him mix the mortar and bring it over (serves as a coolie).
Step 5. Clean the cement mixer machine and all equipment when finished
At the end of the day in a bricklaying project, there are still important tasks to be done, namely cleaning the dry and hardened mortar on the cement mixer, newly built walls, wheelbarrows, and other equipment. There are various ways to do this, but there is one that is both the most effective and the easiest. Hit the tools with a hammer, then collect the dry mortar and dispose of it in the right place.
Don't take this clean for granted. Electric mixers can crash if you don't clean the dry mortar. You probably won't see much dry mortar if you mix the mixture properly, but there will definitely be some flakes there
Step 6. Try to mix the dough in small amounts
Stirring the mixture again (if it's still lacking) is definitely much better than leaving a pile of dry cement to throw away.
Tips
- Put the water in the bucket first before the mortar so you don't have to struggle with stirring to mix the ingredients at the bottom of the bucket evenly.
- If the mortar on the building appears to be crystallizing like salt, this is usually because the mortar dries too quickly. This can make your build weak. Cover the walls you build with a damp cloth or tarp for 1 or 2 days to slow down the drying process and to increase the life of your project.
Warning
- Protect your eyes when you handle cement, sand and lime as lime dust and dry cement are very dangerous. The cement mixer machine can also spray the material that is rotated in it. It is recommended that you wear protective eyewear.
- Use a respirator that can be purchased at the hardware store. Semen has an alkaline pH and can burn sinuses or lungs. Don't let yourself get sick while working on a project. Wind can also help remove dust when you stir the mixture.
