Mortar, in simple terms, is a paste that is used to hold a variety of building materials together, such as bricks, cement and stones. Mortar is usually prepared by mixing water with cement and sand. However, today there are many mortar-based products that are actually ‘cement free’. These include polymer modified mortar products, cementitious modified polymers and cementitious based aggregates and binders. What type of cement free mortar you use will very much depend upon the type of job, time available, materials used and the level of expertise you have.
Benefits of cement free mortar
Many individuals are now choosing to use cement free mortars because of their flexibility, environmentally friendly appeal and fast drying properties. Below we give some tips on how to pick the right cement free mortar for you and your needs.
Funcosil Restoration Mortar (cement free)
Funcosil Restoration Mortar is completely cement free, but it offers all of the characteristics that you would expect from a typical cement based mortar. This type of mortar is often used in the repair and construction of sandstone buildings, and for decorative building constructions, as it is in keeping with the sandstone look. It can also be used for general brickwork construction. It comes ready to use, so you just need to add the required amount of water.
Monolite
This is a highly versatile polymer modified mortar (PCM) that is incredibly lightweight and easy to handle This type of cement free mortar is often used in the profiling, rendering and the repair of brick, stone and concrete construction. It is also very effective when used for cosmetic repairs. PCM replace the cement compound of the mortar with polymer compounds. These include emulsions (or latexes), polymer powders, resins and water-soluble polymers. This type of cement free mortar is so very popular because of its low permeability, which means that when you use this type of mortar there is less chance of cracks, shrinking and the mortar drying out. This is why Monolite is very popular in the use of restoring concrete structures.
Ardex A 46
This is a slump-free based mortar which can be used in both external and internal repairs. This is also a PCM based mortar that sets within 30 minutes and produces a hardened and toughened exterior. It is most commonly used in the repair of concrete walls and floors, that need to be repaired in a hurry. You can also be incredibly versatile in terms of the amount of thickness that can be safely applied, as it can be applied as thinly as 2mm, through to 50mm. It is also very easy to mix and apply
Fastfill
This is a single compound PCM that is also fibre reinforced. Fastfill, as the name suggests, also dries very quickly. This type of cement free mortar is often used in high traffic areas, where the surface needs to be repaired effectively, yet quickly, such as concrete pavements, roads, bridges and footpaths. This mortar is very quick and easy to mix with clean water, or it can also be bulked out by adding aggregate or sand. It sets in only 10 minutes, and in temperatures as low as 10 degrees C.
Flexcrete Cemprotec E
This cement free mortar is a mixture of epoxy fibres and cementitious modified polymers, that is used to protect concrete floors. The mortar comes prepackaged so that you can mix it easily on site with water. Once mixed this mortar is free-flowing and very easy to apply to your chosen surface. It is incredibly hardwearing, resistant to abrasions and heavy impact, and is heavily resistant to many chemicals such as hydrogen sulphide. It can be applied to damp or dry surfaces, it is safe to use in populated areas, as it does not give off any hazardous solvents.
Polymer Admixture 850
This cement free mortar is a copolymer that can be used with both sand and cement mixes. This mortar is used to protect and strengthen absorbent and porous materials. It is incredibly versatile and can be used as a slurry, render, screed or patching mortar. If you need to use a cement free mortar for your budding project, then please do browse our website or give our friendly team a call today.