How Long Does Mortar Take to Cure?
As your construction project progresses, it can be very exciting when the final stages are almost upon you. Applying finishing touches to a newly built house can result in eye-catching aesthetics. Mortaring tiles and other masonry, will add the final polish to all your hard work. Similar to concrete, mortar does need careful planning and execution to make sure the ideal cure strength is achieved. Let’s take a closer look at what can affect mortar curing times and what the different strengths are of different mortars.
Mortar is a combination of lime, sand, water, and cement. It is used to bond materials together, such as stones and bricks, and provides structural integrity. It can also be used on other materials like tiles to create a bond between the tile and substrate. Mortar does have a lower water content than grout and should only be made with just enough water to ensure it has a smooth and buttery consistency.
Types of mortar
There are various different kinds of mortar, and each one is used for different applications. Each type also cures to a different compressive strength and, therefore, should be carefully chosen to ensure your mortar matches the cure strength needed for the job.
Thinset
This is also referred to as dry set or dry bond mortar. It has a water retaining additive that helps with the curing and hydration process. It is often used for tiles and counter-tops and takes between 24-48 hours to cure. It is available in various mixes that are used for a wide range of tiles. Each tile type comes with different cure strength requirements, so make sure you choose the right mortar mix.
Brick Mortar
This is made from Portland cement and is used for structural and load-bearing projects. It reaches 60% of its strength within 24 hours and can take up to 28 days to reach its full strength.
If you would like to make an appointment with our masonry contractor, please do not hesitate to call City Masonry Inc at (515) 328-6515 today if you live in or around the Urbandale, IA area.