Mortar Type For Concrete Window Sill On Brick Wall
narnal
| Posted in General Discussion on
Hi everyone. I am enclosing a porch on my FL home that was built in 1940. It has double wythe brick walls. Attached is a photo for reference.
I plan on replacing the brick window sills with precast concrete sills to help with water resistance and to provide a better mounting surface for impact windows. The sill installation instructions specify a Type S mortar bed underneath the sill, but this is assuming the typical CMU install. Would it be OK to use Type S mortar on top of the bricks? Or should I use Type N or something else?
Thanks,
Nick
Replies
Nick,
Type N or S is perfectly fine for this application. The load there is minimal compared to the strength of either. If it calls for type S, I'd use type S.
Kyle
Thanks for the response Kyle. I have heard that you should not mix a stronger mortar with the existing mortar, which I am assuming is N or softer since it is 1940's brick. Does that rule not matter in this case, since I will be laying a fresh bed joint?
Nick,
Generally I think that applies to repointing, or patching in bricks where some have been removed. If this is a fresh bed that's on top of the existing, I doubt you'll run into any issues.
Great. Thanks Kyle!