What’s the functional difference between these two types of mortar? I had a small brick wing wall repair to make for a customer and stopped by my local supply house for a bag of mortar. I usually buy Type N, but, got Type S this time, as it was recommended that it set up faster and was ‘stickier’.
The cost for a bag of either is about $4, including tax, so the $$ is not a deciding factor. Can someone enlighten me on the differences?
Bob
Replies
The differences is the proportions of cement lime and sand. Think of type N as normal, type S as strong. It's according to what you are working with, but normally type N is used. There are types O and M also. Here is something to read: http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuilding/pages/h00032.asp
An easy way to remember the different types is this;
M a S o N w O r K
The bold caps are the different mortar types from highest compressive strength to lowest. Type K may be obsolete by now.
Consider the hardness of the brick when choosing a mortar type. Soft brick and "hard" mortar don't play well together.
The BIA has some good technical info.
http://www.gobrick.com/html/frmset_thnt.htm
See the left side of the screen for tech notes. 8 and 8b should be of interest to you.
Eric
Edited 9/3/2003 8:18:50 AM ET by EBORG2
Somebody told me N = Nonstructural, S = Structural.
Our new NC code requires type S for foundations. To me, just always use type S, unless you are doing a highrise, or maybe a 50 cube house vaneer, the cost difference is nominal.
Matt
The different types are ASTM designations. I believe it's ASTM C270.
Type S - For structures requiring high flexural bond strength, but subject to only normal compressive loads.
Type N - For general use in above grade masonry, residential basement construction, interior walls and partitions.
There are differences in compressive strength. M has the highest compressive strength, then S, then N, and then O.