Bricks & Pavers Technical Manual - Boral
Bricks & Pavers Technical Manual - Boral
Bricks & Pavers Technical Manual - Boral
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<strong>Bricks</strong> & <strong>Pavers</strong> <strong>Technical</strong> <strong>Manual</strong><br />
Section 1.3. Brick Masonry Construction 1.303<br />
Mortar (continued)<br />
Mortar Colour<br />
The mortar colour can dramatically affect the overall look. The colour of mortar is influenced by the colour of the<br />
cement and the aggregates (sand). Many pigments are also available ranging in colour through red, yellow,<br />
brown, green, blue and black (mainly oxides but carbon black can be used to give black mortar). The cheapest<br />
way of colouring mortar is to use coloured sand. White and yellow sands are commonly available but red and<br />
brown sands are also available. Sands are normally natural materials which vary considerably even in the one<br />
deposit. To ensure colour consistency, sufficient sand from the one batch should be set aside for the whole job.<br />
Where colour is crucial to the look of the masonry, before accepting the sand, a trial wall should be built (4 bricks<br />
x 10 courses). After the mortar dries assess the colour. Where oxides or carbon black are used as colours never<br />
use more than 10% by weight of the cement content.<br />
Colours are additive in their effect and it is possible to get different shades and tones of mortar using different<br />
combinations of cement, sands and oxides.<br />
Table 13: Typical Coloured Mortar Components<br />
Mortar Colour Cement Sand Oxide<br />
Red Grey White or Yellow or Red Red<br />
Yellow Off-white or Grey Yellow Yellow & Brown<br />
Cream Off-white Yellow None<br />
Tan Grey White or Yellow Brown<br />
Black Grey Yellow Black<br />
Note: The colour of mortar can be severely degraded by incorrect or poor brick cleaning. ■<br />
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