The water absorption of
mortar mixes is shown in Figures 5-7 in the presence of cosurfactant, copolymer latexes with PVA and POE, respectively, at different curing times.
8 As the
mortar mix is not too wet, this allows you to brush away any excess mortar without the worry of creating stains on the face of the slab.
Tackle larger cracks by raking them out so their bottom is wider than the width at the surface, then filling them with
mortar mix and smoothing over.
After patching various holes in the walls with a standard lime
mortar mix (3:1 sharp sand: lime), we are now ready to think about exterior decoration.
Fill the gaps between the slabs with a dry
mortar mix. Remove any surplus material from the surface of the paving, then sprinkle the area with a very fine spray of water to set the mortar.
Fill cores to 1/2" of top with
mortar mix. Stack the 2 x 4s atop their matching insulation boards.
4 Use a trowel to spread the dry
mortar mix evenly in the hole, leaving the surface of the mix around 30mm from the surface.
Point up the gaps with a semi-dry
mortar mix of 4:1 Builders sand and cement.
Approximately 80% of existing walls were repointed using a lime
mortar mix which matched the mix taken from various parts of the original building and analysed.
Then finish off the area by pointing between the slabs with a stiff
mortar mix (1:3 or 1:4 cement:sand) to create a neat look and prevent weeds growing in the cracks.