Bricklaying mortar, soft yellow sand or building sand?

[andynumpty]

Hi, can any one please confirm which is best for brickwork for an extension & whats the recommended mix ratio.
Thanks,
Andy

 

[^woody^]

You want building sand. However building sand can be soft and yellow!

The mix depends on the materials used. Bricks require a different mix to blocks and aerated blocks different again, and internal walls different to exterior walls, and foundations different to the main structure.

Has the mortar not been specified in the plans?

 

[schiz]

Has the mortar not been specified in the plans?

Hey woody,
I hope I won't be shot down for hijacking someone else's post, but my extension plans specify 1:3 cement mortar for dense concrete blocks below DPC, with nothing specified for any other areas. I'm wondering if I should chase up the architect, or can I make some assumptions?

 

[Shytalkz]

1:5 above dpc level will do.

 

[andynumpty]

Hi, my builders merchant sells soft yellow sand & yellow building sand, which seems a little more courser.
I've used both on a garden wall but just wanted to know which is supposed to be used for house brick work, is there a difference?
Thanks.

 

[noseall]

Hi, my builders merchant sells soft yellow sand & yellow building sand, which seems a little more courser.
I've used both on a garden wall but just wanted to know which is supposed to be used for house brick work, is there a difference?
Thanks.

any soft sand will be adequate for brick and blockwork. even plastering sand if you wish! though it will lack a little 'fat'. plasticiser is essential.

4:1 is about as strong as you want to go above dpc.

5 or 6:1 for lightweight blocks.

we even use a blend of building sand to achieve the right colour when matching to existing.

sharp sand is a no-no.