Description
Australian Builders Trade Pro Mortar Mix is a pre-blended mix of General Purpose cement, graded sand and hydrated lime, at roughly 1 part cement, 5 parts sand and 0.5 part lime by volume. It only needs water, so there is no measuring of separate sand, cement and lime.
The Australian Builders Mortar Mix data sheet lists it for laying bricks, rendering over brick and cement, patching renders on masonry, bedding roof tiles, general purpose grouting, use as a topping mix, setting rock borders in garden beds and as a dry-swept paving joint fill.
As a guide, add about 3.3 litres of clean water per 20kg bag. About 100 bags make 1m³ of mortar, and one bag lays approximately 20-25 standard bricks with a 10mm joint. The manufacturer gives a typical compressive strength of more than 10 MPa at 28 days.
Technical Specifications
| Composition | General Purpose cement, graded sand and hydrated lime |
|---|---|
| Mix proportions | Approx. 1 cement : 5 sand : 0.5 hydrated lime by volume |
| Water | Approx. 3.3 L per 20kg bag |
| Yield | Approx. 100 x 20kg bags per 1m³ |
| Bricks per bag | Approx. 20-25 standard bricks at a 10mm joint |
| Compressive strength (typical) | >5 MPa at 7 days, >10 MPa at 28 days |
| Storage | Up to six months, dry and protected from moisture |
| Pack size | 20kg bag |
Where to Use
- Laying bricks
- Rendering over brick and cement
- Patching renders on masonry
- Bedding roof tiles
- General purpose grouting and topping
- Setting rock borders in garden beds
- Dry-swept paving joint fill
How to Apply
- Measure out: place the dry mix in a wheelbarrow or on a hard, non-absorbent surface. Mix no more than you can use within an hour.
- Add water: about 3.3 litres per 20kg bag, added gradually until the mix is plastic, consistent and workable.
- Mix thoroughly: for an even, lump-free mortar.
- Use straight away: use the mortar immediately after mixing and let it stiffen before final finishing.
- Cure: keep it moist or covered for at least the first seven days. Plastic sheeting helps prevent rapid drying.
Important Notes
- Wet cement is alkaline and can burn skin and eyes. Wear gloves, eye protection and a P2 mask, avoid breathing dust when opening or mixing, and wash it off skin promptly. See the Safe Work Australia guidance on cement and silica dust.
- Cement, sand and aggregate contain crystalline silica. Keep the material damp where you can, avoid breathing the dust, and wear a P2 mask if it is dry and dusty.
- Mix no more than you can use within an hour.
- Store sealed and dry; the manufacturer gives a storage life of up to six months.
- Pickup only from our Keilor East yard.
