Mortar Testing Laboratory
Mortar testing laboratories range greatly in mortar testing services provided and not all testing labs are qualified for testing mortar composition.
Many mortar testing labs are setup to test new mortar. Some of these provide field testing services, which are performed on-site and not in a laboratory.
However, most of these mortar testing labs only provide laboratory testing services for new mortar. These include the cube testing of mortar samples, and
mixing and testing mortar to check for astm C-270 compliance. These forms of mortar testing are not useful in historic mortar testing where the purpose
of testing mortar is to determine the original mortar composition and performance for replicating the old mortar and producing a recipe or formula to
match the historic mortar.
Historic Mortar Testing Laboratory
A mortar testing laboratory for testing historic mortar or other old mortar for determining composition and properties about the existing mortar will
provide a different range of tests that are specific for testing hardened mortar samples. These forms of mortar testing include: compressive strength
testing, sand gradation, shape, and color analysis, and forms of mortar composition testing.
Mortar Composition Testing
Mortar Composition Testing analyzes the total composition of the mortar sample. This details the types of binding materials, sand, the proportion of
different binding materials to each other, and the ratio of binding materials to sand. These mortar testing methods include the N-6324 mortar analysis,
acid digestion method, astm C-295, astm C-295m (modified), and the astm C-1324 spectrographic mortar testing. Each of these mortar testing methods are
useful, but not all are economical. The astm C-295m and C-1324 mortar testing methods both use a spectrographic microscope, and in such cost considerably
more for analysis, and are often to no benefit.
The last mortar test we will discuss is an X-ray analysis of the mortar, and why it is not necessary most of the time.
We hope that by providing you a better understanding of the types of mortar testing labs and the types of mortar testing provided by each type of
testing laboratory, you will be able to better choose the laboratory and testing service best suited to your needs.
Finding a local
mortar testing lab to
provide mortar testing services to
match mortar color,
formula, and
test
composition of
existing or historic mortar can be difficult, but we
provide these services globally from our laboratory in Granbury, TX.
We provide mortar testing services across the U.S.
call:
(817) 366-8376
*AMR Labs*
1525 Corona Dr.
Granbury, TX 76048
Or email us:
mortarlab@gmail.com
Understanding Mortar Composition
Before we discuss the types of mortar testing, it is important to have a better understanding of the mortar you need tested.
The basic composition of mortar includes a binding material and sand. The types of binding materials, their proportions, and the types of sand all change
the properties and performance of the mortar. Understanding how changing any of these changes your mortar, may help you understand why mortar testing is
necessary; and understanding the types of materials used may help you determine the testing method needed.
Mortar Binding Materials
The most common binding materials used in mortar within the U.S. are: Lime, Gypsum, Ash, Natural Cement, Portland Cement, and various hairs and fibers.
Lime
Lime is probably the oldest binder used to make mortar, and is very soft. Lime is available in many forms, but the two most relevant are having
to do with the screen size used in their production. These are the old historic lime that used larger screens if any at all, and the newer type S/SA lime
that uses very fine screen sizes to sieve out large particles to be reprocessed.
During the production of lime for mortar, soft deposits of lime and
soft limestone are slacked and heated to burn off the co2. Basically, it is ground to a powder and burnt, then screened to remove larger particles.
As lime mortar cures, it absorbs co2 out of the air.
Gypsum
Gypsum is also very old in its use in mortars, and produces a similarly soft mortar. While gypsum is often used alone, it is also used in
mixing with other binders to give certain properties.
Ash
While ash doesn't really serve as a binding material, it is often used as a filler or in place of lime to soften the mortar and reduce shrinkage.
Natural Cement
Natural cement is a naturally occurring mixture of a soft lime and clay within a certain mix ratio that is dried, ground up, and heated
to a relatively high temperature to burn off co2. As it is naturally occurring and within a range of this ratio, there are
variance in the color,
compressive strength, and weight of natural cements. Natural cement was found to have certain properties that make it useful in moist environments
and aqueducts. The discovery of natural cement led to the production of
Portland cement.
Portland Cement
Portland cement is more refined and consistent than natural cement, and the clay is heated to much higher temperatures than Natural cement.
By itself, Portland cement is mixed with aggregate to produce a much harder concrete, but is primarily mixed with different ratios of lime or ash to produce
different mortar types that are harder and repel water better than lime mortar but are softer than concrete, and the lime reduces the shrinkage as the mortar
dries as it fluffs the mortar and holds gas in the mortar.
As Portland cement cures, it produces co2. This makes it a perfect compliment to lime in
mortar that has to absorb co2 to cure. By mixing them, it increses the rate of curing the lime and gives more strength to the lime mortar, while in mortars
higher in Portland cement, the lime softens and reduces the shrinkage.
Hairs and Fibers
Hairs and fibers were used in old mortars and bricks to help hold them together. They would use grasses and animal hair in small amounts
to keep the historic handmade bricks and the historic mortar from cracking or crumbling as they dried. This practice is still used today, but is more often
fiberglass, plastic, or steel fibers. However, plant fibers are still used today.
Each binding material serves its function, and some are often mixed to give mortar particular properties and create specific types of mortar. For instance,
depending on the proportions of lime and Portland cement, you can have mortar types K, O, N, S, or M.
Lime Mortar
Lime mortar has a compressive strength around 75 PSI. The relative formula for lime mortar is 1 part lime to about 2.5 parts sand.
Portland Cement (Concrete)
The compressive strength of concrete starts around 3000 PSI. The relative formula for concrete is
1 part Portland to about 2.5 parts aggregate.
Type K Mortar
Type K mortar has a compressive strength around 150 PSI. The relative formula for Type K mortar is
(3 part lime to 1 part Portland cement) to about 2.5 parts sand.
Type O Mortar
Type O mortar has a compressive strength around 350 PSI. The relative formula for Type O mortar is
(2.5 part lime to 1 part Portland cement) to about 2.5 parts sand.
Type N Mortar
Type N mortar has a compressive strength around 750 PSI. The relative formula for Type N mortar is
(1.25 part lime to 1 part Portland cement) to about 2.5 parts sand.
Type S Mortar
Type S mortar has a compressive strength around 1800 PSI. The relative formula for Type S mortar is
(0.5 part lime to 1 part Portland cement) to about 2.5 parts sand.
Type M Mortar
Type M mortar has a compressive strength around 2800 PSI. The relative formula for Type M mortar is
(0.25 part lime to 1 part Portland cement) to about 2.5 parts sand.
Natural Cement Mortar
Natural cement mortar has a compressive strength around 400 PSI. The relative formula for natural cement mortar is
1 part natural cement to about 2.5 parts sand.
The natural cement is around 1.5-2.25 parts soft lime to 1 parts clay. This makes natural cement mortars
very similar to a type O mortar, but slightly harder and may go closer to similarity in proportions with a type N mortar in some cases depending on the
natural mixture. For natural cement, these proportions are approximated to give you an understanding of where it falls into the spectrum of other mortar
types verses their properties.
With any of these mortars, the compressive strength and other properties can change up or down by minor
variance in the proportion of the mixed binding
materials, or the gradation or shape of sand particles. Additionally, with any of these mortar types, you may find
either type S/SA lime or
historic lime particles.
Masonry Sand
There are a variety of sands across the country that in the masonry industry of today may be shipped longer distances, but generally not that far even
today due to shipping costs. In modern construction, only some commercial structures like bridges, commercial buildings, and containment walls for
radio active materials use manufactured sands that may contain aggregates of different shapes or types of stone than are available locally. The
manufactured sand will have a specific gradation of particle size and particle shapes, as well as types of aggregate designed specifically for the desired
properties needed in the structure. Traditionally, sands were not shipped far at all. In fact, most of the time, historic mortars contain sand from the location
or from the nearest river bed and may not be graded to any specification. And in newer residential masonry, the mortar will generally contain locally quarried
sands and may or may not be graded to any specs, but rather screened to eliminate the larger particles used primarily in concrete or gravel.
Using different shapes of sand and different sizes, changes the compressive strength of the mortar, water penetration, and can help prevent
micro fractures and shrinkage in the mortar. While the particle size or gradation, particle shape, and color of sand particles are important to matching any
mortar, it is not always needed to identify the exact types of rocks in the sand as most of the time they are going to be from the local area and a matter
of natural availability. So unless the building is newer and likely to have been manufactured with sands from other locations, you should not need this type
of sand analysis. A basic sand gradation and color analysis will meet your needs, and rendering a spectrographic sand analysis unnecessary.
Mortar Testing Methods
There are a wide range of mortar testing methods available and each form of mortar testing is used for different purposes. Below we will explain many
different forms of mortar testing and what they are used for.
New Mortar Testing
These types of mortar testing are designed to test new mortars to determine the quality of mortar and if they meet the industry standards for new
construction and building codes.
Field Testing of Mortar
Field Testing of mortars include all tests performed on-site or in the field, but this primarily refers to checking the strength of the mortar with
a test that drives a nail into the mortar joint and the depth of penetration is measured and calculated to determine the strength of the mortar.
Mortar Cube Testing (7-14-28 day, batch testing)
Cube Testing of mortar samples is common in new construction or repairs where the proposed replacement mortar or the
recommended mortar for the structure
is being tested for quality control or to verify that it meets the needs for the repair.
For repair mortars, generally one set of cube samples are collected, and for new construction, there may be samples collected from many batches
throughout the construction. This is why this mortar testing method is often called batch testing. Each set of cube samples contains two or three cubes of
mortar prepared in a particular method and stored in climate controlled conditions. These cubes are generally 2 inches, and are tested for compressive
strength. The first is tested at 7 days, the second compressive strength test is at 14 days, and the last sample is tested at 28 days for each set. The
recommended method for the compressive strength testing is the ASTM C-109, which we will discuss later. Testing the compressive strength at these three
points of the curing process are used to track the rate of curing and the strength the mortar will reach, and is used for quality control and confirming
proposed mortars to meet the design specifications of the project.
ASTM C-270 Mortar Testing
The astm c-270 testing method is designed to determine if a new mortar mix meets the industry standard for a specified mortar type. In this mortar testing
procedure, the sand must be graded to meet the E-11 specs, and the mortar must meet certain performance goals. These include water
absorption or
penetration, compressive strength at 7, 14, and 28 days, and slump testing. During this mortar test, a dry mixture is made per the ratio and formula
recommended, and this mortar is mixed according to the specs of this mortar testing method and tested to see how it performs through all tests. This mortar
test would not be useable for an existing hardened mortar sample.
C-109 Compressive Strength Testing of Mortar
The best method for testing the compressive strength of mortar is the ASTM C-109 testing method. In the c-109 compressive strength test, the mortar sample
should be at least 2 inches on at least one side, and both the bottom and top plates of the crusher must be able to move to adjust to the shape of the
mortar sample being tested for compressive strength during this mortar testing. This method of mortar testing for compressive strength is used in a
variety of other mortar testing methods to record the compressive strength of the mortar sample including the 7-14-28 day compressive strength cube testing
or batch testing, N-6324, c-295 and c-295m, and c-1324 mortar composition testing methods.
Sand Gradation-Shape-Color
A basic sand sieve analysis is the most affordable method of mortar testing to determine these details about the mortar sand. While there are other
testing methods for evaluation of the sand, they are designed for identifying the composition or types of rock that compose the sand more than
identifying the gradation, shapes, and color of aggregates.
During the sand sieve testing, the sand is weighed and then poured through a series of smaller screens or sieves that are shaken to help separate the
sand particles by size. The sand that is caught in each sieve is collected, weighed, and examined to identify the color and shapes of particles and the
proportion by weight of each size particles.
Spectrographic Sand Analysis
Spectrographic sand analysis is used in the astm C-295m or modified mortar testing method, and is used to identify the composition or types of rock
composing the sand. This is not to determine the size, shape, or color of sand particles. That still requires a sieve test. The sand is viewed through
a spectrographic microscope, and based on the color refracted, the types of rock are determined; and based on the amount of each color, the analyst
visually gages the proportions of each type or element. This test is the only difference between the c-295 and c-295m (modified) mortar testing methods.
X-ray Mortar Testing
The only function in testing mortar through an X-ray examination is to identify micro-fractures. This is a useful test for containment structures and
areas encasing electrical or radio-active locations. There is no real function for this test in composition testing, but we see it frequently in
the spec sheets for potential mortar testing as needed.
Mortar Composition Testing
Some of the most common methods of mortar testing that are designed to analyze the mortar composition are
N-6324, Acid Digestion Method, astm C-295, astm C-295m (Modified), astm C-1324, and Spectrographic Mortar Testing. A
mortar testing lab uses these and other mortar tests to identify properties and material composition of samples of existing
or historic mortar, but among these tests, there are only two ways to test mortar composition. The two methods a mortar testing laboratory
uses to test mortar composition are acid digestion ( as seen in the N-6324 and C-295 or C-295m) and spectrographic analysis ( as seen in the
C-1324 mortar testing).
N-6324
The N-6324 mortar testing method is a proprietary mortar testing method by AMR mortar testing labs. This form of mortar testing is
designed to provide a wide range of details about the mortar sample including an analysis of the mortar composition. Mortar samples
are tested in many ways. First each mortar is visually inspected for fibers, shells, and historic lime particles; as well as checking
for indications of possible repairs. Microscopic examination may be needed during this step in the mortar testing. In the next part of
testing mortar samples, the compressive strength testing is performed using the C-109 method of compressive strength testing. Samples are
weighed before continuing. After collecting the starting weight, the sample is dissolved in acid. Using the acid digestion method of mortar
composition testing, the binding materials are evaluated. Remaining sample is set to dry. Upon drying, the final weight is collected. The
next step in this mortar testing is to analyze the sand for gradation of particle sizes, particle shapes, and color of sand particles. At this
point, the mortar testing lab evaluates all of the data collected and cross references these results to confirm and validate the formula for
matching the existing historic mortar composition. For the most part, this mortar testing method follows the procedures of the C-295 mortar test
for determining mortar composition, but includes a few extra tests and details to provide more information and confirmed reliable results.
Acid Digestion Method of Mortar Testing
Acid digestion is the most affordable form of mortar testing and is available through most mortar testing laboratories. As it is the most affordable
form of mortar testing, acid digestion is the most used method of testing the mortar composition. Additionally, the acid digestion is required to
render a cleaned and recovered sand sample for sieve analysis. The one limitation of the acid digestion method in identifying mortar compositions is
in its ability to identify natural cement verses Portland cement. This limitation is often overcome by collecting additional details about the sample,
but many mortar testing labs still hold to the claim about the spectrographic analysis being the only way to identify natural cement.
As discussed earlier, natural cement mortar closely compares with a type O mortar and both are composed of lime and clay mixtures, I'm not sure this
claim is correct or relevant. I would have to guess it has more to do with how much you want to spend to get a mortar formula that will provide the
comparable compressive strength, or which method is being required in the project specifications.
ASTM C-295 VS. ASTM C-295m (Modified)
Mortar Testing
In both forms of the ASTM C-295 mortar testing method, the mortar testing lab performs a compressive strength test, the acid digestion mortar
composition testing, and a sand sieve analysis. The big difference between the c-295 and c-295m or modified mortar test is the use of a spectrographic
microscope for sand analysis. The modified form of the c-295 mortar analysis uses this microscope to identify the types of rock composing the
aggregate. While this might be useful in some projects that require a manufactured sand (containing aggregate types from other areas) to meet
the design needs ( as seen in radio-active containment structures), most mortars are made using local sands. These sands may be locally
quarried
or in historic mortars, the sand may come from the location or the nearest riverbed or shore, and make this form of testing unnecessary as the
local sand is going to have the same composition of aggregate types, but may have different particle sizes and shapes depending on where it came from;
and a basic sand sieve analysis and sample of recovered sand, will serve your needs.
ASTM C-1324 Spectrographic Mortar Testing
The ASTM C-1324 mortar test is a spectrographic analysis of the mortar composition. The mortar testing laboratory uses a spectrographic microscope
to view the mortar sample, and based on the colors visible, the binding materials or elements are identified and the mortar testing lab analyst
approximates the proportions of each material. This is a more costly mortar testing method than an acid digestion, and the results are approximated
based on a visual inspection of an image. There may be advantages to this mortar testing method, and as the mortar testing laboratories that provide
this mortar test claim, it may be the best or only way to accurately identify natural cement. However, this mortar test is full of limitations. Some
of these limitations are explained in the same article that introduces this form of mortar testing ( The Preservation Brief 2), but some other
limitations to the c-1324 mortar testing method are the approximation of proportions visually and understanding some of the composition materials and
their use in masonry.
The Preservation Brief 2 states that the c-1324 mortar test is limited by the experience of the analyst in masonry, but doesn't explain this well.
An example of how experience in masonry would improve the performance of the c-1324 mortar testing is that in the field, masonry contractors may add a
variety of additives to mortar depending on the temperature and climate that day during the construction process. A common additive used in colder
environments to increase the chemical reaction and speed the setting of mortar is a form of calcium that masons call flash, and in hot environments,
retardants are used to slow the setting of the mortar and extend board-life. To an inexperienced analyst in a mortar testing laboratory, seeing these
materials in the composition is relevant to matching the mortar, but they are only relevant to the climate during construction. If these materials were
detected and the formula for replicating the mortar included them, it could have very negative results. For instance, adding flash to mortar in hot
climates would cause the mortar to set too quickly and crumble; or adding a retardant or detergent in cold climates will not allow the mortar to set
before the temperatures freeze the mortar. This will also cause the mortar to crumble.
I am not sure the benefits of the c-1324 mortar testing method out weighs the limitations and risks of this test, and it is more costly than the acid
digestion method that may or may not identify natural verses Portland cement.
Compressive Strength Testing Of Mortar
Compressive strength testing of mortar is performed primarily with the ASTM C-109 compressive strength test in most mortar testing laboratories.
This is because this testing method is more consistent and provides more reliable results. To perform the C-109 compressive strength test, the
crushing equipment in the mortar testing lab must be able to adjust both plates of the crusher to the shape of the mortar sample. This requires
both the bottom and top plates to pivot as need to better equalize pressure on the sample. Additionally, the mortar sample needs to be at least
2 inches on at least 1 side. With historic mortar samples, this is sometimes hard to come by because some historic mortars are very soft and
tend to crumble during collection or shipping.
The C-109 mortar testing method works very well for testing the compressive strength of mortar cube samples and is the best test for 7-14-28 day
compressive strength testing of mortar cube samples.
Mortar Testing Laboratory
AMR Labs is a mortar testing laboratory providing a range of mortar testing methods, but we specialize in testing and matching historic mortar
composition through our proprietary mortar testing method. The N-6324 mortar testing method, which follows the C-295 analysis, but we collect
some additional information used to confirm results and provide you more details about the mortar sample being tested. Our mortar testing
laboratory does not provide spectrographic testing, but we can refer you to a testing lab that provides this testing if needed.
Mortar Testing Services
Many of our mortar testing services are available separately or are included in the N-6324 mortar composition testing, but some may need added to
the full mortar analysis to get the additional details. Our basic mortar composition testing service includes the compressive strength, composition
testing, and a basic sand analysis that includes a cleaned sample of the sand, general gradation (3 sieves) and general description of the sand. You
can add a sand sieve analysis or color matching to our mortar testing services to get more detailed information about the sand or an adjusted formula
for matching color as needed.
Compressive Strength Testing of Mortar
Compressive strength testing of mortar is included in our basic mortar testing service, or available separately for testing compressive strength
of bricks or other masonry units, or testing cube samples of mortar. Our testing lab uses the c-109 compressive strength of mortar testing method,
but some samples may not meet the specs for c-109 testing. This is common of historic mortars that crumble, and only smaller pieces are available
for testing.
Mortar Cube Testing
Our mortar cube testing services use 2 inch cubes to test the compressive strength of mortar cube samples at 7-14-28 days as needed. You will need
to make your cube sample sets and label them (including the date/time) and ship them to us for testing
promptly so we have them in time to provide
the 7 day test.
Sand Sieve Analysis
Sand sieve analysis is available as an add-on to the basic mortar testing service. In the basic mortar testing service, we provide a general sand
gradation (3 sieves), a general description of the sand, and a sample of recovered sand, which meets most contractors needs, but historic mortars
often want more detailed sand analysis, and you can add this test to the basic mortar testing to get the additional information and a sample of
recovered sand.
Mortar Composition Testing
N-6324 Mortar Composition Testing is used for both historic mortars and newer existing mortars to identify the composition and formula of binding
materials. The process of mortar testing detailed below for the N-6324 mortar testing method includes the sand sieve analysis add-on. The basic
mortar testing provides a general sand analysis for those who only need limited information about their sand. If you need more detail about the sand,
or need color matching, you can add either or both of these to the basic mortar testing.
Historic Mortar Testing
During the process of testing historic mortar, the sample is physically examined. This
examination of the sample uses magnification to get a better view
of the particles as needed, and notes are made for samples size, plant fibers, hair, pigments, and contaminates, and indications of
possible repairs or
different mortar types in the sample. If there is a noticeable repair or different mortar type, the sample is separated and may need tested separately to
collect details about each for more reliable historic mortar testing.
The next step in historic mortar testing is an analysis of the compressive strength. We generally test multiple pieces of the mortar to confirm
consistent
results of the compressive strength of mortar if we have multiple pieces in each sample. The measurements of each piece taken in the previous step of historic
mortar testing are used to get an accurate PSI.
Testing Crumbling Mortar
Crumbling Mortar is not a problem in historic mortar testing. We have to crumble the historic mortar sample for the rest of the mortar testing process.
If you have a soft mortar or crumbling mortar, try to get some pieces that are larger, and package the samples for shipping to protect the solid samples.
However, if no solid pieces are available, we can still perform historic mortar testing with accurate results to produce a formula for new mortar. We just
will not have the compressive strength to include in your report, but you will already know the compressive strength is very low, and the likely composition
is lime and possibly hair or fibers.
After the mortar sample is crushed, the sample is examined again to see particles that may not have been
visible before, and the weight of the sample
is collected for later in the historic mortar testing analysis. Some of the things we are looking for at this point of the historic mortar examination
are historic lime particles, larger aggregates, hairs and plant fibers, and reactive aggregates. These reactive aggregate include crushed shells that
will dissolve in the next step of the historic mortar testing analysis and will be seen in the total weight loss. As we use the weight loss to assist in and
confirm proportions, we need to identify the percentage that may be lost in reactive aggregates to more accurately interpret the later results of the
historic mortar analysis. Additionally, these notes need to be made to the sand description for matching the sand used in the historic mortar.
Acid digestion is the next step in historic mortar testing analysis. The mortar sample is
dissolve in a solution of acid to breakdown the binding materials. For
gypsum mortar, the acid solution must be heated before it will react. There are many details collected during the acid digestion process for historic mortar
testing including the strength of reaction, color of reactions, size of the bubbles, amount of gas released, and time taken to
dissolve the sample. Generally,
the higher amount of Portland cement in the mortar sample, the longer the sample takes to
dissolve and is a slower reaction, and results will be similar for
natural cement.
At this point in historic mortar testing, the sample is rinsed clean to leave just the sand, and the sand sample is set to dry. When the sample is finished
drying, the weight is collected again, and the sand is examined. During the examination of the sand for historic mortar testing, the sand is poured into a
stack of sieves and shaken to separate the sand by particle size. Each sieved sand sample is weighed and examined to determine the color and shapes
of aggregates and the percentage by weight of each size sand particle, and notes are made for the description and gradation of the sand used. This will give
you an idea of where the sand came from and if it was intentionally graded for particle sizes. Often, with historic mortars, you will find that matching the
sand for historic mortar matching is a little different as the sand generally came from the site or the nearest creek bed while the water was down or dried up.
After collecting all the data available about the mortar sample, it is time to do the calculations and interpretation of results for a historic mortar match.
The weight loss is determined and the percentage weight loss is noted. Then, all of the information is evaluated for possible results, and narrowed to a final
interpretation through calculations. This part of historic mortar testing gets very technical, but in the end, there is only one formula that will have
the compressive strength using the size and shape of sand recovered, the weight of binding materials, reaction time, and ratio of binding materials to aggregate.
This process generally is finished within two weeks from the time we get the samples to finalizing the report with a formula for historic mortar matching.
Mortar Color Matching
After the analysis of mortar samples for historic mortar testing is completed, and a formula is provided, we can make minor adjustments to match the
mortar color, but with most historic mortars, color matching is not necessary. Very few historic mortars need adjustment from the formula to
match properly.
Mortar Quality Testing
AMR mortar testing laboratory provides mortar quality testing to identify if an existing mortar meets proper
design and performance specs for the
specified use or mortar type.
These include testing the compressive strength of the existing mortar and testing mortar composition and ratio to aggregate through a basic mortar
testing. Mortar quality testing is generally used to identify when mortars are mixed with too much sand or not enough binder, or different binding
materials used than expected resulting discolored mortar or crumbling mortar and loose bricks.
Mortar Testing Lab Procedures
General procedures for mortar testing are: collecting mortar sample, payment for testing, shipping mortar samples to us, processing time, returning
results.
Collecting Mortar Sample
You will need to collect mortar samples from the location and label them for each set you want tested. If you are collecting samples from around the
structure, but needing one mortar testing report, bag them together and label the project; but if you need multiple mortar samples tested, label each
mortar sample for location and job name. Larger pieces or core samples are best, but we can work with most samples. Try to include a sample volume of
a half-cup or more for each sample being tested or a few larger pieces. Samples can be bagged or boxed as needed to protect each mortar sample and
prevent mixing of samples.
Payment For Mortar Testing
Credit card payments can be made online through the website, or you can include a check with the mortar samples. If you need a W-9 or invoice before
releasing payment, please let us know so we can get that e-mailed to you, and a payment can be sent with the samples.
Shipping Mortar Samples for Testing
You can use your preferred shipping method, but most samples come in flat-rate boxes from the U.S Mail. Be sure all samples are sealed and labeled.
Include payment for mortar testing or a copy of receipt from online payment. Include return shipping address for physical results and W-9 if needed.
Include your E-mail and contact information so we can call if we have any questions or e-mail a copy of results to you when mortar testing is complete.
E-mail us to let us know your samples are shipping. Our mailing and E-mail addresses are listed above.
Processing Time for Mortar Testing
Depending on the volume of samples being processed, we can generally finish mortar testing and return your testing reports within 2 weeks. If you need
your mortar testing expedited to get results faster, we do offer rush processing.
Returning Mortar Testing Results
The fastest way to get your mortar testing report is by e-mail. If we have an email address available for you, we will send a picture of the mortar
testing report to you when the report is finished. The physical mortar testing report and the recovered sand sample will be sent by mail.
