Mortar Matching

AMR Labs provides two basic mortar matching services including the analysis of mortar composition and mortar color matching.

How to Match Mortar

There is more to matching mortar than just matching mortar color. The color of mortar is affected by the composition of the mortar binder materials and the sand. This is why it is important to match the composition of mortar before matching mortar color.

Mortar Matching Analysis

We test samples of the existing mortar to match mortar composition/compressive strength/color to provide a complete matching mortar that blends into the wall and makes the repointing mortar disappear.



Call today for Mortar Composition Testing and Matching

We provide services across the U.S.
call:

(817) 366-8376

Send Mortar Samples for Testing

*AMR Labs*
1525 Corona Dr.
Granbury, TX 76048

Or email us:

mortarlab@gmail.com

Match Existing Mortar

AMR Labs is a mortar testing lab



Mortar Composition Matching

Mortar testing keyword-link



Mortar Color Matching

How mortars are tested in our mortar analysis



Historic Mortar Matching

Testing samples of hardened mortar is imperative to any masonry mortar restoration, but especially in historic mortar repair. Historic mortar tends to be much softer than the new mortars, and ranges greatly in its compressive strength. This is due to the bricks and stones used. Most of the bricks and tile were hand made and sun baked and were much softer than the hard fired clay bricks used today, and to prevent damage to the bricks, a softer mortar was used.



Testing and Matching Historic Mortar

In preserving and restoring these historic mortars and historic buildings, it is important to test and match the existing mortar and its compressive strength to prevent damage to these historic antique bricks that cannot be replaced.

Analysis and Matching Existing Mortar

However, analyzing and testing mortar for matching is not limited to historic masonry. It is just as important to match the mortar of today. Mismatched mortar can cause many common masonry problems. Among these are chipping or spalling brick faces, loose bricks, loose mortar, mortar popping loose or popping out, mortar cracking after repairs, mortar separation cracks, crumbling mortar, and many more. These are all resulting from new mortar not matching the existing mortar in the mortar joints. Mortars that are harder than the old mortar tend to pop loose and damage brick faces because they are not bonding to the existing mortar, and mortars that are softer than the old mortar tend to crumble or deteriorate rapidly.

Matching Mortar Composition

Matching the composition of mortar is the first step in matching mortar color for masonry repair.

When restoring or repairing masonry, take the time to match the mortar type and composition. This will include the color and graded particles of the sand which compose the majority of most mortars and can change the color of mortar significantly. We also recommend matching the mortar color pigments or aging as this will effect the appearance of the repairs. Mismatched mortar color makes the masonry repair look bad and there is no reason for the repairs to stand out.

Mortar Testing Services

We offer many types of mortar analysis and masonry testing including mortar color/composition matching. Some are listed below.

Mortar Testing

This mortar analysis analyzes the compressive strength of mortar, the mortar composition, mortar type, the sand gradation, and produces a mortar formula for matching the mortar composition and type of the existing mortar sample being tested or to analyze and compare two samples of mortar to determine if they are the same. This mortar analysis includes compressive strength testing, hydrochloric testing or acid digestion of mortar, magnified examination, weight loss, and sand analysis. A cleaned sample of the original sand is returned to you with the mortar testing report. This test is also used to determine if the old mortar is a historic mortar or rather contains historic lime.

Mortar Matching

In this mortar analysis, we analyze the composition of mortar samples, compressive strength, and color and produce a mortar formula for matching the existing mortar color and composition. This includes an analysis of the original sand.

Masonry Unit Testing

This analysis is designed to test the crushing pressure or compressive strength of mortar, brick, stone, block, or tile, and is used to analyze and determine if the mortar used is a good mortar for the masonry units or to determine what type of mortar should be used with the units. A good mortar is slightly softer than the brick or stone it is used to install to prevent damage to the masonry unit.

Mortar Testing and Matching Services

There is no reason for masonry repair to look like this.
Get the mortar tested and properly matched. View our photos to see what this project looks like after our mortar testing and mortar matching services.

Mortar Testing Lab Analysis/Masonry Repair