Masonry has long been a fundamental component of construction. From the time we learn to stack sticks on top of each other to the moment we discovered more complex and durable materials such as Brick and mortar which in turn also produced masonry repair in Tulsa and all over the world.

And although masonry is indeed a time-consuming process, there is no denying that what comes out of such construction is a sight to behold.

The city of Tulsa is known for brickworks given its historical background, so it’s not uncommon for you to see buildings made out of bricks or stone, nor is it surprising to see brick contractors operating in Tulsa, OK.

Speaking of which, brick is considered to be one of the more popular materials out there just because of the fact that it gives earthy tones and warmth to a building’s appearance. But even with such material, it would be nothing without the mortar. In fact, simply stacking bricks together without it won’t do you much good. An adhesive agent would have to bind each brick together to ensure that the bricks will stay where they need to be.

And before you come into any conclusions about this material, Brick 1 Masonry sheds more light on mortar and lets you, the reader, understand that not all mortars are made for the same purpose. So without further ado, here are the 3 types of mortar commonly used in the construction industry.

Type N mortar

This type of mortar is considered to be an all-purpose type of binding agent. It is made up of 1 part portland cement, 1 part lime, and approximately 6 parts sand. As a medium-strength type of binding agent, it is recommended for use above grade (or above the surface). With a compressive strength of at least 750 pounds per square inch, this mixture is perfect for walls that are exposed above ground, either for exterior or interior load-bearing brick installations.

Type O mortar

Type O mortar is a type of mortar mix that has relatively low compressive strength, having only at least 350 pounds per square inch. Though considered weak compared to other types, this is highly recommended for indoor non-load bearing installations. If you would have your local brick constructor construct a non-load bearing brick wall to divide rooms within your house,  you would probably see them use such mixtures.

Type S mortar

This is considered to be one of the more durable types of mortar mix available in the market. With an estimated strength that ranges between 1,800 – 3,000 pounds per square inch, this mixture is usually used against constant exposure to the elements. For masonry repair, this is ideal as they usually have to deal with retaining walls, many of which are exposed to constant rain and snow. Tulsa, OK alone experiences sudden drops in temperature, making such structures prone to damage over time. That’s why you can see a lot of the type S mortar mix being used in the area as it provides ample strength to combat any external structural degradation.

To give you a better idea of what each of these mixes is perfect for, you can check out the diagram that The Balance has created back in 2018.

If your Tulsa residence is ever in need of brick and mortar services or other masonry construction services, make sure to partner with Brick 1 Masonry, we have a team of well-rounded professionals with years of experience who understand masonry and brick repair like the back of their hands. We guarantee expert services at competitive prices with excellent customer service. You can give us a call or send us an email. What are you waiting for? If you’re looking for quality work from brick contractors, hire the best in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Hire Brick 1 Masonry today!