What Is Mortar & Why Is It So Useful

What is Mortar?

Maybe you’re planning to assemble a glass block window or thinking about building a glass brick wall in your yard. Or perhaps you’re working on the basement of your future home. No matter the project, each of these requires one essential material: mortar. But before you get started, you might be asking yourself—what exactly is mortar?

Mortar is the dried material in between brick gaps that holds together the glass brick wall structure you are building. While it fills the gaps between the brick layout, it also prevents air and water from coming through.

The mortar mixture is routinely made up of sand, a binder, and water. Our GBS mixture is made up of a special blend of cement, sand, polymers, and fiber.

Builders have relied on mortar for thousands of years, with the earliest mixtures consisting of simple mud and clay. Over time, lime mortar emerged as the most popular choice. The primary advantages of lime were its soft and porous qualities. These characteristics were incredibly useful for historical stone and brick masonry, as the material could easily accommodate structural movement without cracking. Because of this flexibility, lime mortar is still specified today when restoring historic buildings.

The most common source of mortar used today is usually called Portland cement. This was invented in 1756 and became the most popular mortar by the 1930s. This made the drying process quicker and easier for the everyday builder. The ASTM C150 classifies it as cement that hardens with water while also forming the useful water-resistant mortar we use today.

Mortar dries in four to twelve hours and will achieve maximum strength in seven days. Approximately 25 Glass Block units measuring 8”x8”x3-7/8” with a 1/4” wide joint will require one 50-pound bag.

What Else Do You Need for a Glass Block Installation?

We use two mortar building systems for our Seves Glass Block. Along with free instructions, we sell the supply of glass block and material conveniently here at GBS.

A step-by-step tutorial on how to install glass block windows. What method you choose to use depends on your assignment:

(Link and download for instructions attached HERE)

The Mortar I System utilizes glass block perimeter channels on all four sides.

The Mortar II System uses expansion strips, panel reinforcing wires, and anchors.

Both projects use mortar mix and spacers.

The supplies needed for these assignments:

Seves Glass Block 3-in or 4-in Series Glass Block
Universal Spacers
Perimeter Channels – 4-in (4″) or 3in (3″)
Expansion Strips
#12 x 1″ zinc-plated pan head screws
Glass Block white premixed mortar
Glass Block Sealant
Latex paint, Weldbond® adhesive, or asphalt emulsion, depending upon application
White touch-up paint (I System)
#6 x 1” flat-headed screws (I System)
Panel reinforcing (II System)
Panel anchors (II System)

Contact GBS: The Glass Block Supply Co.

The Glass Block Supply Company has been a glass block supplier for over 30 years. As one of the largest providers of premium glass block products and accessories for homeowners, wholesalers, dealers, and contractors, we continue to expand our services to meet customers’ needs.

Our knowledgeable staff will help you with all project details, from pre-planning and design validation to selecting all the correct materials. As one of the largest proud suppliers of SEVES Glass Block products, we are positioned to deliver our customers the best product, the best service, and the best value.

For more information, contact us at Contact Form

Contractors, Wholesale Supply Yards, and Architects call 877-427-8775

Citations

History of lime in mortar. (2019, May 14). Retrieved July 31, 2019, from   https://www.graymont.com/en/markets/building-construction/mortar/history-lime-mortar

What Is Mortar - Introduction To Mortar. (n.d.). Retrieved July 31, 2019, from https://www.theitcell.com/2018/07/what-is-mortar-introduction-to-mortar.html

"ASTM C 270-51T". ASTM
International. Retrieved July 31, 2019.

3.1 min readPublished On: May 4, 2022Categories: InstallationTags: Glass Block

“We could not be happier with your product and services. We relied on you quite a bit to set the coordination of several items – ceiling heights, curb construction, detailing/engineering – and can’t imagine having another vendor without your expertise and patience. ” — Neal Harrod, Rockwell Group

“I saw the final glass block wall in person and it really is a work of art. We are so grateful for your team’s hard work on this.”

“Work was done very professionally with outstanding quality. Your crews were very attentive to detail & made sure to protect surrounding work surfaces from damage. They communicated well with my field team to ensure we & the Owner were satisfied with the end product. Job well done.” – Russell Stafford, RNGD A Palmisano Company

“We were lucky to have GBA on our project at Lutheran East High School. From the front office to the field supervision and crew were very knowledgeable with our project. Took extra care not to damage the building during demolition. The quality of materials and their labor force was top-notch.” — Peter Powell, Carey Construction Group

“We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the glass block at Lutheran East High School and have received many compliments on the design. The glass block windows give the building a nice “pop” of color on the exterior each side of the gym and helped to maintain the identity of the school.” Rick Jozity, Meraki Architects, L.L.C

“As the Senior Project Manager for the general contracting company responsible for completing all aspects of the historical restoration, structural rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse modifications to the derelict Triboro tuberculosis hospital, one of the most difficult challenges was finding capable and qualified subcontractors for the key restoration trades that are both committed to quality construction and respectful of the historical restoration process. I am lucky enough to have worked with GBA on previous successful projects and was glad to bring them into this project. GBA provided the essential expertise and quality craftsmanship that this project needed and was a reliable partner helping us convert the Triboro Tuberculosis Hospital into the T Building Residence.” – Senior Project Manager, Bill Harwood for the GC, Mega Contracting

“On behalf of me, my project manager and CGC; I would like to reach out to applaud the quality and workmanship of the crew sent out to do the glass block wall outside of the theater here in Hudson. Dan and Nate went above and beyond to keep their work area organized and clean, even protected our finish trim and VWC in the mixing area with plastic. If only more companies active on site would follow in your companies steps these buildings would be cut and dry and run very efficiently. Thank you! – Jake M. Behler, Cameron General Contractors

“Working with GBA was seamless and the process of the work stood out. We had a few safety issues with the field crew but were quickly corrected and had no further issues during the course of construction. We are thrilled to be able to offer this product to the owner as they look much better than what was existing while offering the exterior grade capability that Atlantic Station needed.” — Garrett Atkinson, New South Construction

” It had been a pleasure working with GBA to install the glass block wall on our project. Your team has been nothing but professional and easy to work with. Your craftmanship in the field is top notch, and the glass block wall looks amazing. The masons in the field were very easy to work with and were hardworking. I would highly recommend GBA to other contractors and owners looking for a high quality Glass block wall. When you hire GBA you are getting quality professionals that deliver what they promise.” — Aaron Baver, Gordon H. Baver, Inc.

“It was a pleasure working with GBA on the 8615 & 8619 Westwood Center Glass Block replacement projects. The GBA project team was very knowledgeable and professional during the entire project. The quality of work and attention detail was superb. The site was kept clean and orderly with no complaints.” — Melissa R. Marletta, Encore Construction, Inc.

“Adam’s European Contracting has had the pleasure of working with GBA Architectural Products + Services on the SCA IS293M/M218 Electrification project, located at 4600 Broadway, New York, NY 10040. The project has a contract value of $225,000.00 thousand under SCA Contract No. C000080874. “

“We are pleased to confirm that the project is currently ahead of schedule, with exceptional production performance. Field execution has been strong, efficient, and well-coordinated, reflecting a high level of professionalism and expertise.”

“Project management and supervision have been consistently effective, demonstrating clear communication, proactive planning, and thorough oversight. All required paperwork, documentation, submittals, and project controls have been properly maintained and kept up to date, contributing significantly to the smooth and successful progress of the work. “

“Overall, GBA Architectural Products + Services has performed excellently on the SCA IS293M/M218 Electrification project. Their work reflects reliability, strong leadership, and outstanding production capabilities. We would confidently recommend GBA Architectural “

“Products + Services for similar projects in the future.” — Karol Drazek, Adam’s European Contracting, Inc.

What is Mortar

What is Mortar?

What Else Do You Need for a Glass Block Installation?

The supplies needed for these assignments:

Product categories

What Customers Say

Trusted by Architects Nationwide

Your one-stop source for glass block products!

Title