Mortar Analysis & Matching Service

Mortars can be seen in a wide range of colours and compositions across the country, they will vary from region to region as local sands, local sources of lime and pozzolans would traditionally have been used. It is the aggregate/sand that predominantly affects the colour and texture.

It is important when working on an old building to select an appropriate mortar. Consideration should always be given to,

• The aesthetic - the colour and texture of the original mortar (unless it is to be subsequently limewashed) which comes primarily from the sand/aggregate)
• The strength and flexibility required for a successful, long-term mortar  which comes primarily from the type of lime and to some extent the mix ratio

We offer a range of standard premixed, ready-to-use fat lime mortars using aggregates to give a distinctive colour and texture, please note that these are naturally occurring aggregates which means there may be colour variations between batches/samples, please feel free to discuss this at the time of ordering. Our range of premixed mortars can be seen here, the photographs can only give an indication of the colour so please order a Mortar Sample Box or request a free individual sample to check it is the right mortar for your project. You can order a free sample by emailing tymawr@lime.org.uk.

We also offer a range of hydraulic premixed mortars (just add water) using pigments to give a consistent colour in various grades
1) Coarse
2) Fine 
3) Waterproof

We offer three types of analysis:

• Level 1 - Visual Analysis and Recommendation - Free of Charge: Mainly used when pointing work is to be undertaken on an old building and it is required/desirable to match the colour and texture of the original mortar. We will make a recommendation for the best aggregate and type of lime to use. It’s easy! Please visit us or post a representative sample to us at Unit 5 Brecon Enterprise Park with the completed form. We can usually turn around visual matches from our extensive library in 1-2 days but for bespoke samples please allow 1-2 weeks lead time from receipt.

• Level 2 - Dissolution Analysis - £110.00 + VAT: Acid is used to dissolve the binder and any calcareous aggregate within the mortar. The resultant product is then dried and run through a series of B.S. sieves to ascertain the grading of the aggregate. A short report is provided of the results along with recommendations on a replacement material. Please allow 2-3 weeks lead time from receipt.

• Level 3 - Chemical Dissolution Analysis - £405.00 + VAT: A chemical analysis or a petrographic analysis – although more unusual, these techniques are used for historical information for reference or where it is necessary to check the exact composition of the mortar e.g. in cases where failures may have occurred. We undertake a process that: ascertains the chemical composition of the mortar and the likely binder type, and hydraulicity; estimates the original mix proportions; determines the silt and clay/fines content of the mortar sample; extracts and photographs the sand and aggregate component of the mortar sample. A detailed report will be provided on the findings. Please allow 3-4 week lead time from receipt.

For all of the above tests, complete a request form (Found in the Technical Information tab) and post with a sample of the mortar (50g sample) for the attention of:

• Product Support, Ty-Mawr, Unit 5, Brecon Enterprise Park, Brecon. LD3 8BT

with payment if appropriate (payable to Ty-Mawr Lime Ltd).

We are also able to offer the following tests:

• Full water-soluble salts analysis (Price on Application)
• Full toxic metals suite for paint and historic materials (POA)
• Attic dust/roof void dust and floor void dust analysis (POA)
• Thermogravimetric Analysis (POA)
• Concrete testing suite (POA)

As well as getting the colour and texture right, it is also vitally important to choose a lime that will produce a mortar of an appropriate strength for the job that you are doing, see lime products. To see the different colours of mortars side by side or for assistance calculating the quantities you require, please go to our Quantity Calculators!

To see an example of this product in use, see our case study for St Mary's Priory, Abergavenny.