Choosing the Right Mortar Colour
Colour variation
Clay bricks are a natural product made from natural materials; whilst this makes them more a environmentally sustainable building material, it also means that natural colours may differ depending on the clay used.
To combat this, we recommend using bricks from a minimum of 3 different packs to provide a healthy balance of colour whilst preventing problems like ‘colour banding’ within different elevations of the finished brickwork.
Using bricks of different colours and textures is a great way to create a stunning facade for your project. However, you may wish to be mindful that different types of bricks have different dimensions and weathering tolerances to consider. We recommend working with an experienced brick supplier such as Modular Clay Products to help you get things right.
Mortar colour
In most brickwork, mortar will account for roughly 16% of the visible wall. This means that your choice of mortar can greatly impact the overall appearance of a wall and should be a key consideration in any brickwork project.
When choosing the correct mortar colour for your project, you should consider the surrounding urban environment.
Test in Several Light Levels
Naturally, differing light levels will change the look of the bricks and mortar in your project throughout the day. To account for this, you’ll need to test the look of your bricks and mortar at different light levels and throughout different times of the day, including at night, to get a good idea of how the facade will look when complete.
Getting the Best Mortar Possible
Having the correct mortar is essential. You’ll need to make sure the mortar used in your project stands up to the weather conditions in your area; this is vital as an incorrect mortar may not hold up over time. On top of this, you’ll also need to ensure you have the correct mortar for the type of brick you’re using, as different brick types require different forms of mortar to create the correct bond.
When selecting a brick through the Modular Clay Products’ site, you’ll have the option to select and preview different mortar types, helping you to understand how your chosen mortar will look in combination with your chosen brick.
Correct Mortar Consistency
Whilst the type and colour of mortar both play a leading role in its appearance, so too does the consistency. Ensuring the construction team or whoever is leading the brickwork construction is getting the right consistency, and combination of water and cement/lime is vital. The most common choice for brickworks four parts sand to one part cement. However, a ratio of 5-1 or 6-1 is the most effective choice for softer bricks.
Blending
Brick blending is a growing trend in which multiple colours or designs are used in unison to create a stunning, unique design. Blending, if done right, can lead to excellent results. However, blending needs to be done carefully, with the help of an experienced architect and brick expert.
At Modular Clay Products, we can offer a bespoke service, helping you source the colour and design of bricks that you love for your blending project. With access to one of the largest ranges of bricks in the UK, we can supply you with the individual brickwork of your dreams.