Matching mortars by recognizing the fractal nature of geology

Mortar matching is often seen as difficult to do, but once you understand that historic mortars primarily came from local sources, one need only look to the local geology including at roadside cuts to recognize the aggregates of a sand in their former condition. This is the wonder of the fractal nature of stone reduced to sand. And often the sand you seek is right beneath your feet!

A Tale of Three Sands or What Type of Sand makes for Strong Mortars?

The right qualities of sand are crucial in lime mortar making and differ some from brickwork versus plaster and stucco. The increasing inclusion of crushed rock in sand mixes presents particular problems.

Understanding mortar sieve results and intro on improving imperfect sand

A skilled mechanic can make almost any aggregate work for most uses on historic buildings. But learning how to locate (or assemble from several sources) a better aggregate will make for better working characteristics and a more durable product.

What you need to learn from a mortar analysis about aggregates and ratios

Sand is not sand is not sand. Often when people are having stucco or plaster application problems (although the same can happen with bricklaying mortar), it turns out the aggregate is to blame. In short, it is not as simple as accepting whatever is at the local masonry supply house. Nor for that matter if…