Which substance is commonly used to join masonry units?

Which substance is commonly used to join masonry units?

• A. Mortar
• B. Sand
• C. Cement
• D. Glue

Answer: (A)

Mortar is the binding material used to join bricks or stones. It’s a carefully mixed paste—typically a combination of cement or lime with sand and water—that fills the joints between masonry units and adheres them together. This mixture provides enough adhesion to hold the units in place while still allowing a little movement from settling and temperature changes, and it resists moisture over time. Sand by itself won’t bond, and cement by itself is too stiff and brittle for joints. Glue isn’t used for traditional masonry bonding. So the substance commonly used to join masonry units is mortar.

Mortar is the binding material used to join bricks or stones. It’s a carefully mixed paste—typically a combination of cement or lime with sand and water—that fills the joints between masonry units and adheres them together. This mixture provides enough adhesion to hold the units in place while still allowing a little movement from settling and temperature changes, and it resists moisture over time.

Sand by itself won’t bond, and cement by itself is too stiff and brittle for joints. Glue isn’t used for traditional masonry bonding. So the substance commonly used to join masonry units is mortar.