Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

A construction joint or mortar is used in construction to seal up gaps, cavities and cracks that develop between sections of building materials. Very often, areas in the walls made of wooden beams or bricks, as well as floors laid with ceramic tiles, are covered with a seam. In addition, the seam can be aesthetically pleasing (for example, a colored seam between floor tiles). The building joint is an important mortar that holds building materials together. While there are several varieties of construction joints, there are a number of steps you can take to prepare your mortar. If you mix it right, you get a solution that will not only look good but will last for years.

Steps

1. 1 Choose the best mortar for your project and purchase it from your local hardware store.
2. 2 Take a bucket or any other clean container, as well as a wooden or plastic stick to mix the solution.
3. 3 Before you start mixing the solution, carefully read the instructions on the package.
   • The mixing process will be different for each type of solution, so it is very important to strictly follow the instructions on the packaging of the specific type of solution.
4. 4 Pour as much water into the bucket as indicated on the package in the instructions for mixing the solution.
5. 5 Pour as much powder into a bucket or container of water as you plan to use.
   • Remember to compare the amount of powder with the amount of water.
6. 6 Stir water and powder mixture until smooth. There should be no lumps or bubbles in the mortar.
7. 7 Add more powder to make the solution stronger and stir again well.
8. 8 Insert a putty knife into the mortar and scoop up some of the mortar to check its consistency.
   • The correct consistency of the joint will allow it to remain on the trowel. The seam should not drain from it or fall off in a large lump.

Tips

• To assess whether the solution is ready for use, you should check its consistency. It must be strong and flexible. If the consistency of the mortar is similar to thick dough or peanut butter, then it is ready to use.
• Always leave some powder solution in case you need to add or make a new batch of solution.
• There are several varieties of construction joints, each with their own mixing instructions. Therefore, you should always read and strictly follow the instructions on the packaging.
• When sealing narrow and small cracks and cavities with a seam, you can use less powder to get a softer grout. If the area to be worked is rather large, make the mortar stronger by adding more powder while mixing.

Warnings

• When kneading a construction joint, it should be remembered that its consistency should not be fluid and liquid. If the solution turned out to be exactly like this, then it will not cover properly and will not be reliable enough. It will also crumble when dry.
• Do not mix more solution than you can use in 30 minutes. If you leave the prepared solution for a short time, it will harden and cannot be used.
• Do not try to use a solution that has started to harden in a bucket or other container. Throw it away and prepare a new batch.

What do you need

• Building mixture
• Water
• Wooden or plastic stirring stick
• Bucket or container for mixing the solution
• Putty knife