WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CEMENT & MORTAR MIX?

[Mmathis]

Great replies! This info is very helpful.

 

[Waterbug]

I think if people want to add fiber for whatever reason they should. Best way to learn the issues is by doing. Also depends on the kind of rocks you want to build.

 

[spikedog]

what is the best cement to make letters, 10 inch high and about 2 inch thick that is waterproof so i can make a fountain flowing over the words?

 

[brokensword]

IMO, I'd use some sort of plastic resin as then, it would be both durable and waterproof. Cement (as defined in a post by myself above) is waterproof, mortar is not. Cement (the terms 'cement' and 'mortar' are being used here as found in a builder's supply yard) would be the better but I'd use some sort of reinforcement like a wire frame laid inside the mold, just to help with the integrity. Mortar is softer, hence why they use it when laying brick. Trying to take apart a wall where cement was used between the brick will try your sanity. Cement as my father used is green when wet, mortar is gray. Cement dries whiter, mortar gray.

FYI, when doing flatwork (sidewalks, driveways, basement/garage floors), concrete is used. Concrete = aggregate + cement. When doing grout/waterproofing/more durable joints, use cement with sharp sand (not play/beach sand--it's too soft and you want the sharper edges for better bonding). When doing brickwork as in walls, you use mortar. If doing pavers, you use cement, though most use the dry-lock method these days. I think most garden statuary is cast using cement but am not going to research to confirm that. Bottom line is, mortar will disintegrate in time if exposed to water. When building a chimney, mortar is used between brick/brick courses but the top is capped with a cement 'wash', or stone with cement joints and the cement wash. Even then, cracking will occur and a flexible caulk/tar-like material is used when it does. And it always does as chimneys expand and contract too much for the cement joints to completely hold. Sorry, got into a bit of a ramble re 'mason days'.

And though it looks like WB has moved on to other pastures, should there be any blowback here, I'll not engage. I think having a father as a bricklayer should give me credentials enough.


Michael

 

[sissy]

I use the fiberglass fibers to reinforce mine and even pieces of window screening works .They sell a liquid also that makes the cement stronger .I have some made from saucers that go under flower pots that are 10 years and still good

 

[sissy]

I made 30 plus of these with just window screening as the support .Simple plastic saucers from lowes and these are over 10 years old .I brought them from my house in NJ .I like the wagon wheel effect .I had 8 of the saucers and put black tape around the edges to make them sturdy