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Mortar consists of Portland cement, an essential binding agent; hydrated lime, which improves workability; sand, a carefully screened inert aggregate; and water. When mixed together, these components create a binding material that fills spaces between masonry units and provides structural integrity to masonry construction.

Mortar acts as a vital sealant, forming a barrier against water infiltration and wind penetration that protects the inner structure. It also compensates for surface irregularities in masonry units, ensuring complete contact and even weight distribution. This prevents potential weaknesses and enhances the long-term durability of the masonry construction.

Mortar is used to secure steel reinforcement, ties, and anchor bolts into walls, holding them firmly in place. This application is critical in reinforced brick masonry, where mortar grouting fills voids to hold reinforcements and maintain structural stability throughout the construction.

The color of mortar is an essential parameter in the appearance of masonry. Organic pigments can be added to mortar for customized coloration, and white mortar is created using white masonry cement or Portland cement, lime, and white sand. Sample walls may be built before major projects to finalize the color combination of brick and mortar.

Mortar curing is crucial for optimal strength development and long-term durability. Proper curing conditions, like moisture retention, enhance the strength of the mortar and ensure the masonry construction maintains its integrity over time. Inadequate curing can compromise the structural performance of the entire masonry assembly.

Beyond joining masonry units, mortar is used for plastering, grouting voids in masonry to hold reinforcements, and creating a base layer for placing tiles. These applications leverage mortar's binding and adhesive properties to support various construction and finishing tasks across different building systems.

Mortar compensates for surface irregularities in masonry units, ensuring complete contact between units and even weight distribution across the structure. This uniform distribution prevents potential weaknesses and stress concentrations that could compromise the structural integrity and longevity of the masonry assembly.