Water Retentivity

Category: science

The property of a masonry mortar that prevents the rapid loss of water to high-suction brick units.

Water retentivity is a vital mortar chemical balance metric. High retentivity ensures the wet mortar retains its internal moisture matrix against the suction of dry clay bricks, allowing the cementitious paste to properly hydrate and form a deep micro-mechanical bond network.

Common Examples

• Incorporating hydrated lime putty into the cement mix significantly expands the mortar’s native water retentivity metrics.
• High water retentivity prevents bleeding, ensuring the field mix remains smooth and spreadable under the trowel face for longer windows.