When constructing with masonry blocks, instead of using the conventional 10mm cement, thin joint masonry uses an adhesive mortar with 2-3mm joint (making it thin!). The technique is almost like ‘gluing’ the blocks together, resulting in a significant quicker build time, less waste, less materials and less plant required on site. It also improves the walls air-tightness, maximising the thermal performance of the building and minimising the CO2 emissions over the building’s lifetime.

What is it used for?

• External cavity walls

• Acoustic separating

• External solid walls

• Internal partitions

• Internal partitions and flanking walls

Advantages of thin joint masonry

• Faster and easier laying of blocks

• Faster to weatherproof

• Less waste and mess

• Improved quality of build

• Stability and strength

• Enhanced thermal insulation

• Increased airtightness

• Acoustic insulation

Disadvantages of thin joint masonry

• Any deviation in level cannot be made up with a thicker mortar bed, like with standard blockwork

• When it’s raining masonry absorbs moisture.

• Masonry has a low tensile strength

• The colour of masonry can deteriorate due to extreme weathering and frost.