How Long Does Mortar Last?

As it is common for the mortar to weaken with age, all types of mortar will most likely need periodic maintenance over the lifetime of a building. The average mortar will last for around 25 to 50 years, but the actual longevity for a particular building’s mortar will depend on a variety of factors like weather conditions, temperature shifts, and the type of mortar that was originally used during construction.

Poor weather conditions, like acidic rain, can lead to the premature weakening or erosion of a building’s mortar. The more acidic rain the mortar is exposed to over the years, the faster the mortar will erode and the sooner it will need to be replaced.

Frequent shifts in temperature can also do a number on the mortar’s longevity. As the mortar ages, it will start to crack. These cracks will absorb water that, when frozen, will expand and cause the cracks to further deepen. As more temperature shifts occur, more cracks will form causing the mortar to crumble and fall away.

The type of materials used during construction can also dictate how long a particular type of mortar will last. Some types of mortar are made to be solid and strong, while others are made to be more flexible. Knowing the material breakdown of the mortar in question will give you a better idea of how long it should last.

As there are many factors that, when combined, will determine how long mortar will last, it is hard to give an exact estimate for how long any particular building’s mortar will actually survive. On average, however, you should expect to see a mortar lifespan of about 25 to 50 years.