A call has been made to implement tighter control on the use of mortar following an alarming BBC report.

The report revealed that weak mortar had caused damage to hundreds of new homes across 13 estates in the UK.

The report's findings have caused great concern throughout the construction industry.

Aggregate Industries business, Lafarge Cement hit out at the claims.

The company's Commercial Director, Jeremy Lee said: "This latest report is concerning, especially as it has been identified as a potential industry-wide problem affecting hundreds of homes. As acknowledged by the BBC, mortar performance is a complex issue, with a myriad of factors including weather and correct specification and application having a potential detrimental impact.

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"However, this is why it's critical that all building products, including mortar, meet required industry standards – which according to the NHBC should be one part cement to 5.5 parts sand for most of the UK but for areas that experience extreme weather conditions such as Scotland, it's recommended that a higher proportion of cement is used to increase durability.

"Building standards are in place for a reason and tighter controls are needed to ensure that the correct products are specified, as well as being mixed and applied properly on-site. From housebuilders to the wider industry, it is everyone's responsibility to ensure that adequate and suitable products are used, through a robust specification process and due diligence during all stages of the construction process."

(CM/MH)