Building Code Glossary
Mortar: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define mortar, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Mortar is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Masonry. The code's own words are: “A plastic mixture of approved cementitious materials, fine aggregates and water used to bond masonry or other structural units.” The IFC 2009 words it differently, in Explosives and Fireworks: “A tube from which fireworks shells are fired into the air.” The IFC 2009 defines the same term with different wording, so the controlling text depends on which code governs the question in front of you — the comparison below sets the versions side by side. The term is used in 20 chapters of this corpus, most often in Masonry (IBC 2009), Wall Construction (IRC 2009), Explosives and Fireworks (IFC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Mortar — IBC 2009, Masonry:
A plastic mixture of approved cementitious materials, fine aggregates and water used to bond masonry or other structural units.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Mortar, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Masonry | A plastic mixture of approved cementitious materials, fine aggregates and water used to bond masonry or other structural units. |
| IFC 2009 | Explosives and Fireworks | A tube from which fireworks shells are fired into the air. |
Where mortar is used in the code
The term appears in 20 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Masonry | IBC 2009 | 133 |
| Wall Construction | IRC 2009 | 95 |
| Explosives and Fireworks | IFC 2009 | 24 |
| Soils and Foundations | IBC 2009 | 16 |
| Wall Covering | IRC 2009 | 16 |
| Fire and Smoke Protection Features | IBC 2009 | 7 |
| Exterior Walls | IBC 2009 | 6 |
| Structural Design | IBC 2009 | 6 |
| Chimneys and Fireplaces | IRC 2009 | 6 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 3 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 3 |
8 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about mortar, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The surfaces of units intended to be in contact with mortar shall be treated with a polyvinyl butyral coating or latex-based paint.
Solidmasonryunits or masonry units filled with mortar or grout shall be used for corbeling.
A plan establishing procedures to follow and actions to be taken in the event that a shell fails to ignite in, or discharge from, a mortar or fails to function over the fallout area or other malfunctions shall be provided to the fire code ofl1cial.
The terms mortar is built out of
The definition above leans on 3 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what mortar covers:
- Fireworks — IBC 2009: Any composition or device for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect for entertainment purposes by combustion, deflagration or detonation that meets the definition of 1.4G fireworks or 1.3G fireworks as set forth herein.
- Approved — IBC 2009: Acceptable to the code official or authority having jurisdiction.
- Masonry — IBC 2009: A built-up construction or combination of building units or materials of clay, shale, concrete, glass, gypsum, stone or other approved units bonded together with or without mortar or grout or other accepted methods of joining.
Mortar: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Masonry | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Explosives and Fireworks | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Masonry (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Wall Construction (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Explosives and Fireworks (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Soils and Foundations (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Fireworks | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Approved | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Masonry | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Fireworks: Building Code Definition
- Approved: Building Code Definition
- Masonry: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of mortar?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Masonry as: “A plastic mixture of approved cementitious materials, fine aggregates and water used to bond masonry or other structural units.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on mortar?
In this corpus the term is used across 20 chapters, led by Masonry in the IBC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is the definition of mortar in construction?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Masonry: “A plastic mixture of approved cementitious materials, fine aggregates and water used to bond masonry or other structural units.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IFC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
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