Lafarge Cement is calling on housebuilders to insist on tighter controls around the use of mortar, following claims that the use of substandard product is causing damage to hundreds of new homes.

The report  by the BBC focused on the use of weak mortar which did not meet required industry standards leading to crumbling in properties across 13 estates in the UK.

Under NHBC guidelines, mortar in most areas of the UK should be made of one part cement to 5.5 parts sand. In severe weather areas, there should be even more cement in the mix to make it stronger and more durable.

Jeremy Lee, Commercial Director at Lafarge Cement, called the report “concerning”. He said: “This is why it’s critical that all building products, including mortar, meet required industry standards.

“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.”