The application of phase change materials (PCMs) for building applications has received considerable attention in recent years due to the large storage capacity and isothermal nature of the storage process. This paper summarizes the results of a physical model and analysis of thermal energy storage and temperature control achieved using mortar incorporating microencapsulated PCM. The validity of the numerical code used is ascertained by comparing our results with previously published results. The effect of different parameters such as the heating/cooling rate and the mass fraction of the PCM on the thermal behavior of the mortar is also analyzed. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.