Brickwork

22 articles

• Brick Cleaning Methods: Acid Wash, Pressure Washing, Poultice Treatment, COSHH and Pre-Wet Neutralise
  Gentlest method first; acid sequence pre-wet→apply→dwell→agitate→neutralise (never dry brick); no acid on sand-lime/glazed/buff (vanadium); pressure wash only hard brick; poultice for deep stains; COSHH + run-off control; DOFF/TORC
• Brick Slips: Adhesive Installation, Grouting and BS EN 771-1 Requirements
  Brick slips: C2S2 minimum adhesive (BS EN 12004), full-bed mandatory (no spot-fixing), 10mm joints, 3m movement joints external, PAS 9980 above 11m, non-combustible backing above 18m (Building Safety Act 2022)
• Brick Types Guide: Engineering, Common, Facing and Handmade — Selecting for the Right Application
  Brick classification: BS EN 771-1, Engineering Class A/B (3%/7% water absorption), F0/F1/F2 frost resistance, S1/S2 soluble salt content, facing vs common vs engineering selection guide
• Cavity Wall Tie Replacement: How to Identify Failure, Remediation Methods & Cost
• Cavity Wall Tie Replacement: How to Identify Failure, Remediation Methods & Cost
  Cavity wall tie failure: electromagnetic survey diagnosis, helical stainless steel replacement ties, drilling pattern, Building Notice requirements, BS EN 845-1 tie specification
• DPC in Brickwork: Types, Heights and Building Regulations Requirements
• Efflorescence on Brickwork: Causes, Treatment and Prevention
  Efflorescence on brickwork: primary (soluble salts) vs secondary (sub-efflorescence), dry brushing treatment, dilute HCl as last resort, COSHH PPE, BRE Digest 361 prevention guidance
• Engineering Bricks Explained: Class A and B, Frost Resistance and Where to Use Them
  Class A ≥125 N/mm², ≤4.5% absorption; Class B ≥75 N/mm², ≤7%; BS EN 771-1; F2 frost, S2 salts mandatory below DPC and copings; SRPC mortar in DS-3+ ground; Staffordshire Blue and Accrington NORI; two-course DPC method; designation (i) M12 mortar loadbearing
• Expansion Joints in Brickwork: NHBC Guidance, Spacing, Fillers and Sealants
  Expansion joints in brickwork: NHBC Chapter 6.1 (4.5–9m centres for clay brick), BS EN ISO 11600 Class F/EX sealant, closed-cell PE backer rod, 10–20mm joint width, parapet joints at 3m maximum
• How to Re-point Brickwork: Mortar Selection, Raking Out and Joint Profiles
• How to Repoint Brickwork: Mortar Mix Ratios, Tools & Joint Profiles
• How to Repoint Brickwork: Mortar Mix Ratios, Tools & Joint Profiles
  Repointing brickwork: mortar mix ratios by exposure (NHL2 for soft stone, 1:5 NHL3.5 for general, 1:4 cement for exposed), raking depth 20mm minimum, joint profiles and tooling sequence
• Lintels Over Openings: Concrete vs Steel vs Boot Lintel — Selection & Installation
• Lintels Over Openings: Concrete vs Steel vs Boot Lintel — Selection & Installation
  Lintels over openings: Catnic/IG cavity lintels (padstone bearing 100mm minimum), boot lintel for thin inner leaf, RSJ for structural openings over 2m, cavity tray DPC and weep holes
• Matching Bricks for Extensions & Repairs: How to Identify and Source the Right Brick
• Matching Bricks for Extensions & Repairs: How to Identify and Source the Right Brick
  Brick matching for extensions and repairs: identifying era/type from colour, texture, and size, NHBC 415mm pre-1965 brick dimensions, BDA brick archive, reclaimed brick sourcing and testing
• Mortar Mixes for Brickwork: Ratios, Strength Classes and When to Use Each
• Repointing Tools and Techniques: Chisels vs Angle Grinder Rake, Joint Profiles — Bucket Handle, Flush, Weathered and Recessed
  Angle grinder with 4mm disc vs cold chisel/plugging chisel, raking depth 15–20mm, joint profiles: bucket handle (most weathertight), flush, weathered and recessed (frost risk), lime mortar mix for pre-1919
• Repointing: Lime Mortar vs Cement Mortar — When to Use Each, Mix Ratios and Heritage Guidance
  Lime (NHL 2/3.5/5) for solid/heritage/soft brick — breathable, sacrificial; cement only for hard modern brick; mix ratios; never cement-point an old solid wall; conservation/listed guidance; complements mortar-mixes/pointing-repointing
• Wall Tie Types and Remedial Replacement: DD140 Corrosion Assessment, Remedial Helical Ties and BS EN 845-1
  BS EN 845-1; tie types/spacing (450mm vertical/900mm horizontal); DD 140 corrosion assessment of failed wall ties; remedial helical/resin-fixed ties; horizontal cracking/bulging signs; survey + replacement
• What Are the Different Brick Bonds and When Should Each Be Used?
  Stretcher, English, Flemish, header, stack bond selection by wall type and thickness, stack bond movement joint requirements at 3m, decorative patterns
• What Are the Rules for Corbelling Brickwork? Projection Limits and Structural Considerations
  Maximum 1/3 brick overhang per course, structural engineer requirement for larger corbels, Eurocode 6 (BS EN 1996), chimney vs structural wall applications, cut vs whole brick corbels