Ensuring High-Quality Brick Workmanship: Best Practices and Troubleshooting
Consult an expert on masonry craftsmanship: Techniques in laying bricks
The art of brickwork plays a pivotal role in the aesthetic and functional aspects of structures, as depicted by Squire & Partners' Department Store Studios in London [photo: Jack Hobhouse]. The Following is a comprehensive guide to achieving excellent brickwork, addressing common issues, and providing site management strategies.
The Importance of Good Workmanship
Face brickwork serves as a building's facade and a rainscreen, protecting it from water ingress. To attain these goals, meticulous attention to detail is vital, from blending bricks to ensuring clear cavities and a homogeneous appearance. This responsibility extends to the correct specification and batching of mortar, evenly filling joints, and constructing DPCs [Deep-seated Protection Course].
Common Consequences of Poor Workmanship
A number of problems may arise due to poor craftsmanship. these include:
- Colour Banding: As a result of inconsistent brick selection and blending, irregular coloration may become apparent.
- Preventable Staining: Occurs due to avoidable mistakes during the construction process, becoming visible after completion.
- Water Ingress and Mould: Non-durable materials, inadequate detailing, and lax construction practices can lead to water penetrating the structure, resulting in mould and associated structural issues.
- Cracking and Reduced Strength: Suboptimal brickwork can cause cracking and instability, compromising the building's structural integrity.
Steps to Achieve Successful Results
Specifiers can take several measures to enhance the likelihood of a favorable outcome:
- Adhering to all safety and Building Regulations
- Referencing the BDA guide to Good Site Practice and Workmanship, as it offers comprehensive advice on all stages of the bricklaying process.
- Ensuring the reference to this guide is included in the contract documents
- Implementing site supervision to ensure the guide's recommendations are adhered to at every phase.
Guidance from the BS 8000 series may also prove helpful. Careful detailing of exposed areas, such as parapets, copings, and cills, is essential. Manufacturers are generally willing to discuss detailing options with the designer or specifier.
Proper Brick Handling, Blending, and Laying
Bricks must be treated gently to avoid chipping or breakage. When opening packs, use band-cutting tools rather than hammers or bolsters. A uniform appearance can be achieved by blending bricks from at least three packs, ideally with some overlap between deliveries where feasible. Each manufacturer has specific suggestions for brick blending. Pre-blended mixes of standard range colors may be available from certain manufacturers. Before laying bricks, set out a 'dry' course to facilitate planning and minimize errors. Consistent jointing techniques are crucial to ensure a uniform visual appearance and performance.
Wall Flashings and their Installation
Wall flashings are critical components in construction, helping to prevent water penetration at joints and intersections, particularly where the roof meets vertical elements. To be effective, they must be made of durable and impermeable materials, correctly integrated with other water management systems, and lapped to optimize water shedding. Professional installation by a trained installer is advisable to ensure conformance with codes and best practices. Regular inspections are recommended to identify and address damage or deterioration promptly.
Protecting Brickwork during Construction
Brickwork should be safeguarded during construction to avoid damage from frost, saturation, and splash contamination from passing traffic. If bricks become excessive moisture, minerals salts may dissolve and appear as stains, necessitating costly remediation. Protection is also necessary while the bricks are stored on site for the same reasons. Immature mortar must also be shielded from rain and frost. Walls should be covered with tarpaulins or similar sheeting, while hessian or similar products can be used to insulate them. In hot weather, bricks should be stored in the shade and lightly sprayed with water to control moisture gain and reduce suction. Newly built masonry should be protected with suitable materials, such as hessian or sheeting, to prevent premature drying.
For further information, please visit the Michelmersh website.
- Maintaining a harmonious blend between the weather, lifestyle, and home-and-garden settings can be achieved by carefully choosing bricks for exterior walls, as their color and texture contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic of a building.
- Factoring in the importance of good workmanship in brickwork not only ensures a home's protection from water ingress but also contributes to a pleasing home-and-garden lifestyle by curbing issues like color banding and unsightly staining.
