Diy Landscaping Bricks
Southport Brick Laying – All types of wall installations
Brick Work Southport – Abel Landscaping
About Brick Work
Brickwork is made up of two things:
- Bricks
- Mortar – which forms the joints.
Building a wall that’s going to last needs careful attention to both subjects above.The first thing you need to do is choose the right bricks for your project.
What Brick Should You Choose?
There a three types of clay brick:
- Facing Bricks – These are also called stocks as they are capable of baring heavy loads. They are available in a variety of colours and textures and can be used indoors and outside. If used outdoors then this brick will need to be made damp proof or with a coping installed above to protect it from the rain. Without this the brick could essentially disintegrate. However there are specially made high quality faced bricks which are suitable for use outdoors where great strength is needed for example for garden walls and retaining walls.
- Engineering Bricks – These are often used in foundation courses and the inner walls of ponds. The bricks are smooth and dense and designed for low water absorption making the brick damp proof.
- Common Bricks – A simple inexpensive patchy pink brick with no finish. They are made to be used in places that are not to be seen or places subjected to major stress or load. Common use is for situations where they will be covered in paint or plaster.
Where should you store bricks prior to the build?
All bricks should be stacked on a leverl area away from damp. In the garden, put the bricks on planks of wood or a metal sheet and cover them with plastic sheet. If damp gets in and you install your bricks then after a while the mineral salts inside the clay will stain with a powdery white deposit. The reason why we cover the bricks with a plastic sheeting is to prevent the bricks from getting wet. If the bricks becom saturated in water then the bond between the bricks and mortar become weak.
What is Mortar?
Mortar can be made up of a mix of cement and sand. However sometimes this can set to quickly and crack if its shrinks during the drying process. The ideal mortar is one that sets slowly and takes setting movements without cracking. A good process to make mortar is the folowing:
- Basic to mortar is cement. This acts as the adhesive, binding the particles of sand together.
- Fine sand is used for mortar to give it its correct strength.
- Then add plasticise – a proprietary liquid or powder. Air bubbles are formed which provides spaces for the water to expand into, thus preventing cracks.
Bricklaying Tools
The most important bricklaying tool is the trowel. Trowels for bricklaying are heavier than normal trowels and are used to pick up and smooth down the mortar. They are usally produced in the shape of a diamond with a sharp pointy edge at the opposite end to the handle.
Professional bricklayers such as ourselves use the curved edge of the trowel to cut bricks, however this should not be attempted by a DIY enthusiast. The trowel also has a wooden handle which is raised slightly above the diamond, and at an angle to it to prevent you brushing your knuckles on the bricks as you are working.
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About the Author
We are a one stop shop for any kind of landscape service. So why not transform your garden or driveway with us? You could be welcomed home by a beautiful block paved driveway or relax on a perfect paved patio installed by us, either come with an optional ten year guarantee, if Marshalls landscape products are laid on the project.
We are an approved Marshalls registered installer, and we provide our customers with a complete professional landscaping service, satisfaction is always guaranteed! Within our website you can view thousands of images, bursting with beautiful ideas for your garden and driveway. We can turn your dreams into reality!
Why Choose Abel Landscaping?
Abel Landscaping Liverpool has appeared on TV, chosen by the BBC DIY SOS team to help them to complete a landscape garden project in Liverpool. We also were chosen because of our high class landscaping standard to complete Liverpool one Chavasse Park the most prestigious landscape project in the UK during 2008 which won BALI Grand award for the best landscape project for that year.
Knowledge and Experience
We have vast experience and knowledge in all aspects of landscaping including paving and driveway installations, garden makeovers, garden design which can incorporate timber features and garden decking, water features, block paving, Natural Indian sandstone for patios, paths or circle features, and turfing for lawns.
We offer brickwork services as our brick laying team can build garden walls, home extensions, and conservatory bases.
For over 25 years we have been in the business of designing and transforming gardens and driveways throughout Liverpool, Wirral, Formby, Southport, St Helens, Knowsley, Sefton, Widnes and other areas in the Merseyside region.
For More information on the regions we cover please visit our website: www.abellandscaping.co.uk
Or
Call Us on: 0845 030 9029
Bricks and the Big Load
