FACING BRICKS IN CLINKER

Application instructions   

 
Mortar for stoneware bricks: 

As these bricks present lower suction levels that normal bricks, the mortar used to lay them must present special features as ceramic parts hardly alter the water content of the mortar. Consequently, the mortar must only contain the amount of water necessary for its correct hydration. 

If there is too much water in the mixture, it will not be absorbed by the brick, delaying the drying process and dripping down the facade causing stains. In order to reduce the amount of water in the mixture without affecting the usability of the mortar, we recommend adding plasticising agents. This will provide mortar that is easy to apply but with lower water contents that make it more cohesive when fresh. 

In the case of low suction bricks, we recommend the use of mortar with the above-mentioned features and, if the mixture is prepared on site, the following must be taken into account: 

- Do not use sand but fines, avoid excess gross solids.
- Use lime to improve the usability of the mortar.
- Use plasticising agents in accordance with the UNE 83.200.84 standard and that have a quality certificate. Always follow manufacturers' instructions.
- When mixing do not exceed a water-cement rate of 0.50; take into account the influence of sand moisture in the final proportion.

 Storing: 

- Stoneware bricks must be completely dry when laid; therefore remove the plastic wrap on the pallet at least two days before laying the bricks. 

Dampness: 

Stoneware bricks must not be dampened before laying. 

Cutting: 

- Stoneware bricks must be completely dry to cut; after cutting, let them dry perfectly for 48 hours to eliminate all moisture caused by cutting. 
- Once a brick has been cut correctly, clean the facing surface and let the brick dry before laying. 
- To avoid staining the bricks, clean the machine, especially each time different coloured bricks are to be cut.

Expansion joints:

When designing a facing brick wall, take into account the need for expansion joints, as the materials used contract and expand with changes in dampness and temperature.

Apart from the relevant joints on the wall, you must always respect the building's structural joints.

Key joints:

These are elements used to block or link the two sheets or sides of a brick wall. They help improve the stability of a wall.

One of the sides of those used on expansion joints will feature a plastic coating to avoid adhering to the mortar and, therefore, to allow the horizontal movement on the wall face.

When you wish to connect the two sections of the exterior face with the interior face, use T shape key joints that are coated at both ends.

The type of key joint used must be specified in the project. Follow the installation instructions mentioned in the brick-laying chapter.

On site layout:

Choose pieces randomly for the on site layout. Proceed with maximum precision and care.

- Start by tracing the plan of the walls; place the first and second brick footing without mortar.

- First layout the corners and pay special attention to openings, including them in the layout of the first brick footing line. (see image)

- Take into account acceptable brick tolerance levels (on the nominal value and the maximum dispersion for the model selected), establish the thickness of the necessary joint.

- The joints will be evenly placed and have the same thickness.

- Standard joint separation is between 10 and 20 mm (in the case of different separations see the section on Joints).

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Bond:

Bond is defined as the way bricks are placed to guarantee the solidity of the construction.

There are as many solutions and possibilities as the design allows, but always in compliance with the NTW-FFL: "Pieces below the size of 1/2 a brick may not be used, any type of bond may be used, with overlaps that are not less than 1/4 the size of the bond minus one joint."

From an aesthetic point of view, if facing bricks are used, the bond used is of great importance as it forms part of the general aspect of the wall.

The design allows many combinations, but all pieces must be bonded in one or more directions and throughout their entire thickness. The functional requirements of the wall will determine its thickness.

This will be of one or more brick widths. The following expressions are usually used:

1 width = 1/2 foot

2 widths + 1 joint = 1 length = 1 foot

The different types of bonds include the following combinations:

Stretcher bond

The piece is laid on its base lengthwise. The bricks are laid parallel to the wall.

Header bond

The piece is laid on its base and the header is parallel to the wall.

Stretcher and header bond

The bricks are combined in different ways, either in alternate layers (English and Belgian bond) or in the same layer (Flemish and Dutch Bond).

Corners

A project must always plan the type of bond used, study the ways the pieces meet and the important points in the design of a building. Bonding laws must always be complied with even when special elements are uses, especially on the corners. When pieces meet, if the bond between the parts cannot be performed correctly, reinforcements will be used.

FURTHER INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND IN THE "FACING BRICK MANUAL" IN THE "MANUALS" SECTION IN THE TECHNICAL SECTION