In order to achieve a durable and aesthetic construction built of EkoKLINKIER proceed in accordance with the following rules of correct bricklaying:

I. Organization of work before the execution of the construction

1) prepare the location of the construction to be built of façade bricks i.e. complete all structural and insulation elements constituting the basis of façade layer made of bricks in accordance with Design Documentation.

2) Order the bricks in advance with consideration of whole project – it is necessary in order to achieve the correct effect of melange. Having stored all required façade bricks at the construction site, the builder can  “mix” the shades from one collection and consequently achieve “the randomness” on the façade. Any supplementation of the stock of bricks in course of bricklaying works increases  the risk of creation of large surface areas on the façade with diversified shades. The bricks stored at construction site must be protected against contamination and moisture (setting on pallets and covering with plastic foil).

3) Prepare proper bricklaying tools: trowel for mortar application; trowel for joints (long joint trowel for horizontal joints, short joint trowel for vertical joints – the joint trowels must be narrower than the thickness of the joint), the vertical straightedges (for instance square – sawn timber with dimensions of 10 x 10 cm - – preferably should be provided with sheathing made of metal sheet in order to prevent their bending in course of bricklaying), bricklayer cord (inextensible!!!) with two fastening blocks, mason’s level, mason’s hammer, mason’s pencil, tape measure , and brush for facade cleaning; clean sponge for removal of contaminations; strips with squared cross-section with square side equal to the height of the joint.

II. Bricklaying and pointing technology

1) the bricklaying and pointing are not permitted in case of frost and precipitations.

2) Commencing all bricklaying works ensure the correct positioning of two vertical straightedges with the height of at least single storey along the length of façade (start, end) in order to provide side edges of the façade made of bricks. The straightedges have to be aligned and properly anchored thereafter. So called average heights of layers will be marked on straightedges, measuring from “the top to the bottom” of the façade (e.g. from the most characteristic and difficult point of the façade). Therefore the first bottom joint becomes a compensating joint.

3) The bricklaying should be commenced from “dry” laying of the first layer of bricks in order to enable the correct measuring of vertical joints

4) for bricklaying use the mortars suitable for clinker bricks and apply them in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer.

5) use the bricks originating from at least five pallets in course of completion of brickwork in order to achieve correct melange effect.

6) the bricklaying should be always carried out in the form of complete layers ” in accordance with “the average height of the layer.

7) in case of erection of the construction of cavity walls, remember about the necessity to consider air intakes and the principle of anchoring with load bearing wall.

8) successive layers of brickwork should be laid precisely in accordance with the level of the bricklayer cord extended on vertical straightedges and determining so called “average height of the layer”. Therefore any multiple checks of the level of individual layers are unnecessary. The levelling strips can be used in course of laying the successive layers of bricks – and gently removed after the drying of joint.

9) the last courses of bricks should be properly protected with plastic foil when bricklaying is interrupted.

10) after erection of the facade, residuals of mortar should be removed from the  bricks and the joint to be pointed.

11) the pointing of a ceramic facade is performed by means of special mortar for pointing.

12) the pointing is always carried out from “the top to the bottom” of the façade and from the horizontal to vertical joints.

13) the impact of joints constituting 20 up to 50% of total surface area of the façade on its final appearance is huge. Various shapes of joints are possible depending on the architecture requirements. From the workmanship and technology point of view, the joint the flushed joint is the best type of joint.

14) After completed pointing of the whole façade, use a soft brush to remove any crumbs of mortar.
15) the facade can be additionally protected by means of impregnating compounds for façade and clinker bricks.

  Architect Tomasz Michalak