New (2nd) build in Brisbane

[applor]

Re: New (2nd) build in Brisbane

Well the good news is with a fair bit of elbow grease using a steel scrubber and water, most of the mortar is gone.
It is not perfect but it is much much better and will do.
I can take a picture tonight to show you the difference.

Now I just have to be careful to keep my mortar much drier for the remainder and hopefully I don't have this problem again.

Thanks Dave

edit: attached picture

[cobblerdave]

Re: New (2nd) build in Brisbane

G'day
To quote the disclaimer on most items these days
" Try in an inconspicuous spot "
If you want to try something you might think dangerous to the finish. Experiment on the inside of the block work.
Regards dave

[cobblerdave]

Re: New (2nd) build in Brisbane

G'day
From my armchair internet view of your pics it doesn't look that bad.
If you plan to brush it down now as long as you don't get stuck into it with anything powered or chemical it will be alright. It can't hurt.
When the cement is cured and dry that mortar will look a lot better I'm sure
Regards davr

[applor]

Re: New (2nd) build in Brisbane

But that can also be applied vice-versa. Often you need to act quickly before things set and cannot be fixed.

We were going to use a hose and brush to try and scrub off the excess. Are you saying we should wait and that it will dry out and either be invisible or brush off?

[cobblerdave]

Re: New (2nd) build in Brisbane

G'day
The block around the mortar is wet ....is what you'd expect, and any mortar is still green and dark. Let everything dry off and cure. Time and distance sometimes solves the problem better than knee jerk action.
Regards

[applor]

Re: New (2nd) build in Brisbane

I have read and am worried a wire brush will permanently scratch the surface of the bricks and ruin the finish though.

Problem is as you say the block is porous so the grey mortar appears to have soaked into the blocks around the joins.
I could just try a hose and brush tonight but failing that acid may be the only way to get it out of the surface.

[cobblerdave]

Re: New (2nd) build in Brisbane

G'day
New vitrified house bricks are cleaned off with hydrochloride acid and high pressure spray. It acts on the cement mortar. Problem is the blocks are cement so you could damage them doing it that way.
Go with wire brushing them off for the moment that mortars still " green" and will lighten up in colour as well .
Sorry I'm a bit reluctant to use acid myself. I've seen some really bad builders cleans you can really ruin things if you do it wrong.
Regards dave

[applor]

Re: New (2nd) build in Brisbane

Hey Dave,

Thanks for the reply and some of my mortar did end up being a bit wet.
I will make sure I leave it drier for my next run.
I used a brickies jointer on the mortar joints, they're good.

Any advice on how to clean those areas now? It's been a day so maybe I need to do the acid + water blend and scrub it off?

edit: just read a guide saying to let it harden, chip off excess then soak with water and brush off with cleaning solution. Will give that a go at some stage then.

[cobblerdave]

Re: New (2nd) build in Brisbane

G'day
Wiping them down with a damp cloth is nigh on impossible with cement block its pretty porous.
You might want to cut down the water in mud it appears to be soaking into the block. Add a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid to the mix to compensate and make it workable only a teaspoon to the barrow load though.
A quick scrape with the trowel when first layed then leave it till the mortars going off till you brush off any other bits. A piece of hose pipe run over the joints at this stage will smooth off the joints.
I find this really easy to write when I find it hard to do myself even after seeing it done a million times .Do your best I'm sure it will turn out
Regards dave

[applor]

Re: New (2nd) build in Brisbane

Hey guys,

Could use some advice from the brickies amongst us.

I laid a fair portion of my blocks yesterday. Let me tell you what a pain and if I had to start again I'd pay a pro - new respect for you guys.

I am overall happy with the result so far. Some mortar joins are a bit small but otherwise its quite level and solid.

My problem is cleaning off the excess mortar around the joins. Last WFO build the brickie let it dry and then the excess just brushed off.
However for mine its either not dried properly or its too thick or something.

Take a look at the attached photo.

Have I screwed up? Should I have wiped it down with a cloth or something asap (I don't recall the brickie doing this though).

[applor]

Re: New (2nd) build in Brisbane

Just a quick update though no actual progress yet. Just wanted to share my updated plan (attached).
Just need to decide on a brick style/plan with the wife, then I can order the blocks and begin. I will be doing the block laying myself.
Also have been busy building a new front door for the house (1200 wide + side light)

[applor]

Re: New (2nd) build in Brisbane

G'day
This time you're prepared for that slab. This time you'll stick your spade in that cement and shake the liven s@it out of it . Tap the side supports with a hammer and that puppy wil be as smooth as the baby's bum.
You have been the other path... Please some pics and explainations for those who come after you. Your the local slab expert now:cool
Regards dave

Yes definitely live and learn in that regard Won't make that mistake again.

From now on I think I will be posting when I have actual progress to report on and will show my journey to you all. Since I am using the same technique as last time I shouldn't have any questions.
I am considering doing the block laying myself this time though

Thanks fellas!

[applor]

Re: New (2nd) build in Brisbane

Sounds like it's all sorted. Lookin forward to seeing the photos.

Am a little disappointed as i was hoping to see some more hebel in use.

Well it's more or less decided but not sorted yet

I am also disappointed that using Hebel isn't the best option for this build as it does offer a lot of benefits.
If I hadn't anchored those 5 reo bars I probably would have gone all Hebel.

[cobblerdave]

Re: New (2nd) build in Brisbane

G'day
This time you're prepared for that slab. This time you'll stick your spade in that cement and shake the liven s@it out of it . Tap the side supports with a hammer and that puppy wil be as smooth as the baby's bum.
You have been the other path... Please some pics and explainations for those who come after you. Your the local slab expert now:cool
Regards dave

[oasiscdm]

Re: New (2nd) build in Brisbane

Sounds like it's all sorted. Lookin forward to seeing the photos.

Am a little disappointed as i was hoping to see some more hebel in use.
Never mind I have a second build coming in a couple of years. Will go the same route again.