Mortars, bonding and coursing

Fyfestone Mortars, Bonding and Coursing skewed picture of a wallFyfestone Mortars Bonding and Coursing picture of a wall

It is vital that the correct mortar designation is specified when using Fyfestone products. The designer should note however that this may be of a different designation to that used for the surrounding brickwork.

General

Differing effects can be achieved with Fyfestone Architectural Masonry by use of alternative bond patterns. Running bond or half-block lap is the most common used because of its pleasing appearance, good strength properties and ease of laying. Variations can be achieved by varying perpendicular alignment to create zipper, chevron or diagonal effects.

 

Half-blocks are particularly suitable for walls that are curved on plan especially when stack bonded.

Careful detailing of the construction will be needed. English and Flemish bonds can be achieved by the special Architectural Masonry half blocks, which are available across the entire range.

 

Where structural requirements are secondary, horizontal and vertical stack bonds can be used to create a strong `vertical’ appearance. A coursed ashlar or bonding effect which is useful as a method to break large areas of blockwork can be used by incorporating Architectural Masonry half-height blocks in a contrasting colour.

 

The following charts illustrate some of the different ways in which to build Fyfestone Architectural Masonry blocks.

 

Wall design can vary from simple, single sized block bonding and coursing to the attractive uncoursed or random rubble walling effect.

PATTERNS IN COURSING

 
A 225mm Coursing using block sizes: 440mm x 65mm 440mm x 140mm 440mm x 215mm  
B 225mm Coursing using block sizes: 440mm x 65mm 440mm x 140mm 440mm x 140mm  
C 150mm Coursing using block sizes: 440mm x 65mm 440mm x 140mm    
D* 375mm Coursing using block sizes: 440mm x 65mm 440mm x 140mm 440mm x 215mm  
E* Uncoursed using block sizes: 440mm x 65mm 440mm x 140mm 295mm x 215mm  
F 75mm and 150mm Coursing using block sizes: 440mm x 65mm 440mm x 140mm    
G 75mm and 225mm Coursing using block sizes: 440mm x 65mm 440 x 215mm    
H* 150mm and 450mm Coursing using block sizes: 440mm x 65mm 440mm x 140mm 440mm x 215mm  
I* Uncoursed using block sizes 300mm x 65mm 300mm x 140mm 440mm x 140mm 295mm x 215mm
J 225mm Coursing using block sizes: 300mm x 65mm 300mm x 140mm 440mm x 140mm 295mm x 215mm
K* Uncoursed using block sizes: 300mm x 65mm 300mm x 140mm 440mm x 140mm 295mm 215mm
L 225mm Coursing using block sizes: 440mm x 215mm      
M 225mm and 300mm Coursing using block sizes: 440mm x 290mm 440mm x 215mm    
N 75mm and 225mm Coursing using block sizes: 440mm x 65mm 440mm x 215mm    
O 300mm Coursing using block sizes: 440mm x 65mm 440mm x 215mm    
P 225mm Coursing using block sizes: 440mm x 215mm Duoblocks      
Q 400mm Coursing using block sizes: 390mm x 190mm      

BONDING PATTERNS - QUANTITIES

Use of Mortars

It is recommended that mortar should be of a buttery rather than a fluid texture with just sufficient water added to provide workability.

 

Architectural Masonry should normally be laid on a full bed of mortar with full, compacted perpend joints.

 

The mortar should be allowed to harden slightly before being finished and tooled according to specification.

 

Prevent mortar from smearing on to the face of the block as cleaning at a later stage is sometimes difficult and can lead to expensive and time-consuming remedial treatments.

Quantities of Units and Mortar Needed per 100m² of wall

 
UNIT BLOCK SIZE (mm) 440 x 215    
NUMBER OF UNITS 988    
WALL THICKNESS (mm) 100 140 215
VOLUME OF MORTAR (m2) 0.66 0.92 1.42

 

Pre-mixed AND Ready to Use Mortars

Quality control is an important factor and consequently these mortars offer construction sites the opportunity to obtain consistent quality. Their use on large developments, where large volumes of mortar are required, result in significant benefits to the contractor by eliminating the need for storage of large quantities of raw materials.

INSTALLATION OF FYFESTONE ARCHITECTURAL MASONRY

Laying

Fyfestone Architectural Masonry should only be installed by masons or suitably experienced bricklayers. Below are some general precautions that should be observed. During construction it is advisable to protect finished work using appropriate gauge polythene sheeting. This prevents mortar drops, mastic, paint and other construction materials staining or adhering to the masonry.

 

Mortar stains can be removed by using a dilute hydrochloric acid (typically 7–10%) solution. The masonry should be wetted down with water to reduce the initial suction by the masonry. Under no circumstances should the masonry be saturated. The stain should be agitated with a nylon brush to break up the surface of the mortar stain. The acid should then be washed from the surface of the masonry. Care should be taken to ensure that the acid washings are collected and conveyed to a safe place for disposal. Protective equipment will be required by the operatives and this will include goggles, rubber gloves and protective overalls.

 

Brace constructions to prevent damage to freshly assembled materials. It is also advisable to limit the height and number of courses constructed in any one day, depending upon the width of the wall, mortar strength, exposure, unit density and weight. Typically, individual lifts should be limited to 1.2m in any one day unless restrained.

Bedding and jointing

Typically, Fyfestone Architectural Masonry products are designed to be fixed with joint sizes of between 5–10mm between the units. All units should be laid and adjusted to final position while the mortar is still plastic. Mortar exuding from joints should be cut away without smearing the face of the unit. Use load-shedding (plastic) spacers to support heavy stones and to prevent the mortar being extruded until it has cured sufficiently.

Do not leave pockets that could collect water. Protect all unfinished masonry with polythene.

 

During hot dry weather, the faces to be jointed should be lightly sprayed with clean water to reduce initial suction and to prevent the masonry from removing too much moisture from the mortar. If this does occur, there may be insufficient water left in the mortar to fully hydrate the mix and this will result in a dry, powdery joint, which may be substantially weaker than anticipated in terms of bond strength. However, it should be noted that the use of water reducing admixtures or other water resistant additives, introduced into the masonry during manufacture may reduce the effectiveness of spraying the joint with water. Ideally, the correct designation of mortar should be specified in the first instance, to suit the environmental conditions.

Jointing / pointing

The choice of mortar pointing will depend upon the appearance required and degree of exposure. It should be made in conjunction with the colour and texture of the mortar and type of masonry unit. For instance, good flush pointing may be difficult to achieve with some textured blocks.

 

In exposed conditions, particularly if full cavity fill is used, raked joints should be avoided. Water can also collect on the exposed top of the masonry units which may increase the risk of frost damage or efflorescence.

Bucket Handle and Weather Struck joints have the best weather resistant properties but need more care to obtain uniform shades.

As the type of joint profile, as shown adjacent, can affect cost, it is advisable to include a full description at the specification stage.

  1. Curved Recessed (Bucket Handle) Joint
    Most commonly used joint which gives excellent weather resistance and can be used to highlight the accuracy of masonry units.
  2. Struck Off Weathered Joint
    Gives good weathering characteristics and can produce interesting shadow effects on masonry walls.
  3. Flush Joint
    Frequently used on selected masonry. May also be ‘Bag Rubbed’ to create a traditional reclaimed stone appearance when used with certain Fyfestone products.
  4. Square Recessed Joint
    Can give a precise effect to masonry units but may be unsuitable for use in exposed conditions or where full cavity fill is utilised. Should be limited to a maximum depth of 10mm.

CUTTING

Fyfestone Architectural Masonry units should be designed to minimise on-site cutting. If it is unavoidable on site, units should be cut with a diamond tipped masonry blade which should ideally be water fed. Once cut, all units should be washed down to remove any excess dust. Due regard should be given to protecting the operative in accordance with the current Health & Safety requirements.

GENERAL GUIDANCE ON THE APPEARANCE OF FYFESTONE ARCHITECTURAL MASONRY

The appearance of Architectural Masonry is a matter of agreement between the specifier / user and the manufacturer.

 

We recommend that a sample reference panel should be built on site to reasonably represent the proposed workmanship, the finished masonry and the mortar colour and joint type. It should be constructed on a level, firm foundation and in a dry location which has good daylight. It should be retained for the duration of the contract to allow for inspection and reference, and be protected from accidental damage and the weather.

 

As a guide, all masonry should be viewed from a distance of 3.0m.

Further information on the workmanship on building sites may be found in BS 8000 : Part 3 : 1989 – Workmanship on Building Sites – Code of practice for masonry.

CPI EUROMIX MORTAR REFERENCES

Recommended mortars from the CPI EUROMIX range have been carefully selected to complement each Fyfestone shade available, as shown below. However, we recommend that samples are obtained at the specification stage to ensure visual compatibility.

FYFESTONE SHADE

CPI EUROMIX masonry mortar colour shades ref no.

  • ELITE GREY PEARL P3
  • FS1
  • ELITE SLATE P38
  • FS2
  • ELITE TAUPE G5
  • FS3
  • ELITE CHARCOAL F7
  • FS4
  • ELITE AMBER O1
  • FS5
  • ELITE MINK O2
  • FS6
  • ELITE SEPIA O3
  • FS7
  • ELITE OCHRE TS1
  • FS8
  • ELITE ROSA O2C
  • FS9
  • ELITE BALMORAL RED AR1
  • FS10
  • ELITE SIENNA B6
  • FS11
  • ELITE RUST CB1
  • FS12
  • ELITE MIXED GREY MG
  • FS13
  • ELITE RUSSET MIX MB
  • FS14
  • ELITE COTTARSTONE GREY CS1
  • FS15
  • ELITE JADE LGR
  • FS16
  • ELITE EBONY M7
  • FS17
  • ELITE CORAL WHITE CW4
  • FS18
  • PREMIER COTSWOLD
  • FS19
  • PREMIER ANTIQUE
  • FS20
  • PREMIER WHEATEN
  • FS21
  • PREMIER GARNET
  • FS22
  • PREMIER DAMSON
  • FS23
  • PREMIER GRITSTONE
  • FS24
  • PREMIER CLAY
  • FS25
  • PREMIER SILVER
  • FS26
  • PREMIER SAGE
  • FS27
  • PREMIER IVORY
  • FS28
  • PREMIER SKYE WHITE
  • FS29
  • PREMIER BLACK PEARL
  • FS30
  • ENVIROBLOCK TERRACOTTA
  • FS31
  • ENVIROBLOCK AUTUMN
  • FS32
  • ENVIROBLOCK HARVEST
  • FS33
  • ENVIROBLOCK BIRCH
  • FS34
  • ENVIROBLOCK ASH
  • FS35
  • ENVIROBLOCK EVERGLADE
  • FS36
  • ENVIROBLOCK GLACIER
  • FS37

 

The following patterns and charts illustrate the different ways in which to build Fyfestone Architectural Masonry walls. Wall design can vary from simple, single sized block bonding and coursing to the attractive coursed or uncoursed wall effect. These patterns offer the specifier a choice, and they also provide a practical aid to the builder.

Where possible, design should utilise standard size modules, as this reduces cutting and wastage.

 

Coursing to openings in modular unit size maintains bond patterns and achieves adequate bearings for lintels and cills. Similarly, opening heights can be detailed to correspond with coursing by height adjustments at the base or by inserting feature courses.

 

Fyfestone can be laid in many different bonding patterns utilising the various coursing heights. Examples of coursing arrangements using two or more of each size units are also shown.