Things to consider

Brickwork Bonds

Different brickwork bonds 

Stretcher bond

Bricks are laid horizontally and flat with long side called a stretcher. And in this bond all bricks are laid as stretcher. Commonly Used for sleeper walls , boundary walls, partition walls,. Suitable for half brick thick walls. with a medium strength

Header Bond

Header means a shorter span face of the brick. In this bond all bricks are placed with headers to the face of the wall. Suitable for full brick thick walls. Most suitable for curved walls with a high strength 

Flemish Bond

Flemish bond Flemish bond is created by laying alternative headers and stretcher's in the same course of bricks. Common in Victorian and Georgian eras with a medium strength. 

English bond

English bond consists of one course of stretchers and one course of headers alternated. English bond is suitable for one brick thick walls commonly used in warehouses, railway bridges and estate boundary walls because of its strong strength. The garden wall bond is a variation of English and Flemish bond

Mortar types 

Mortar types that are used for pointing

The types of mortar used for pointing depends on the specific requirements of the masonry project. Hear are some of the common types of mortar used for  pointing 

Lime Mortar

Lime mortar is made for lime sand and water. Lime mortar is flexible and breathable. Making it suitable  for older or historic buildings. Lime mortar allows moisture to escape and prevents damage to the brickwork. Lime mortar is recommended in the repair and restoration of masonry where lime mortar was used in the original construction process. And helping prevent damage to softer construction materials such as natural stone and softer old bricks.

Cement mortar

Cement mortar is made from cement sand and water and is stronger and more durable. Making it ideal for more modern construction materials. It is flexible and breathable but may cause problems when applied to older buildings. And may cause water penetration of masonry. Resulting in the formation of efflorescence ( salts residue on bricks) spalding the crumbling flaking and chipping of the bricks caused by water penetration & the freeze and thaw cycles.

Lime cement mixture

A Hybrid mix that combines lime & cement . Providing flexibility and strength to brickwork . It is suitable for buildings that need breathable and strong bond

Pointing styles

Here are some of the pointing styles and finishes of masonry brickwork

Flush pointing. Full mortar joint to create a smooth flush finish

Recessed / Raked finish. Creates a shadow effect by setting the mortar back for the face of the brick

Weather pointing/Struck pointing. Angles the mortar joint to direct water away. Reducing the risk of frost damage and water penetration.

Bucket handle pointing / concave. a concave finish that is durable and commonly use in residential construction.

V shaped joint. This is traditional style features a v shaped profile with the high point at the center of the joint . And is commonly used in historic buildings and ads a distinctive finish

Masonry water proffers

Masonry water proffer's are beneficial to prevent water penetration in masonry.

We recommend dry fix masonry protection cream. This is the best value masonry sealer cream on the market. A breathable  sealer for exterior walls . And can be applied to brickwork, render, concrete to prevent water penetration to protect walls with a 20 year guarantee from the manufacturer. And also can help reduce heat loss though walls. 

Silicon water seal is a water repellent brick sealer applied by spray to coat over masonry materials to prevent water penetration with a 10-12 year guarantee form the manufacturer. 

Paving Types

There are many types of paving materials from man made products to natural stone's

Sand stone is a durable and weather resistant paving choice with wide range of colours from grays ,tans,reds & buffs, suitable for patios, walkways & pool surrounds

Lime stone provides a smooth fast drying slip resistant surface. With a range of colours from whites, tans, gray's & darker variations. Suitable for patios, pathways but can be susceptible to fading or acid damage with out proper sealing.

Man made concrete paving slabs are extremely durable and long lasting,. With a wide range if colours and styles to choose from. They are suitable for both heavy and light traffic and resistant to water & weathering.