BREEZE BLOCK INSTALLATION
Printable Installation instructions PDF
Preparatory work
Waterproofing: Waterproof the subgrade if it is in contact with natural ground in order to eliminate the potential for adverse effects caused by capillary condensation.
Preliminary placement: Before starting the installation process, it is advisable to set out the units separate from one another at a distance equal to the grout joint size in order to check the layout and location of the columns and openings for doors or windows.
Layout and leveling: Lay out the breeze block walls in accordance with the project specifications and check the leveling of the tie beams and foundation layers. Make any necessary adjustments.
Installation
Installation procedure: First, moisten the clay units by immersing them in water for two to five minutes being careful to avoid oversaturating them. Allow any excess surface moisture to evaporate from the units before installing.
Mortar preparation: Prepare the adhesive mortar. Mortar may be ready-mixed or site-mixed. If using ready-mixed dry mortar, prepare it following the manufacturer’s instructions. Site-mixed mortar is usually prepared at a cement:sand ratio of 1:3.
Installation of guides: Installation of guides: In keeping with the outline, level and install reference guides (straight-edge rulers) at the ends of the breeze block wall, at an appropriate distance. Determine the height of the first course based on the thickness of the subgrade plus the height of the breeze block unit; level and fasten the string to the rulers at the specified height.
Foundation mortar: Apply the layer of foundation mortar for the first course and apply mortar along the vertical face of the breeze blocks in advancing direction along the foundation. Lay the breeze block units, leveling their upper surfaces at the height indicated by the string as previously tied.
Subsequent courses: Raise the reference string by an amount equal to the height of the breeze block plus the size of the mortar joint. Level the string and apply another course of mortar to lay the next course of breeze blocks. Level the course using the reference string. Continue in the same manner until the desired area is entirely filled.
Plumbness: At regular intervals every 3 or 4 courses, verify the plumbness of the wall using either the plumb line or the level in order to prevent any deviation from plumb.
Confinement: If your breeze block board or wall are load-bearing, it is advisable to confine them by tie columns and tie beams with sufficient horizontal and vertical clearance to allow the absorption of any possible movement. Try to limit your brick boards to sections no bigger than 3 m high and 3 m long.
Horizontal reinforcement: If required, you can reinforce your breeze block wall with two 3/16″ diameter grade 60 rods embedded in the horizontal joint mortar once every two courses, anchoring them at the ends to a vertical reinforcing element.
Vertical reinforcement: For vertical reinforcement, a 3/16″ diameter grade 60 rod may be installed every two or three units, embedded in the mortar joint and anchored at either end.
Clean-up: After grouting the joints, clean any excess mortar using a plastic bristle brush and a damp cloth.
