I. Exterior Wall Brick Construction Process Flow
1、 Stringing
- Identify the size and color of the exterior wall bricks.- Determine the spacing between bricks (typically 5mm) and the laying design requirements (e.g., brick lap).- Then, mark the layout lines according to the specified laying design and the actual dimensions of the bricks on a level, dry substrate.
2、Brick soaking
The exterior wall bricks should be immersed in clean water before installation, and should be dried before being laid.
3、Application/Installation
Use a trowel to apply cement behind the exterior wall bricks, ensuring it fills all gaps between the bricks and the wall, then spread it evenly across the wall surface according to the grid lines.
4、Joint Filling
First, wet the brick surface with water and allow it to dry. Then, apply cement mortar in the appropriate ratio to fill the joints. After the mortar has partially set, use a rubber scraper to remove the mortar from the brick surface. Next, dampen the surface with a sponge and wring it out thoroughly. Finally, wipe the surface clean with a sponge to remove any remaining cement residue.
5、Joint filling
The brick joint effects can be convex, concave, or flush with the brick surface. Different brick joint designs can achieve different decorative effects. After the jointing is completed, use appropriate tools to smooth the joint, and then wipe the surface clean with a clean cloth.
6、Cleaning and Maintenance
After the filling is complete (the exact time may vary depending on weather conditions, typically around 30 hours), thoroughly clean the brick surface with water from top to bottom. Before the exterior bricks are completely dry, do not perform any grinding, as this can damage the exterior bricks.
Two. important considerations for exterior wall brick construction.
1、Reserve expansion joints
If the wall does not have dedicated expansion joints designed, it means that expansion joints need to be designed and installed separately during construction. These expansion joints should be arranged in 1000x2000 or 2000x2000 formats. This will make the exterior wall look more aesthetically pleasing and also allow the expansion joints to function effectively, reducing the risk of detachment and damage.
2、Pay attention to changes in construction temperature.
During the installation of exterior bricks, it is important to ensure that the ambient temperature does not exceed a certain limit, as this can cause the bricks and substrate to become excessively dry, leading to rapid water loss in the bonding layer. Additionally, if the bonding cement does not hydrate properly, the resulting bonding layer will not achieve the required strength, which can lead to blistering and detachment.