Info About...Construction

Is when a bricklayer uses bricks and in order to build a strong structure, such as walls. The use of bricklaying also helps when filling in window and door spaces.

When bricklaying you need to ensure that you have plenty of room to work in, and that your bricks are kept on flat and firm ground, but also clear of getting wet. When bricklaying it is also a good idea to have the bricks as close to you as possible, not only will this allow you easy access, it will also mean less handling of the bricks allowing you to stay concentrated on the job in hand, after all no body wants a wonky wall do they! It is also a good idea to cover up any unfinished brickwork from the rain as this will cause the bricks to get stained, which is often why you can see white stain marks on newly build brick work.

The next step is to ensure that your mortar mix is just right as this is an essential part of the overall success of your brick work. The aim is to get the mix just right, you don't want it too wet, which is the most common misfortune when it comes to bricklaying, but then on the other hand you don't want it too dry either! Having your mixed too wet with not only effect the strength of the wall, but when clearing away and excess at the end a sloppy mix may get catch in the towel and wiped across the brick work , either way its sure to ruin all your hard work!

Another key element in brick work is the temperature, do not attempt to start any brickwork if the temperature outside is falling or is there is any frost around. The temperature needs to be rising in order for the mortar mix to set. However as no one can unfortunately control the unpredictable English weather if you have started any brick work and the temperature suddenly drops be sure to protect the unsettled mortar mix with the use of hessian and then protect this from any rain by using a plastic cover. However this cannot guarantee that all your hard work will go untouched by the cold and wet English weather, and if you are unlucky enough for it to get wet the best solution is to knock it down and start again!

Here's a list of some of the useful tools to help you with your brickwork;

- Mortar hawk -> for holding your mix.
- Cement -> for your mix.
- Wheelbarrow or a flat board -> to make your mix on.
- Trowel broad -> for putting your mix onto the bricks.
- Lines and Pins -> to keep the bricks in place.
- Brick hammer -> in case you need to break any of the bricks.
- Banister Brush -> to wipe off any excess.

Cladding means placing one material over another to provide a protective layer to protect against wear and tear such as the weather etc. Cladding does not have to be water-proof but is there to prevent damage to the building and its structure.

There can be a lot of waste to remove when building, a grab lorry is ideal for this job, it can hold more rubbish than a skip and can come, remove the waste, and leave.

Some recommended Grab Lorry Hire firms are

First Choice Grab Tipper Hire, 1 Welwyn Ave, Derby DE24 9FN 07860 299608

DSD Grab Tiper Hire, Every Arms Farm Bungalow, Burton Road, Egginton, Derby 07971 800 968

Frost Grab Tipper Hire, 1 Calderdale Drive, Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire 07885 326 423

All are highly experienced and professional.

Welcome

• Welcome to Info About Construction, a look at the practices, skills and techniques used in the construction industry.