Build with gutter brick It may seem like a challenge, but with the right techniques, it is possible to do a flawless job without frustration. Today, we will explore step by step how to lay gutter bricks efficiently, ensuring that your work is aligned and safe.
In this article, I will share practical tips and tricks to prevent your gutter bricks from cracking during laying. Whether you are building or renovating, these tips will be invaluable in achieving a professional result.
How to Lay Gutter Bricks Without Breaking Them
Laying of Canal Bricks
Wall Preparation
Before starting to lay the gutter bricks, it is essential to ensure that the wall is properly supported and prepared. Here, we already have the wall at a height of 3 meters, with doors and well-defined divisions. The lintels were placed above the doors to provide support.
- Support: Make sure the base where the bricks will be laid is level and clean. An uneven base can compromise the alignment of the wall and the fixing of the gutter bricks.
- Alignment Check: Use a bricklayer's ruler to check the alignment of the base. Correct any unevenness before starting the installation.
Hardware and Concreting
To reinforce the structure, we will place two 8 mm iron bars inside the gutters and pour the concrete. This ensures the necessary strength to support the construction load.
- Iron Choice: 8 mm iron is ideal for this type of structure, as it offers the necessary resistance without compromising the space inside the gutter.
- Hardware Positioning: Place the irons in the center of the gutters, ensuring that they are well aligned. This prevents the structure from being compromised during concreting.
- Concrete Preparation: Use good quality concrete, with a mix that guarantees fluidity to fill all the gutters without leaving gaps.
Laying Techniques
Using the Rubber Mallet
Many people wonder if gutters don't break when they're being laid. The answer is simple: you can use a rubber mallet to lay the gutters, just like you do with bricks. Just tap them gently until they stay in place.
- Appropriate Tools: In addition to the rubber mallet, have a trowel and a plumb bob on hand. These tools are essential to ensure the correct alignment and fixing of the gutters.
- Laying Technique: When installing the gutter, tap gently with the rubber mallet, distributing the force evenly. This prevents the gutter from breaking or becoming misplaced.
Dough Preparation
The mixture we use to lay the bricks and gutters has a specific composition: five measures of sand to one measure of cement, with the Flex chapisquinho additive. This additive improves the workability of the mass, facilitating laying.
- Mass Composition: The ratio of five parts sand to one part cement is ideal to ensure adhesion and resistance of the mixture. The Flex plaster additive further improves this mixture.
- Dough Mixing: Use a concrete mixer or mix by hand, ensuring that all components are well incorporated. The consistency should be homogeneous and easy to work with.
Additional Tips
Cutting the Gutters
The gutters have markings that make cutting easier. You can use a trowel or a power tool to do this. Make the cut before laying the gutter to avoid mess and difficulty in cleaning.
- Gutter Markings: Gutters usually have markings on the side that indicate where they should be cut. Use these markings to guide your cut.
- Cutting Tools: A trowel is sufficient to cut the gutter, but a power tool, such as a circular saw, can speed up the process and ensure a more precise cut.
Wall Alignment
Use plumb bobs to ensure that the wall goes up straight. This prevents the plaster from getting thick and wasting material.
- Plumb lines and lines: Stretch lines from one corner of the wall to the other, using plumb lines to ensure vertical alignment. This technique helps keep the wall straight and level.
- Continuous Verification: During installation, constantly check alignment with the plumb line and mason's rule. Correct any deviations immediately to avoid future problems.
Amount of Mass
Don't use too much compound. Apply enough to set the gutter without having to tap it too much.
- Dough Layer: Apply an even layer of putty to the base where the gutter will be placed. The thickness should be sufficient to ensure adhesion, but not so thick that you need to use a lot of force to adjust the gutter.
- Final Adjustments: After laying the gutter, use the trowel to remove excess mortar and ensure that the gutters are properly aligned.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another type of additive in the dough?
Yes, there are several additives on the market, but Flex putty is especially good for improving the workability of the putty. Other additives can also be used, as long as they are compatible with the composition of the putty.
2. Do I need to cut all the gutters before laying?
It is recommended to cut the gutters before laying them to avoid mess and make the process easier. This ensures a precise cut and prevents damage to the gutters that have already been laid.
3. What to do if the gutter breaks during installation?
If the gutter breaks, replace it with a new one. It is important that all the guttering is intact to ensure the structure of the wall. Also, avoid hitting it too hard during installation.
4. How do you know if the wall is aligned?
Use plumb lines and taut lines to check the alignment of the wall throughout the construction process. Check regularly and adjust as needed to maintain alignment.
5. Can I use a regular sledgehammer instead of a rubber mallet?
It is not recommended, as a regular sledgehammer can cause damage to the gutter. A rubber mallet is ideal for laying the gutter without breaking it. It distributes the force evenly and reduces the risk of damage.
6. Is hardware really necessary?
Yes, the hardware inside the gutters is essential to reinforce the structure and ensure the safety of the construction. The hardware helps to distribute the load and prevent cracks and other structural problems.
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