Tilebrick

Tilebrick co-ordinates with brick and block setting out – vertically, Tilebrick gauges two Tilebricks to one 225mm block coursing height.

Tilebrick is tapered from front to back when viewed on plan, allowing for two thirds of the perpendicular joint to be filled with mortar, whilst maintaining a mortar-less appearance on elevation. Mortar is also laid to a 10mm thick bed joint between each Tilebrick. Again, the appearance of mortar-less masonry is maintained due the Tilebrick lip masking the horizontal bed joint (for detailed laying instructions, see page 11). As the joint face is not exposed, a designation (iii) mix should be adequate in most cases, and good workability normally achieved with cement:lime:sand mixes will be advantageous. A well graded building sand should be used. For blue Tilebrick, a designation (ii) mortar with reduced water content will aid laying.

As with all masonry products, care should be taken during storage and construction to prevent products becoming saturated. Smooth Blue units stain readily if in contact with wet mortar, therefore it is essential to keep freshly laid Tilebrick protected from wet weather. It is imperative that all walls must be covered when work stops. Whether construction takes place in hot summer months or over the winter period, Tilebrick needs adequate protection from follow-on trades, and also the elements, to ensure that performance and appearance is not compromised.

Tilebrick units are manufactured to a size tolerance of +1/-3mm on length, +/-2mm on width and +1/-3mm on height. Measurement should be taken across the face for length, across the centre top for width and across the back centre for height.As with any special shaped unit, Tilebricks should be treated with care. Cutting of units will be required on site, therefore it is essential that these operations are carried out with an industrial diamond tipped, water cooled saw blade. After cutting, rinse with clean water and allow to dry before laying. Using dry blades may result in excess chipping.

Always try to build as cleanly as possible and protect from saturation as discussed above. If the Tilebrick laying instructions on page 11 are followed, little mortar will require cleaning post-construction. However, if this does arise, use a wooden tool to remove any lumps of mortar from the surface. To clean down after mortar has cured, wet with a fine water spray and use a soft bristle brush, repeatedly rinsing. For more stubborn areas, a proprietary masonry cleaner may be used being sure to pre-wet the wall prior to application. After reaction, rinse with a fine water spray working from the top of the elevation downwards. Do not saturate the Tilebricks or use pressurewashing equipment.