Brick has been used since times immemorial for construction of any form of building. The only variation has been in the material content used for the manufacture of brick. Brick wall serves both as a load bearing and non-load bearing member i.e. partition wall. Hence it becomes inevitable to ensure a perfect finish that promises both strength and durability. So, let us dive into the pool of masonry works and recollect few important key points to get a quality work-
- Before starting the paint work, make sure you have finalized upon the following-
- Quantity of brickwork to be done
- Contractor/ vendor who will be carrying out the painting
- Terms & Conditions i.e. whether the work awarded to the contractor is on item rate basis/ lump sum/ labour rate (without material). Make sure the time, quality, cost and scope are discussed transparently between both the client and the contractor. This important so as to ascertain that we get value for both time and money invested.
- Ensure the material (brick, sand, cement and water), all the tools and equipment, scaffolding, ladders and PPE’s are of approved quality. Manpower to be deployed for executing the work is well trained and proficient.
It is imperative upon us to ensure efficient management of resources at site by synchronizing the cost, time and quality as per the scope of work decided for and effective management of decided project. So following aspects need to be obeyed-
- Proper hacking has to be done at the point of contact with brick masonry.
- All dirt has been removed, surface of contact with brick masonry is neat and clean.
- Proper scaffolding, ladder and working platforms must be erected as per the site condition.
- Bricks should have been soaked in water for at least 1 hour. If this is not done, it will extract water from the mortar which will result in the weakness of the wall.
- Ensure that the cement, sand is mixed properly with water such that the ratio of cement:sand is 1:4 to 1:6 or as approved by the client such that the structural strength is not jeopardized with.
- Mortar prepared must not be allowed to set, else it will become unfit for use.
- Frog side of brick, i.e. surface inscribed with letters must be laid upwards so as to receive the mortar
- Joints between bricks are filled properly such that no hollow space is left and that the thickness is neither less than 6mm nor greater than 12mm.
- Vertical joints should not fall in a straight line and must be staggered for better interlocking.
- Each Brick layer should be of uniform thickness.
- Not more than 1m of brickwork is to be raised in a single day. If done, the brick wall is liable to fall.
- Racking of joints should be done properly after completing the course
- Fallen mortar must be used before it starts to set.
- Adequate openings should be left in the brickwork for installation of scaffolding for plastering and also for doors and windows while ensuring correct horizontal and vertical alignment using plumbline.
- Curing i.e. pouring of water is to be done after 24 hours of erection for 10-12 days.
- Toothing should be left for laying of subsequent course.
If above points are observed religiously at a site, chances of failure of any brick wall gets eliminated.
