Grunff wrote in message ...
Psfamilyhistory wrote:
I`m about to re-point my detached brick garage and am seeking advice on the
correct mortar mix etc to use.

One of my neighbours did a similar job 4f years ago and some of his replacement
mortar is crumbling and coming out of the joints, especially around the lower
blue brick damp course.

Also is it wise to use PVA as a bond?

I'm by no means an expert on the subject, but here's what's worked well
for me. Use a strong mix of soft sand and cement, around 3:1-4:1. Add
some integral water/frost proofer to your gauging water. Also add PVA to
the gauging water at about 25%. I find this gives a very nice, smooth
mix even at low water content.

Mix it fairly stiff, but wet enough so that the mix doesn't 'crack' when
handled.

Wet the area you're about to render/point, either with water or pref.
with 25% PVA.


If the building is made from soft brick, and lacks good foundations
and expansion joints, eg typical Victorian construction, then the mix
above should not be used, as it is likely to result in damaged and
broken bricks. So it does depend what you have. Victorian built
garages do exist, as do more modern soft brick ones, so I cant assume
this is not an issue.

Also the wall face should not be PVAed as it increases dampness in the
wall. But again, whether that is a real world issue depends on the
type of construction: for some it very much is, for some not.

For Vic walls 1:1:6 is commonly recommended.


Regards, NT