Hi All,

My wife came home yesterday, and wasn't happy with the builder's blockwork. Specifically she felt that the mortar wasn't bonded to the blocks properly as he hadn't soaked the blocks before laying them.

I've had a quick Google to see if this has been answered here before (as I seem sure it must have)), but can't find anything.

Should Thermalite blocks be soaked before use?

My wife says my FIL (who was an Architechtural Technican and knew stuff) used to soak his as this prevents them from immediately sucking all the moisture out of the mortar joints and messing up the bond.

I had a quick Google last night, and when I could find nothing here read a post in a less august forum.


The general concensus from most of the people (who mostly claimed to be brickies, etc). Was don't soak the blocks (as it can lead to cracking when they dry out), but use a wet mix and get them down quick (one or two did say they had been on site and seen them being soaked). But then, they may be more interested in how quick they can get paid and move onto the next job, rather than the longevity or otherwise of the structures they build.

What does the team think?

Tia

Chris