Installation Guide for Greenway Systems Thin Bricks
Important Disclaimer
This guide provides an in depth explanation of how to install Thin Bricks in shop, office and home. Although we attempt to cover in as much detail as possible all the steps and procedures required to assist you in the installation process, it is important to note that not all situations and circumstances may be applicable for the below procedures. In certain situations where a number of solutions may apply, the DIY-er or tradesman may be required to use their own judgment.
Although this guide covers the main steps for installation to Gyprock plasterboard wall and masonry wall, the thin brick can be suitable for installation on other surfaces. For any specific installation questions, you can contact us at [email protected]. .
The approximate additional weights to the wall:
Conventional clay thin brick – 25 kg m2
Faux recycled-look thin brick – 20 kg m2
Brick panel – 50 kg m2
We recommend that you consult with your structural engineer whether the structural of your wall is adequate supports the addition weights
Wall Surface
Pre-existing Gyprock walls (plasterboard)
You don’t need strip the existing plasterboard, just cladding James Hardie Villaboard on top the existing Gyprock.
To properly install the new cladding, please follow the Villaboard installation guidelines, it provides specific instructions to assist you in installing the sheets.
New interior & external walls
Ensure frame is square and work from a central datum line. Frames must be straight and true to provide a flush face to receive Villaboard (internal wall) or fibro cement sheet (external wall)
Use only seasoned timber. Unseasoned timber must not be used as it is prone to shrinkage and can cause Villaboard lining and frames to move. Please refer to the manufactory’s manual and other relevant building codes.
Pre existing masonry/concrete walls
Greenway thin bricks can be applied to masonry or concrete walls, the wall surface must be clean, dry and free of any material that will reduce an effective bond.
It is extremely difficult to remove the paint from the cement rendered walls, ensure any loose paint be removed.
Preparation
Primer to the substrate is recommend by using a broom, brush roller or squeegee, then allow the primer to dry. Mark a line at the base of the wall (using a line level and chalkline or a laser level) to lay the bricks in a straight line.
Determine the pattern of the thin bricks, Stretcher bond is one of the most common pattern. It is easy to lay with little waste and composed entirely of stretchers set in rows, offset by half a brick.
Mix the flexible tile adhesive with water, please follow the adhesive manufacturer’s guidelines. Allow the mixture to stand for 5 minutes, remix then use the adhesive
Install Thin Bricks
Use a no 8 V-notched trowel to spread some of the adhesive onto the wall. For best results, cover only a small area at a time, to ensure that the bricks properly bond with the adhesive.
Starting at the bottom left corner if there are corners involves, place the first corner brick level with the guide previously marked out, push it firmly into the thinset adhesive to seat it, allow a 10mm gap between clay brick, and 5-7mm for faux thin bricks.Keep installing brick tiles by lining them up.
The final row of brick tiles in either direction or any odd space likely need to be cut to size. Begin by holding the full tile up to the area where it needs to be installed, and marking a pencil line where it will need to be cut. The most economical way to cut by Bolster chisel or Mumme Electricians Bolster, or cutting by a power tilesaw.
Apply Mortar
You can choose No mortaring for internal wall
Put a generous amount of tile adhesive on the wall and press down firmly. The excess adhesive will seep out and fill some of the gaps. This is most easy way without make mess of the brick face.
Choose the colour of grout to suit your project, most grout comes many colours. For internal project , a regular tile grout and mortar is sufficient. For external projects, we suggest cementitious sand base Grout designed for the joints up to 10mm, or a common mortar made from one part cement to one part of lime and 6 parts of sand, and add grout additive to make a more flexible and robust under the conditions of sun, wind and rain.
Pointing Grout by a piping bag or a mortar gun, fill the gaps with mortar/grout then strike when partially dry.
Unless the bricks have been sealed beforehand or paint the wall, we do not recommend using traditional methods to apply the grout. The bricks are porous and it will make cleaning afterward very difficult.