Hello,
I am currently building with aerated concrete blocks and slightly missed the height. I set 3 blocks a bit lower by about 3mm (0.12 inches).
I brought the 4th block back to the same height as the other blocks.
Should I compensate for the 3mm (0.12 inches) gap with mortar from above, or is it also possible to adjust this with thin-bed mortar?
I am currently building with aerated concrete blocks and slightly missed the height. I set 3 blocks a bit lower by about 3mm (0.12 inches).
I brought the 4th block back to the same height as the other blocks.
Should I compensate for the 3mm (0.12 inches) gap with mortar from above, or is it also possible to adjust this with thin-bed mortar?
So, I have now laid out the entire first row of blocks and leveled them all by sanding with a belt sander.
I even had to remove 4 blocks because one corner didn’t have a 90° angle.
I only noticed this the next day when the mortar had already set.
But that’s the advantage of the waterproofing membrane: place a wooden batten on the side of the block and hammer the batten with a steel hammer.
The blocks stay intact and the mortar detaches from the waterproofing membrane.
I also chipped off the mortar from the blocks using a chisel and hammer.
Now I’m considering how to mill the blocks from above for the reinforcement.
Doing it by hand takes forever and is labor-intensive.
I’m also thinking about reinforcing only the first row of blocks and then placing a 5x5 cm (2x2 inch) mesh on top of the following rows.
The groundwater level is currently at its highest. Actually, I brought a pump because the neighbor and I share an old well located right on the property boundary.
The well is so full that I can scoop water out with a bucket, about 30 cm (12 inches) below the old ground level.
I raised my property by 80 cm (31 inches); where my first block row is now, the neighbor has windows.
His rainwater drainage is also not working anymore, and as he told me, his house doesn’t have a horizontal damp-proof course.
The walls draw water up to 1.5 m (5 feet) high on his side.
That means nothing sticks to the walls there except mold.
I even had to remove 4 blocks because one corner didn’t have a 90° angle.
I only noticed this the next day when the mortar had already set.
But that’s the advantage of the waterproofing membrane: place a wooden batten on the side of the block and hammer the batten with a steel hammer.
The blocks stay intact and the mortar detaches from the waterproofing membrane.
I also chipped off the mortar from the blocks using a chisel and hammer.
Now I’m considering how to mill the blocks from above for the reinforcement.
Doing it by hand takes forever and is labor-intensive.
I’m also thinking about reinforcing only the first row of blocks and then placing a 5x5 cm (2x2 inch) mesh on top of the following rows.
The groundwater level is currently at its highest. Actually, I brought a pump because the neighbor and I share an old well located right on the property boundary.
The well is so full that I can scoop water out with a bucket, about 30 cm (12 inches) below the old ground level.
I raised my property by 80 cm (31 inches); where my first block row is now, the neighbor has windows.
His rainwater drainage is also not working anymore, and as he told me, his house doesn’t have a horizontal damp-proof course.
The walls draw water up to 1.5 m (5 feet) high on his side.
That means nothing sticks to the walls there except mold.
Good evening, I’m now working on the fourth course and wondering what would be better for the concrete lintel above the windows and doors.
Should I mix the concrete myself or use a pre-mixed product?
How does the load-bearing capacity compare if I mix it myself, and how long would I need to wait before I can place the blocks on top?
I would prefer to pour it myself since I could add more reinforcement and it would bond better with the blocks.
Also, the ready-made lintels don’t match my block width, meaning I’d have to lay two side by side.
Should I mix the concrete myself or use a pre-mixed product?
How does the load-bearing capacity compare if I mix it myself, and how long would I need to wait before I can place the blocks on top?
I would prefer to pour it myself since I could add more reinforcement and it would bond better with the blocks.
Also, the ready-made lintels don’t match my block width, meaning I’d have to lay two side by side.
Similar topics