Building a breeze block wall is not difficult, but it does require some planning to ensure that the wall is straight and level. A few simple tools, such as a level, hammer, spade and tape measure will be needed during construction. You may also need a rubber mallet or maul to drive your block pins into place.
The breeze blocks are used to build a wall, the breeze block is characterized by their light weight and thin. The breeze block can be installed with cement mortar or grout, but this method is not suggested for many modern structures like homes or commercial buildings because countless holes will be drilled into them. So, it is easy to see the poor performance of an exterior wall built of breeze blocks. In general, the breeze block wall should be built out side where there is no danger of water getting into your walls.
Breeze blocks are a popular material for constructing walls in the United States, due to their strength, affordability and ease of installation. Whether you’re building an outdoor wall or just want to add some privacy indoors, here’s an overview of how breeze blocks work:
1.Determine the height and width of your wall.
The first step in building a breezeway is to determine the height and width of your wall. The size of your block, mortar joints and other factors will affect how much you’re able to build during each pour. For example, if you’re using a six-inch block but want room for an eight inch joint then you’ll need to plan accordingly. This can be done by measuring the length of your blocks as well as calculating how many courses high you’ll go with each pour.
2.Obtain the appropriate footing materials
Footings are the concrete foundation that supports the wall. You can make them yourself using a mixture of gravel, sand and cement. For example, if you have a 6-inch thick footing, it should be 12 inches wide and long. The footing should also extend down at least 12 inches into the ground for stability.
3. Excavate the area where you will build your wall
Excavate the area into which you will build your breeze block wall. Dig down at least 6 inches, or 2″ deeper than the depth of the soil. While digging, be careful not to hit any underground pipes, cables or power lines. If you hit something that could damage your shovel or cause injury, stop digging immediately and contact an electrician or gas line inspector for further instructions.
Use a shovel to dig the trench in which you will lay the blocks. Place it at an angle so that it cuts through existing grasses and weeds easily without harming them (or even killing them). Make sure all sides are at least 2 inches deep before laying your foundation layer of blocks onto it.
4.Dig a trench for the concrete footing
It’s time to start digging. The trench for the footing should be at least as deep as the thickness of your concrete blocks and at least wide enough to accommodate them. It should also be long enough to fit all of your pieces in a single row or if you’re going with two rows, it should be wide enough that the ends of both rows fit snugly next to each other without leaving gaps between them.
5.Add some wire mesh to reinforce the concrete
- Add some wire mesh to reinforce the concrete
If you choose to use wire mesh, place it over the first layer of concrete and then add another layer on top. This will reinforce your blocks and make them stronger. Wire mesh is a good way to keep concrete from cracking.
6.Remove any extra dirt and rocks
- Remove any extra dirt and rocks
Use a shovel to remove excess soil. Then, use a sieve or sifter to get rid of any small rocks or other debris that may have been mixed in with the soil. The soil should be damp enough now so that it doesn’t fall through the mesh openings in your screening material. Sweep out any dust left on your patio area with a broom or blower, then sweep off the screen itself and replace it into the frame with the mesh facing up for easy access when you’re ready to put more soil down later on.
7.Install the cement board on the upper part of the footings
Install the cement board on the footings by making sure that it is level. Use a level to check for this, and if necessary, adjust the cement board with a sledgehammer until it is level. Then, secure the cement board in place with a stapler.
Finally, use a hammer to ensure that any parts of the wall that are not flush will be made flush with each other so there are no gaps between parts of your breeze block wall.
8.Attach galvanized starter bars to keep the breeze blocks in place
To keep the breeze blocks in place, you will need to use galvanized starter bars. These are metal bars that are placed on the bottom of the wall and extend up 2-3 courses (2-3 rows). I prefer to place them every 4 or 5 blocks, instead of every course or row.
If your walls are straight up and down, you can use these dimensions:
- Starter bars should be 16-20″ long
- Placement should be every 4-5 blocks
9.Lay a bed of mortar on the cement board, then lay the first row of blocks on top of it.
Lay a bed of mortar on the cement board, then lay the first row of blocks.
Lay mortar between each block in your first row and set them all down.
Now, lay your second row of blocks on top of this one and repeat the process with mortar between each block. Lay a third and final row if necessary or desired (it’s recommended for walls higher than 5 feet tall).
10.Trowel mortar in between each individual block in your first row, then place another layer of blocks above that, staggering them so they are offset from the bottom row by half their length each time.
- Trowel mortar in between each individual block in your first row, then place another layer of blocks above that, staggering them so they are offset from the bottom row by half their length each time.
- Apply the mortar to both sides of each block so it spreads out evenly. The mortar should be troweled on with a flat edge trowel in a uniform manner that is consistent with the rest of your wall.
11.Continue to lay your blocks until you have reached your desired height, then trowel mortar on top of your last block in order to connect it to a header row. Finish off with a layer of concrete over that as well! Takeaway: The key is making sure all surfaces are clean and dry before applying any mortar or paint
- Make sure all surfaces are clean and dry before applying any mortar or paint.
- Apply the mortar in a thin layer using a trowel, then smooth it to create a flat surface.
- Apply the mortar in a brick pattern, starting from the center and working outwards to avoid drips from your trowel.
- Allow the mortar to set for at least 24 hours before applying paint.
Final words
If you’ve never built a breeze block wall before, it can seem like an intimidating task. But with the right tools and materials, you’ll be able to construct your own in no time! There are several different ways to build a breeze block wall. Some people may choose one method over another based on their experience level or personal preference.
