Brick Layer Perth WA builds walls, chimneys and repairs decorative stonework. They also work on restoration projects. You can learn the skills to become a bricklayer through vocational education or apprenticeships.
To make sure you lay your bricks straight, use a string and clamps to create guidelines. This will give you a precise, accurate line to work with.
Bricklayers construct walls and other structures using bricks, concrete blocks and mortar. They also refurbish masonry and brickwork on restoration projects. They work on sites ranging from large commercial developments to new builds in housing, alterations and extensions.
They typically begin each project by marking out the area in which construction will take place, then calculating how much building material they will need. They then prepare the materials, which may include cutting bricks to size and mixing the mortar. Once this is done, the laying out of the work can begin.
The first course of bricks is laid to form the foundation of the structure. A bricklayer must ensure that each course is perfectly level and square. After laying the foundation, they then attach a line to guide them in constructing each subsequent course. This is known as a builder’s line, and it helps them keep their work on the straight and narrow.
Depending on the site and type of project, a bricklayer may have to read blueprints and work with other construction professionals. They must have a good understanding of the science behind how different types of building materials interact with each other, particularly when under stress or pressure.
Bricklayers are also expected to be competent at using a variety of tools and equipment to create bespoke masonry structures. For example, they will frequently use a trowel to shape bricks to match existing ones or to achieve a particular look, as well as a hammer and chisel for more detailed work. They are also responsible for ensuring that they follow the relevant health and safety guidelines at all times.
In addition to these core skills, a bricklayer must have a good eye for detail and be confident working with power tools in a range of weather conditions. They will also be expected to follow the instructions of their supervisors, or journeypersons, as they are learning the trade.
To become a bricklayer, you will usually need to complete an apprenticeship with a construction company. This involves a combination of on-the-job training and classroom studies, and it is a great way to get started in the construction industry.
Mixing the Mortar
Bricklayers must mix the mortar, which is a type of thick cement, to a workable consistency before using it. They also apply it to brick walls to build and repair them. This process requires a variety of skills including measuring, mixing, pouring, smoothing and pointing. It also involves sanding and coloring the finished product.
It is important that the bricklayer knows how to use the right tools for the job. For example, it is recommended to use a mixer drill with a paddle of the proper size and shape to avoid getting excess air in the mortar mix. Most mortar mix bags will have instructions on how to make the best mortar, but they will vary by brand and product.
Adding the correct amount of water is critical to the success of the mortar. If there is too much water, it causes the mortar to become stiff and unworkable. However, if the mortar is dry and too crumbly it will not bond properly with the bricks or tiles. In addition, bricklayers must keep in mind that the slaking process is important and it usually takes around ten minutes for this to take place.
The mixing of the mortar can be done by hand or with a concrete mixer. Regardless of how the mortar is mixed, it must be made to the correct consistency and should be free of any clumps or puddles. When it is mixed properly, the mortar will have standing ridges and should not slump when spreading it with a trowel. It should also have the texture of toothpaste and be easy to spread.
In addition to sand, there are additives that can be used to change the color of the mortar and to provide a waterproofing agent. These additives include masonry cement and chemical plasticizers. Some bricklayers may even add dye to their mortar to ensure it matches closely with the color of the brick they are working on.
During the slaking stage, bricklayers should ensure that they are working in warm conditions. This is because the temperature of the surface on which they are working can impact how quickly the mortar dries. When the mortar is exposed to cold temperatures it can take days for it to reach its full strength capability.
Applying the Mortar to the Bricks
Once the mortar is mixed, it must be applied to the bricks. A bricklayer must apply the mortar evenly so that it is strong and durable. He or she must also make sure that the brick is set into the mortar correctly.
When applying the mortar, a bricklayer must wear protective gear such as safety goggles and a face mask. The mortar mix can be toxic if inhaled. A bricklayer should also wash any dust off of his or her skin immediately after working with the dry mixture. This helps to prevent irritation.
A bricklayer can use a hand tool such as a hawk or trowel to apply the mortar or a power tool such as a mortar gun. The mortar gun requires a bit of practice to master as it may take some time to adjust the consistency. The mortar mix should be a little on the wetter side so that it can be squeezed into the brick joints. Mix that is too dry can clog up the gun and make it difficult to work with.
Mortar should be pushed in between the bricks with a pointing tool, such as a pointed trowel or wheel rake. A bricklayer should also smooth the mortar and compact it with the flat surface of the trowel.
After completing three to four courses of bed joints, a bricklayer should then fill in the head joints. These are the shorter joints that run vertically or perpendicular to the bed joint. These joints should be filled to the same height as the bed joints and should have a slight indentation where the brick is set.
A bricklayer should use a mason’s line to guide him or her as he or she works. This helps to ensure that the bricks are lined up correctly and level. The mason’s line can be tied to two bricks and placed on the wall or it can be attached with nails to a piece of plywood.
Finishing the Work
Bricklayers work with a wide range of materials to construct and repair walls, chimneys, paths and foundations. They may build structures for domestic, commercial and industrial purposes. Masonry is a craft that requires years of training to master, from the use of tools to the precise process of placing each brick. Brick layers often begin a project under the supervision of a general or masonry contractor, and they will usually plan ahead and calculate how many materials they need before starting to lay the bricks.
As the project progresses, a bricklayer may need to smooth out any connecting mortar layers with his trowel to make sure they are flat and even. He will also carefully inspect each brick for any irregularities or blemishes before using his hammer to shape them as needed. Once the bricks are shaped and the mortar is applied, the bricklayer will then use his trowel to create a thin coating of grout around each brick, making sure the mortar is properly sealed to protect the surface.
A skilled bricklayer is also able to cut through the hard, dense surface of each brick using a saw or power grinder. This can be necessary to allow water and air into a building or to cut a hole for plumbing or electrical wires. A bricklayer is also capable of repairing cracks or other damage to the underlying structure, and can often work in conjunction with other tradespeople to ensure that the overall project is finished on time and within budget.
Most bricklayers have formal qualifications like a high school diploma or college courses in construction skills and some form of apprenticeship, which normally includes three to four years of on the job training. They may also need to obtain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card in order to work on construction sites.
With experience, a bricklayer can progress to roles as site supervisors or foremen. They can also seek out specialised training in areas such as stonemasonry, heritage restoration or tuckpointing to increase their career opportunities. They can even start their own masonry business as self-employed subcontractors.
