Clinkers are significantly more resistant to driving rain and strong winds than plaster, for example. At the same time, the stones are ecologically very compatible, because clinker bricks are made from natural raw materials such as clay, loam or clay-containing masses and are recyclable. You can also clinker a garden wall afterwards. You can find out how to do this in the following article.
In order for bricks to last forever, they must be installed correctly
make foundation
For clinkering, you absolutely need a foundation that must also be frost-proof. For this purpose, dig an 80 centimeter deep trench around the stone wall and fill the ground with gravel, which you compact well.
Reinforcement made of iron mats is recommended. Then pour the concrete into the pit and compact it with a tamping foot. Let this base dry thoroughly before you start clinkering.
build clinker
The less experience you have with bricklaying, the smoother the clinker bricks you choose should be. The reason: cement that accidentally lands on the stones settles in open-pored stones in no time and leaves an unsightly, gray veil.
When building the clinker wall, proceed as follows:
- Lay out a strip of sealing membrane on the foundation.
- Mix the facing mortar that is tailored to the absorbency of the clinker.
- Always processed the stones from several packages at the same time. This creates the characteristic, natural play of colours.
- Cut the required sections with the diamond disc of the angle grinder.
- Be sure to pre-wet absorbent clinker bricks.
- Inexperienced people should build up the clinker in the network. This means that the joint between the stones in the second row is centered over the first stone.
- Depending on the thickness and format of the clinker bricks, the transverse joints should be ten to twelve millimeters thick.
- If cement squeezes out of the gaps, wipe off immediately with clean water and a brush.
Feature
Allow the brick wall to dry thoroughly for a few days. The joints are then filled with joint mortar using a narrow jointing trowel. Press the material in well and pull it smooth.
Brick slips instead of clinker, the uncomplicated alternative
If you want to make your work easier, you can stick straps on a well-preserved garden wall. For this purpose, the wall is first thoroughly cleaned. It continues as follows:
- Press the corner slips into the special adhesive that has been combed through with a toothed spatula.
- Use the taut mason's cords as a guide and attach all the straps.
- Finally, the stones are grouted with the help of a jointer. This prevents the clinker slips from getting dirty.
tips
You no longer have to renovate clinker walls. An example of longevity: as early as the 19th century, many sewer networks were provided with clinker bricks. These are still fully functional today, dirt and algae cannot harm the surfaces.