Laying Instructions
Applications
ecobrick is only suitable for internal use.
Structural Details
- ecobrick is load bearing, suitable for normal tiled roofs.
- Maximum unrestrained height for a single leaf wall is 2.8m.
- Walls which are restrained horizontally by a ceiling, or which are tied to an adjoining cavity wall can be higher than 2.8m. Consult your engineer for further details.
Laying ecobrick
ecobrick is layed in conventional 10mm sand/cement mortar. The mortar used to lay ecobrick must have a mix proportion of:
- 1 Part Cement
- 5 Parts Sand
- Plus a suitable water retaining agent: e.g. Dynex (at prescribed dose rates)
Alternatively Builders Choice “cement for AAC” in 20kg bags already containing a water retaining agent is available.
ecobrick is layed in a half bond configuration, with perpends fully filled.
Setting Out
The set out course on footings must incorporate a damp-proof layer. An impermeable membrane sheet is recommended.
Tying In Walls
As an alternative to bonding, wall intersections can be butt jointed. When butt jointing, wall ties should be used in every mortar joint.
Cavity Walls
When used in a cavity wall, standard 3.15mm galvanised wall ties should be used, to the spacing requirements of AS3700.
Lintels
Steel angle lintels should be used over openings greater than 600mm, and a minimum of two courses of brickwork must be laid on the steel lintel.
It is recommended that three courses of ecobrick splits are used over steel lintels.
Chasing for Services
Chasing in ecobrick can be performed using either power or hand tools. If power tools are used dust suppression must be attached.
Maximum depth of chasing should never exceed 1/3 of the wall thickness for vertical chasing and 1/5 of the wall thickness for horizontal chasing.
Finishes
Internal Coatings
A base coat of 10mm thick 1:1:6 to 1:1:8 cement/lime/sand render is compatible with ecobrick. A proprietary white set top coat applied 2mm thick can then be used.
ecobrick can also be drylined directly with plasterboard.
External Coatings
When used externally, ecobrick should be coated with a waterproof acrylic system. e.g:
- Unitex acrylic render and top coat.
- Dulux Acratex or equivalent system.
If ecobrick walls become saturated due to rain, it is essential they are allowed to dry out prior to coating.
