Brick fence crqcked

Vincent49 · Jul 04, 2024 12:44 pm

A few years back I re- layed about 8 bricks in a fence. 12 months or even less, each mortar line I did cracked. The only thing I remember was using a Bunnings pre mixed sand and cement and maybe I added extra cement. It's the only thing I can think of?
What ratio of sand and cement would you recommend? Think I added lime too

ponzutwo · Jul 04, 2024 2:34 pm

Vincent49

A few years back I re- layed about 8 bricks in a fence. 12 months or even less, each mortar line I did cracked. The only thing I remember was using a Bunnings pre mixed sand and cement and maybe I added extra cement. It's the only thing I can think of?
What ratio of sand and cement would you recommend? Think I added lime too

could be happening from ground movement in which case it doesn't matter what ratio you use. Seperately The bagged mortar from bunnings is the right ratio and I wouldnt be making adjustments to it. Its possible that your cracking is caused by you screwing around with the ratio without knowing what you're doing.

Ashington Homes · Jul 05, 2024 5:53 am

Vincent49

A few years back I re- layed about 8 bricks in a fence. 12 months or even less, each mortar line I did cracked. The only thing I remember was using a Bunnings pre mixed sand and cement and maybe I added extra cement. It's the only thing I can think of?
What ratio of sand and cement would you recommend? Think I added lime too

I was going to guess that you have a footing issue. Eventually it should stop settling and you can re-render.

This advice comes from personal experience. The settling though took 3 years and I was just able to re-render a few months back.

I made a dumb decision in trying to get my house finished pre covid and laid a small amount of wall on the driveway slab rather than a proper footing. I knew at the time it was a risk, however it has worked out long term.

FYI whilst I was waiting for the settling to finish, during COVID it was driving me crazy looking at the crack so I caulked it temporarily and painted. But a few years on we are all sweet.

cheers

Simeon