Pointing In brickwork Melbourne – 4 Quick Tips

Pointing in brickworks Melbourne is something that every bricklayer does without even having to think about it, but for those of us who aren’t brickies it’s something that looks easy, but isn’t.

Three tips that will help you make a good job:-

1. Prepare well beforehand

If you’re building a new wall, then you’ll have already dealt with the footings and general layout, and you’ll know exactly which stage of the work you’re currently undertaking.

If you’re re-pointing existing brickwork then it’s most important to thoroughly clear out all the decayed mortar and dampen the surfaces that are going to receive your new mortar before you start.

2. Don’t skimp on the sand

Don’t, for example, use sand that isn’t proper builder’s graded sand. Other kinds of sand often have grains of equal size, and if you use this then you’ll get a weak, porous mix. Sand from a builders’ merchants, however, will be well graded, giving a strong mortar mix for maximum strength.

3. Get the mix absolutely right

The proper ingredients for mortar are graded sand, Portland cement or lime, and water. Easy enough, but the proportions of each are vital. If you get them wrong then the mortar will be weak and crumbly, or brittle.

Your mortar should always be no stronger than the brickwork that it is holding together. The correct mix before adding water is one part cement, one part hydrated lime, and six parts sand.

4. Apply confidently

With your trowel in one hand and your mortarboard in the other, on which you’ve placed enough mortar for your immediate task, apply a generous amount of mortar to each gap that you’re filling.

Push the mixture well into all the crevices and gaps and remove any surplus mortar with the trowel, making a smooth surface of it. Ensure the vertical face of it slopes downwards away from the wall, so as to encourage rainwater to drain away.

Bardwell Pressure Cleaning is a family-run business in Melbourne which has been highly specializing in High Pressure Cleaning and Sealing operating for over 15 years providing not only brickwork services but other services such as Pressure Cleaning Melbourne, Graffiti removal Melbourne, house washing Melbourne, pavers Melbourne etc. For more details, please visit @www.bardwellpressurecleaning.com.au or do contact@0419 325 281.

Graffiti Removal Melbourne – 3 Tips For Success

Graffiti removal Melbourne methods will vary depending on the surface being cleaned.  Before you start, remember that:

• The sooner the graffiti is removed, the less chance that other graffiti artists will leave their “tag” on your wall.
• Always use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, protective eyewear, etc. and cover all exposed skin when removing any graffiti using any chemicals, solvents, etc.
• Always test a small area not easily seen before trying to remove graffiti.
• To try and remove the graffiti from various services yourself, use the tips below:

Painted Surfaces

Painting over graffiti is a low-cost solution to removing graffiti and is effective when a surface has been previously painted. Graffiti is usually found on lightly painted surfaces as the “taggers” work stands out more on a light surface. Because of this, it is best to repaint the entire surface area with a dark colour as this will be less attractive to graffiti vandals.

Before you start to paint, test a small area first to see if the graffiti will “bleed” through the paint. If this happens, a sealer should be used before painting.

Unpainted Surfaces

If you have light graffiti on an unpainted surface, you must ensure you act quickly as the graffiti can penetrate into the surface making it much harder for it to be fully removed. Raw masonry surfaces are always a favourite target of taggers. Try a solvent remover, waiting 3 to 5 minutes before agitating with a wire brush then washing away from surface.

Glass Surfaces

The most effective way to remove painted graffiti from glass surfaces is with a razor blade in a holder at a 30 degree angle. If all is not removed, a fine steel wool can be used with water to remove excess, being careful not to use too much in one area as this will scratch the glass. Paint thinners could also be used.

Bardwell pressure cleaning leads the cleaning services industry specialising in anti graffiti coating and graffiti removal. This includes graffiti cleaning for all surfaces including concrete cleaning, brick cleaning Melbourne and all surfaces in general. It also restores surfaces through its specialised high Pressure Cleaning Melbourne and has commercial painter services.  For more details, please visit @www.bardwellpressurecleaning.com.au or do contact@0419 325 281.