Mortar in the cavity

[trevorbayliss]

I have built my inner block wall and am now doing the outer brick wall.

I am up 3 courses and i am getting mortar in the cavity, even though i am careful. I really need to place less mortar on the bricks, so when i tap down not much will squeeze out.

Is there anything i can do to stop the excess mortar falling down ? Would i trowel the mortar just over the centre line to the back, so there is less mortar at the back of the brick. When i tap down the excess will push to fill this gap, but not down the cavity ?

Can i make something to sit behind the lower course so it traps the mortar. I was thinking maybe i could use some sponges.

Any tips appreciated.

 

[stuart45]

You could use cavity battens, or run the trowel over the back at an angle so it chamfers the bed in slightly, or make some coring holes at the base and clean out every night at close of play.

 

[trevorbayliss]

Oh yes of course. I have some cavity bats, so could try that. Cheers

 

[^woody^]

Just put the insulation in before you build the brickwork.

 

[trevorbayliss]

The insulation is on the blockwork as using rigid boards. so i have this 40-50mm gap

 

[stuart45]

Oh yes of course. I have some cavity bats, so could try that. Cheers

Cavity battens are lengths of timber such as 2x1 with wire attached. You lay them on the wall ties and then used the wires to pull them up with any mortar droppings on top.

 

[trevorbayliss]

Ah ok. Are these home made then ?

 

[stuart45]

Yes. You need pieces of batten that fit the cavity, drill a couple of holes in them and put some stiff wire through. The wire need to be long enough to pull the battens out.

 

[trevorbayliss]

Ok thanks