BREEZE BLOCK INSTALLATION
Quality installation is essential to the stability and beauty of every breeze block project. There are several factors to consider for your installation. Installation techniques will vary from project to project, depending on your specific application. For detailed information on reinforcement, stability, examples and maintenance, please reference our Ultimate Breeze Block Guide.
Breeze Blocks tiles are a fragile product, made of natural clay. Minor variations in size, shade, irregular edges and the appearance of fine cracks or chips are inherent to this product and can vary from piece to piece. As well as variances in the body flatness, meaning some may require special attention when installing. This is common and will be part of your tiles variation. Details that are visible up close, will be appear subtle upon full installation. If properly installed, Organic terracotta tiles will result in a beautiful, durable, easy to maintain surface that can be enjoyed for many years.
To ensure that your installation lasts a long time, we highly recommend having a professional handle the installation. Their expertise and experience will ensure that the breeze blocks are installed correctly and will maintain its quality over time. More complex installs such as a free-standing breeze block wall may require more comprehensive project-specific installation methods. For such installs, we recommend to connect with an architect, structural engineer or qualified mason to ensure the integrity of your installation will be ideal for use.
RECOMMENDED MATERIALS
CARE AND HANDLING
INSPECTION
BREEZE BLOCK INSTALLATION
PREPARATION
SETTING
GROUT
Grout Bag Method
BREEZE BLOCK INSTALLATION
OPTIONAL SEALING
REINFORCEMENT
FOUNDATION
BREEZE BLOCK INSTALLATION
ADHEREING | Construction Adhesive
Applying Liquid Nails or Construction Adhesive
If you're planning to use liquid nails or construction adhesive, you'll need a minimum 1/4" grout joint to fill with sanded grout.
1
To successfully assemble a breeze block wall, we recommend using either ProLite® Premium Large Format Tile Mortar or liquid nails as adhesives. It's important to use a spacing system when sticking the blocks together.
2
Place the adhesive onto the starting point. Apply the adhesive the same width of the block and about three block-lengths down the footing from the start point.
3
Place the first breeze block into place. Place a level across the top of the block, and position the block until it's level.
4
Apply adhesive to the side of the second breeze block and put it into place, next to the first block, keeping about a gap between the blocks.
5
Place the level across both breeze blocks, and even them out if needed. Repeat the above steps until the first row is complete.
6
Check them for level as you lay them. If you need to cut any blocks to fit, use a masonry wet saw and diamond blade.
7
Lay the blocks until the wall reaches your desired height. Starting in the corners and working in towards the center. Allow the adhesive to set for the time specified by the manufacturer.
8
After the adhesive is dried and the spacers are removed, the grout joint void will still be visible. You then have to fill that grout joint void with a conventional sanded tile grout.
BREEZE BLOCK INSTALLATION
ADHEREING | Conventional Masonry
Using Conventional Masonry Methods
For conventional masonry installations, such as brick walls, it's recommended to have grout joints that are at least 3/8" to 1/2" in size. The advantage of using masonry cement is it is a rather straightforward installation. The mortar is the adhesive that will stick the blocks together. The cement will be visible between the grout joints.
1
Mix a batch of mortar, following the manufacturer’s instructions. (We’d recommend Quickrete Mortar Mix.)
2
Place the mortar onto the starting point with a trowel (typically one of the corners). Apply the mortar in a layer 1" inch deep, the same width of the block and about three block-lengths down the footing from the start point.
3
Place the first breeze block into the mortar. Place a level across the top of the block, and position the block until it's level.
4
Apply mortar to the side of the second breeze block and place it into the mortar next to the first block, keeping about a 3/8" gap between the blocks.
5
Place the level across both breeze blocks, and even them out if needed. Set blocks onto the footing where you have applied the mortar, then repeat the above steps until the first row is complete.
6
Lay the breeze blocks on the footing between the corner blocks. Apply mortar to the footing as you go, keep a 3/8" gap between the blocks and check them for level as you lay them. If you need to cut any blocks to fit, use a masonry wet saw and diamond blade.
7
Lay the blocks until the wall reaches your desired height. Starting in the corners and working in towards the center. Allow the mortar to set for the time specified by the manufacturer.
8
Make sure to reference the installation instructions on the installation materials for the best installation results. Remove drying mortar from the face for your blocks as soon as possible to avoid a difficult removal later.