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

  • Adhesive
  • Flexible grout
    • Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA or Saltillo grout
  • Grout sponges
  • Grout
  • Shims
  • Construction level
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Safety glasses
  • Gloves
  • Buckets
  • Rags

CARE AND HANDLING

  • Handle cases of tile with care and keep all boxes upright.
  • Do not drop or mishandle cases of tile.
  • Prior to installation, store material in a dry area.
  • Throughout the installation process and handling of the tile, be careful not to damage the finished surface, edges and corners of the tiles.
  • If any tiles have cracks or pops, set them aside and do not install or use them for cuts

INSPECTION

  • Inspect your order carefully.
  • You have the responsibility of assessing the suitability of the product before installing it.
  • Clay Imports will not be responsible for material that has been cut or installed.
  • After installation, we cannot accept claims regarding any variations in color and size.
  • If any blocks have imperfections on the sides, they can be installed and will not affect the integrity of the installation.

BREEZE BLOCK INSTALLATION

PREPARATION

  • Arrange tiles in desired pattern to determine cuts needed and spacing for grout.
  • Prepare your grid. Based on your specific installation, determine how to best design your layout and draw a grid on the installation surface.
  • Confirm adequate tile amount, including extras for unforeseen circumstances.
  • If you require additional pieces, please make sure to have them before starting the installation process. Please note that any additional pieces may differ in color from your original order.
  • Breeze Block, as a product of clay and natural materials, is subjected to minor color and shade variations.
  • As a clay-based product, there may be clay residue on the surface. Clean all blocks with a cloth to remove any clay residue, dust or debris before installation.
  • Please be sure to read products usage instructions on all materials used for your installation.
  • For safety purposes, we recommend that you wear safety gear when installing tile. Gloves, safety glasses and close toed shoes can prevent injury.
  • Ensure that your blocks tiles are completely dry.
  • Do not wet your blocks prior to sealer application.
  • Preparing your design, foundation, structural supports and materials is the basis for a successful installation. Consider your environment and what type of installation method your project requires.
  • Ensure that the surface is well-prepared. Avoid installing over oily or polished concrete or unsecured surfaces.


SETTING


  • The substrate and setting materials should be chosen based on your specific situation. Consult with your installer, contractor, or architect to determine the right options for you.
  • Be cautious not to apply materials in areas that are larger than what can be set within a few minutes.
  • Protect your installation area. Cover all areas that are susceptible to damage with a durable, protective construction covering.
  • It is recommended to include additional masonry joint reinforcement such as ladder wire or wall ties. These reinforcement options also provide an additional connection to your structural support. *Vertical 3/8" rebar can be inserted into the footing between the vertical joints of the breeze block for maximum structural support. Otherwise, it can also be placed horizontally, depending on the block design. *Keep in mind, additional structural support may be required.


GROUT


  • It is always recommended to apply a grout test on a loose piece of tile prior to full grout application.
  • Dark colored grouts that contain pigments can penetrate the surface of tile and result in permanent staining. We advise against using dark colored grouts.
  • To prevent grout from sticking during installations or for dark grout, use a grout release. Test it in a hidden area before applying to ensure desired results.
  • We recommend referring grout manufacturer guidelines.
  • If the grout line is too tight the blocks could chip at stress points while the grout dries.
  • Using wider grout joints can help with tile placement and maintaining straight lines.
  • Grout will adhere as a permanent fixture to the surface texture. Consider the above when selecting your grout color.


Grout Bag Method

    • First, mix your grout according to the manufacturer's instructions and fill the grout bag with the mixed grout.
    • Hold the bag at a 45-degree angle and apply pressure to force the grout out of the bag and into the joints between the tiles.
    • Be sure to fill the joints completely, and use a grout float to smooth out the surface of the grout.
    • Wipe away any excess grout with a damp sponge.
    • Buff the tiles with a clean cloth to remove any remaining haze.
    • Allow the grout to set for the recommended amount of time.

BREEZE BLOCK INSTALLATION

OPTIONAL SEALING

  • Terracotta breeze blocks are made of clay and are porous in nature, making them susceptible to staining during grouting. To prevent this issue, we recommend sealing the blocks before grouting.
  • While it's not mandatory, we advise using Penetrating Sealant to maintain the blocks' natural clay look.
  • The sealer can be applied by rolling or brushing it onto the front and back of the block, being careful to avoid the top, bottom, and sides.
  • Allow the sealer to dry before proceeding with installation.

REINFORCEMENT

  • During installation, it is recommended to include additional masonry joint reinforcement. These reinforcement options also provide an additional connection to your structural support.
  • Additional reinforcement could include ladder wire or wall ties.
  • Vertical 3/8" rebar can be inserted into the footing between the vertical joints of the breeze block for maximum structural support. Otherwise, it can also be placed horizontally, depending on the block design.
  • Keep in mind, additional structural support may be required.

FOUNDATION

  • The installation of breeze block walls requires a flat and smooth surface.
  • The foundation for your breeze blocks is concrete footings.
    • To determine the size of the required footing, a general rule is to make it three times wider than the breeze block. As for the height, for every foot of wall height, the footing should increase by two inches.

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.

  • Advantage of using ProLite: You can use a minimal amount of ProLite to adhere the blocks together and then fill the grout spacing with a conventional sanded grout. Meaning you can choose any sanded grout color you want.

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.