INSTALLATION

Proper installation is essential to the stability and beauty of breeze blocks. There are several factors to consider for your installation. We are here to help you with the basics.

While breeze blocks are visually appealing and practical, it's important to note that they are not intended solely for structural purposes.

No installation is the same. More complex installs such as a freestanding breeze block wall, increased wall height, climate, and stability might require more comprehensive project-specific installation methods. For such installs, we recommend connecting with an architect or structural engineer to ensure the integrity of your installation will be ideal for the climate and use of your space.

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

CLIMATE | Breeze blocks are inherently porous, therefore, freezing temperatures can significantly affect the integrity of your installation.

PREPARE | Preparing your design, foundation, installation method, and materials is the basis for a successful installation.

FOUNDATION | When constructing a breeze block wall, you must ensure that you are building on a durable, stable surface and using appropriate footings.

ADHERE | Once you find or create a solid surface, it's onto the installation. You must adhere breeze blocks together, and use adhesive between the blocks. Do not dry stack breeze blocks.

STABILITY | Breeze blocks are sturdy, but they are not intended to be load-bearing, which is why they need support. Support can be added inside the wall itself, and exterior support options such as existing walls or metal or wood framing to create secure connections.

The above information is based on industry recommendations. Review your local building codes if you plan to vary from any of our recommendations.

CLIMATE

The recommended adhesives can be affected by the climate, if they are not suitable for extreme temperatures. In that case, alternative materials can be used that work better for such climates. If there is a temperature rating on the installation adhesives product information, this should be noted and adhered to.

In most cases, it is very unlikely that the adhesive would not stick the bricks together. If that is the case, the installer should not use this particular adhesive and try an alternative method or product.

Breeze blocks are not suitable for consistently freezing environments.

Extreme temperatures factor into installation and should be considered prior to installing breeze blocks.

PREPARATION

Being prepared for your installation will limit issues you encounter along the way.

Gather your supplies, consider your project's limitations, what reinforcement is needed, your design preferences and of course, always double-check your measurements!

Selecting the best breeze block aesthetic for your project is entirely up to you. Although all of our blocks are suitable for most projects, we offer select designs in a wider dimension to create a wider footprint for your wall, providing more inherent rigidity.

Regarding all installation materials, the instructions listed on the manufacturer's packaging should be followed.

Before starting any installation, lay out all of your breeze blocks. Wall measurements should correspond to your breeze block layout, so you avoid having to make cuts. Breeze blocks aren’t meant to be cut, as this can result in disruption in pattern and wall integrity. Be sure that you’re measuring for space between the blocks as well that will be taken up by grout.

As always, consider consulting a masonry professional if you aren't quite sure where to start.

SUPPLIES

• Breeze Blocks
  
• Adhesive (Construction Adhesive)
  
• Flexible grout
  
• Reinforcement (i.e., Rebar, Wire Ladders and/or Wall ties)
• Grout sponges
  
• Spacers
• Construction level
  
• Tape measure
  
• Pencil
  
• Safety glasses
  
• Gloves
  
• Buckets
  
• Rags
  
• Level
  
• Drill
  

We strongly advise consulting a professional mason, as they are generally qualified for installing breeze blocks. It is important to reference installation material (masonry cement, grout, etc.) instructions.

STABILITY |

FRAMING REINFORCEMENT

Reinforcing your breeze block installation is essential. Both exterior and interior reinforcement should be used to ensure the stability of your breeze block installation. You might have the opportunity to apply stability to your breeze block wall by utilizing existing structures or create framing structures for your walls.

The most ideal breeze block installation is to have many solid points of structural integrity to adhere your blocks to by using interior reinforcement to connect to existing structures with masonry cement. Another preferred installation scenario would be adhering to flooring and two walls as points of contact. Although these are the preferred installation methods, there are many creative ways to install breeze blocks in other structural environments that provide the needed rigidity for your breeze block wall.

FRAMING

REINFORCEMENT

frameless

Although we always recommend as much support as possible, with the right application and enough interior reinforcement and substantial footer, it is possible to go partially or fully frameless for a breeze block wall. Consult a masonry professional for this application.

Frameless designs can also be stabilized by incorporating additional stabilizing elements such as wood or metal posts, or by securely attaching them to an existing structure using rebar.

FRAMING

REINFORCEMENT

flat metal plates

Flat metal plates are popular for framing and support. This option emphasizes the breeze blocks instead of the structure. Using steel plates adds integrity where you may not have an existing structure. Metal plates can be adhered using masonry cement or for added security, by adhering the blocks using a stronger adhesive that is suitable for adhering masonry to metal, such as liquid nails.

METAL POSTS

Similar to metal plates, metal posts are a popular choice for framing and supporting your breeze block wall. These posts offer a modern steel or metal structure to surround and strengthen the wall. Secure the blocks to the posts with wall ties, bending them between the breeze blocks for added stability. To support the length of the wall, additional top side and middle supports can be utilized.

WOOD FRAME

In interior applications, by utilizing smooth, flat wood paneling, you can frame blocks with a warmer and softer feel.

FRAMING

REINFORCEMENT

Inserting into Wall

Inserting into a wall allows for a seamless connection between breeze blocks, especially when surrounded by supporting walls on all sides. This method can be used to construct a wall, add a decorative touch, or create an airy terrace.

STUCCO WALL

• To incorporate breeze blocks into a stucco wall, start by building a wall structure using 4-inch (10 cm) cinder blocks and masonry.
• Place the breeze blocks within the wall alongside the cinder blocks during construction.
• Once the wall is complete, cover the cinder blocks with masonry and paint them with exterior-grade masonry paint.
• While the process is relatively straightforward, it is advisable to have a professional mason handle the construction.

COLUMNS

If you have existing supporting columns or want to construct columns for additional structure and privacy, you can use brick ties to attach the blocks to the columns. You can then cover the brick ties with grout.

CORNERS

If your breeze block wall has a 90-degree turn, consider your options for optimizing the design of the corner.

• Line up one wall to the edge of the other terminating wall, resulting in a raw edge.
  
• Metal, angle iron, or wood posts. If you want to make a corner disappear, paint your terminating post the same color as the blocks themselves.
  

FRAMING

REINFORCEMENT

faux support

These decorative blocks are designed to mimic the appearance of structural support without actually providing any functional reinforcement. They are purely aesthetic elements used to enhance the overall design and visual appeal of a structure.

ceiling + floor support

Installation using only the floor and ceiling for support is ideal for small projects with limited height and width. Be cautious as increasing dimensions can compromise wall integrity. Reserve this method for specific applications where stability is guaranteed.

STABILITY |

INTEGRATED REINFORCEMENT

In addition to exterior reinforcement, it is ideal to have interior reinforcement that is integrated into the breeze block wall during installation. Interior masonry reinforcement provides additional rigidity to the horizontal and vertical joints of an installation as the wall is being constructed.

After determining the type of installation needed for your breeze blocks, you can now decide what type of interior reinforcement will work for your project. There are 4 main types of industry-standard masonry reinforcement options often used for breeze block installations. Remember to keep any interior reinforcement centered and as straight as possible to maximize stability.

METAL BEAMS | PLATES

For a more rigid reinforcement, we recommend a vertical beam every 8 feet (2.44 m) to support the wall. However, this depends upon height. Typically, breeze block walls should have a maximum height of 9 feet (2.74 m). Otherwise, you will need horizontal bond beams. Metal plates can be inserted between the grout joints, just as rigid but less visually disruptive. Depending on the size and thickness of your metal beam, they can be used as an additional decorative element to your wall.

REBAR

Additional structural support is always the way to go, adding Vertical 3/8” rebar can be inserted into the footing between the vertical joints of the breeze block for maximum structural support. Rebar can be inserted between vertical and horizontal courses with construction adhesive starting with being inserted into the footing when it is poured and will not be visible.

LADDER WIRE

A more flexible but still appropriate reinforcement option that comes in various thicknesses, use the thinnest thickness possible without extending past the thickness of the breeze blocks. We advise using ladder wire between the courses for additional stability and will not be visible.

WALL | BRICK TIES

Wall ties, also known as brick ties, serve to connect the inner and outer layers of the wall, ensuring stability and strength. Despite being hidden from view, wall ties play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of the structure.

If you have supporting columns, inserting into a wall, or attaching to another wall, you can use wall/brick ties during installation between the joints to attach the blocks to the existing structure. If they're made out of ribbed sheet metal, you can fold them and nail them into the wall on the sides. Then bend them, so they're inside the joints of the breeze blocks meaning that the masonry holding the breeze blocks together now has a masonry tie inside as well. These brick ties can be covered with grout.

These are recommendations and can vary depending on a specific project installation. We strongly advise consulting a professional masonry contractor, as they are generally the most qualified for installing breeze blocks. It is also important to reference installation material (masonry cement, grout, etc.) instructions.

SEALING

Terracotta breeze blocks, being clay-based, are porous, making them susceptible to staining during grouting. To avoid this issue, it is recommended to seal the blocks before grouting. Here's how you can do it:

• While it's not mandatory, we suggest using Penetrating Sealant to preserve the natural clay appearance.
• Apply the sealer by rolling or brushing it onto the front and back of the blocks, ensuring to avoid the top, bottom, and sides.
• Allow the sealer to dry completely before continuing with the installation process.

ADHERE |

METHODS

Breeze Blocks are extruded, meaning they're fairly consistent. The grout joint can be determined by the installation method:

• Conventional masonry installation (i.e., brick wall)
  
• Minimum 3/8” to 1/2” grout joint recommended
  

• Technical installation (i.e., liquid nails or construction adhesive)
  
• Minimum 1/4” grout joint is recommended, followed by filling joints with sanded grout
  

Mixing different breeze block styles may lead to variations in size (width, length, and height). If your design combines patterns, consider ordering samples to check for size differences.

In most cases, masonry cement (mortar) can be used to bond breeze blocks together, similar to building a brick wall. Gray mortar is standard, but you can opt for pigmented mortar or add pigments separately to customize the color mix.

MASONRY CEMENT METHOD

The advantage of masonry cement is that it's a rather straightforward installation. The mortar is the adhesive. Keep in mind, that the cement will be visible between the grout joints.

1. During installation, reference the instructions on the installation materials for the best results
   
2. Mix a batch of mortar, following the manufacturer’s instructions. We’d recommend Quickrete Mortar Mix.
3. 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 as the block, and about three block lengths down the footing from the start point.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Lay the blocks until the wall reaches your desired height. Starting in the corners and working towards the center. Allow the mortar to set for the time specified by the manufacturer.

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.

1. 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.
   

1. 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.
   
2. Place the first breeze block into place. Place a level across the top of the block, and position the block until it's level.
   
3. 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.
   
4. Place the level across both breeze blocks, and even them out if needed. Repeat the above steps until the first row is complete.
   
5. 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.
   
6. 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.
   
7. 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.
   

SUPPLY LIST

• Dust Brush
• Masonry Paint
• Container big enough to dip blocks in 
• Gloves (optional)

PRE-INSTALLATION DIP METHOD

There are a few methods for painting breeze blocks before installation. Breeze blocks can either be painted on both sides or a single side. Our preferred method is dipping the breeze blocks, individually, in paint. The advantage of dipping breeze blocks is that it's quicker and easier to fill all the spaces. Before dipping your blocks into paint, make sure that they're completely free of dust and debris.

Even if you paint your breeze blocks properly, it’s still possible for them to chip over time, which will reveal the contrasting terracotta tones underneath. You can also whitewash breeze blocks using a sponge application.

POST-INSTALLATION DIP METHOD

First, you’ll need to thoroughly clean the wall using a degreaser or detergent such as a concrete driveway cleaner. If your wall is outside, you can spray it down with a water hose. If it’s inside, wipe it with the cleaner and a damp sponge.

Once it’s thoroughly dry, paint it with an airless sprayer. Dip painting won't work and using a brush won’t either due to the block’s crevices. If the paint is “no primer required”, put the paint in the sprayer and spray away. However, make sure to prime your paint before you put it into the sprayer if required.

Even if you paint your breeze blocks properly, it’s still possible for them to chip over time, which will reveal the contrasting terracotta tones underneath. You can also whitewash breeze blocks using a sponge application.