I posted a few weeks ago asking for advice on installing UFH under indian sanstone flags.
I am glad to report that the flags are now down, and the 190m UFH cable (ebeco) is in place! After some over complex calculations before we started we finished within 9 inches of the end of the room, not bad really, as the cable cannot be shortened!
Anyway, I have not tested the system yet, so it is a nervous time, and before I can I have to point the flags.
I have read the various posts regarding pointing, but I need some really basic tips as all this is new, and I do not want to spoil what so far has been a rewarding experience.
So here goes.
1. I was planning on using a 3.1 mix for the pointing. Is this correct?
2. The sand I have is quite gritty, will this be OK?
3. Do I need to add Feb to the mix?
4. How do I stop from staining the flags with the mortar?
5. If I do drop mortar on the flags am I best waiting for it to dry and brush off, or use a wet sponge to attack it straight away?
6. Any other tips I need?
Your advice last time was very useful, and was put into practice. As promised I have take loads of photos and will be sure to post upon completion!
Thanks in anticipation,
Mark
Pointing for beginners
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84-1093879891
Hi Mark,
taking your Qs one at a time....
3.1 mix for the pointing. Is this correct?
A 4:1 mix will be fine - see the page on Mortars for guidance on a Class II mortar.
The sand I have is quite gritty, will this be OK
A building sand would be better, particularly for internal floors and for narrow joints.
Do I need to add Feb to the mix?
Any plasticiser will improve workability. At a push, a very small squirt of wash-up liquid added to the guaging water will do as a stand-in.
How do I stop from staining the flags with the mortar?
By being exceptionally careful, keeping the mortar just damp, not too sloppy and/or by masking the edges with tapem, cardboard or summat like that. With practice, a tradesman will be able to point flags by feeding in the mortar from a brick trowel, as shown on the Pointing page, and leave no marks on the flags, but, as I said, it does take practice and paitience - see Mike's Massive thread in The Craic
If I do drop mortar on the flags am I best waiting for it to dry and brush off, or use a wet sponge to attack it straight away?
I'd use a barely damp sponge immediately, and brush towards the joint, not across the flag itself.
Any other tips I need?
Take your time. Keep the mortar as stiff as possible. Don't overdo the cement - it doesn't bring any benefits to internal pointing. If you're really worried about your proficiency, consider using something like Geo-Fix.
Good luck! :)
taking your Qs one at a time....
3.1 mix for the pointing. Is this correct?
A 4:1 mix will be fine - see the page on Mortars for guidance on a Class II mortar.
The sand I have is quite gritty, will this be OK
A building sand would be better, particularly for internal floors and for narrow joints.
Do I need to add Feb to the mix?
Any plasticiser will improve workability. At a push, a very small squirt of wash-up liquid added to the guaging water will do as a stand-in.
How do I stop from staining the flags with the mortar?
By being exceptionally careful, keeping the mortar just damp, not too sloppy and/or by masking the edges with tapem, cardboard or summat like that. With practice, a tradesman will be able to point flags by feeding in the mortar from a brick trowel, as shown on the Pointing page, and leave no marks on the flags, but, as I said, it does take practice and paitience - see Mike's Massive thread in The Craic
If I do drop mortar on the flags am I best waiting for it to dry and brush off, or use a wet sponge to attack it straight away?
I'd use a barely damp sponge immediately, and brush towards the joint, not across the flag itself.
Any other tips I need?
Take your time. Keep the mortar as stiff as possible. Don't overdo the cement - it doesn't bring any benefits to internal pointing. If you're really worried about your proficiency, consider using something like Geo-Fix.
Good luck! :)