Replacing top course on garden wall - Brickwork

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BruceHall
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Apr 17, 2006 3:49 pm
Location: Bedfordshire, UK

Post: # 11557Post BruceHall

I'm replacing about 100 spalled bricks which have been laid on edge as the top course of my 6-course high garden retaining wall. At each end of this course, two galvanised metal right-angled stays have been laid in the mortar - it looks as though they are meant to retain the bricks in position. They look pretty unsightly. I wonder if they are strictly necessary and I'm thinking about not re-using them, when I get to re-laying the course. Any comments, anyone?

The bricks are Tudor Red and I haven't a clue what the metal stays are called so I'm in need of enlightenment, which I have a feeling I'll get in a big way!

Incidentally, removing the old bricks has been a long, tedious job. I feel I should clean the mortar out of the frogs in the course below, to give the new bricks a decent bedding-in. I am considering using an SDS drill with a chisel bit to clean them up and speed up the job a bit. Is this a wise move? I'd give anything to abandon the hammer and chisel!
Bruce

Tony McC
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Post: # 11584Post Tony McC

I can't see why the metal stays wopuld be required - maybe it was a DIY bodge. If the coping bricks are properly laid, there's no need for a restraining stay.

Sod cleaning out the frogs: use a bonding agent with the new mortar and it will be fine! :D
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BruceHall
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Apr 17, 2006 3:49 pm
Location: Bedfordshire, UK

Post: # 11609Post BruceHall

Thanks, Tony. You've made my day!
Bruce
Bruce

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