Author(s): Michael Hammett

Self-Sufficiency

The book covers the different types of brick and mortar; recalimed bricks; assessing durability; estimating quantities; and buying materials. It provides information on basic bricklaying tools and equipment; dimensions and setting out work; buidling straight and curved walls; and building simple arches. The appearance of brickwork; bonding patterns; free-standing and retaining walls; external walls; thermal insulation in cavity walls; brickwork as cladding to timber-framed buildings; and foundations are also discussed. Paving is also explored - clay pavers; laying patterns; steps; drainage; flexible sand-bedded paving; and rigid mortar joined paving. Maintenance and repair is also covered including the repair of various types of damage; remedying water penetration; replacing bricks; repointing mortar; cleaning; tinting; and artificial weathering.