Jointing materials

Seam filling

It is an important step in creating a brick tile wall. First of all, the preparation of the filling mass is performed. The dry filling material is mixed with clean water until a "wet, semi-wet, crumbling into pieces" consistency is obtained (instruction on the package must be followed to the point). When using only a part of package contents, it is desired to use a water vessel with water volume markings. This will always allow to obtain a similar moisture content filling mass which is important in attaining the right colour of the seam. The prepared mass must be used as soon as possible but no later than indicated on the package. During the filling, the moisture of the mixture must be maintained at a constant level.

The filling material remaining after the work shall crumble nicely along the filled wall.

(the clean, crumbled mass can be collected and used again if it has not dried thus saving the filling material consumption). Upon filling seams, one may not permit the filling material to settle on the material outside the seams. Seams are filled up to the surface level of the tiles. When filling a façade wall, first of all the horizontal seams are filled and only then the vertical ones are filled provided that the horizontal seams are still wet. Filled seams finally are evened out in the single direction - from right to left or from left to right (in order for the shade of the seam would be vary upon reflection of daylight).


Seam cleaning

Seam cleaning may be performed only after filling of the seams when they have slightly cured. Brick tile surface must be cleaned immediately with a semi-dry brush. In order to improve seam hardening during dry season, a light wetting of the surface is permitted. Intensive water load (shower) on seams is only permitted no earlier than two weeks after closing of the seams. In the event that the filling material smears on the outer surface of the brick tiles, the wall must be cleaned with a dry, sharp plastic brush as soon as the filler has slightly dried but not when the mixture has fully hardened. Tile cleaning is not a desirable process and one must try to avoid from practices that necessitate it. During the first week, tiles are cleaned with pure water, while making sure that the seams are not dripping. However, if hardened filling material spots have remained on the brick tile surface then after 4 weeks cleaning is permitted with Knauf Klinker - und Stein - Reiniger or Zementschleierentferner in line with the instruction for use (solutions are intended for cleaning of cement mixtures). It is desired to test the seam filling in a less important part of the surface in order to test for pigmentation risk in the porous surface of the brick tile in case of smearing and to test the use of the brush for cleaning of seam areas. Inconsistent moisture in the filling mixture may cause colour differences in the seams. Fresh seams may not be subject to rain, direct sun rays, draft wind and strong direct wind.