THE BRICKY - BREEZE BLOCKS LAID FLAT

[madonna-fan]

Does anyone know if it is possible to use this item to lay breeze blocks flat - as if you were builing a retaining wall, i am getting contradictory information,
Many Thanks in advance.

[wildwood]

For a low wall, yes. Anything higher than waste height will probably contravene your local building code. Saying that, I have seen the odd one on its side in a 2m high wall/fence for decoration. I am sure your friendly local council will advice you once they know your requirements.
The strength comes from using them the proper way. For additional strength they can be filled with reinforcing and concrete.

[jackthehat]

In what situation are you intending to use them?

[madonna-fan]

for a retaining wall - at the end of my garden.

[The Builder]

Ah............. the wonderful world of terminology ;o)))

You would use ordinary dense concrete blocks. Roughly speaking, in that situation you need the weight of dense concrete.

Breeze blocks were used many years ago, making use of lightweight ash for the aggregate (cinder blocks). Power station ash and other industrial by-products are still used to produce what we now know as lightweight insulation blocks (Celcon,Thermalite, Durox etc).

Certainly lay them "on their flat" as it's known. It's done all the time.
Retaining walls often have to be designed. In your case though, you could probably follow a simple "rule of thumb".............

.......... the height of the wall should be no more than 4 times the thickness at any point............

What height do you need?

[marden40]

as the builder says you need dense concrete blocks for a retaining wall and laying them flat is standard practice for such application.......they do two types of the tool you are enquiring about...."The Bricky" and "The Bricky Pro"......the later being the best option as its width is adjustable to compensate for various materials and applications......I have never used them so can't comment on their suitability but here is the link for your info.......


Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[The Builder]

oh................ so that's what it is :o(
No wonder I was a tad confused by the question title. Well spotted Marden. Good job you're here.

I've never used one either, but it looks a good idea for DIY use, especially if the wall is going to be "fair-faced"........ ie left un-rendered (not plastered)

[chas2008]

seen it used on one one of the shopping channels, looks the dogs danglys..the only problem is its demonstrated by a pro brickie..