[jwholden]

I installed some belgian block today and in the interest of becoming a true mason bought a grout bag for the joints.

I want to be able to use this thing correctly but can't get the thing to work without making my mortar VERY wet to the point where the mortar starts to run out the joints. Is this how it is supposed to be? Is a grout bag the wrong tool for pointing belgian block?

Some background, I was using a Type _ mortar mix with masons sand and a shovel full of lime per wheelbarrow. I love the way the lime makes the mix more fluid and understand it will make concrete more flexible. I did this work during light rain but I definitely had to make the mix very wet to get it to flow.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[Stonehenge]

Was this done on top of a concrete footing? I'm thinking that if not, those joints may crack up pretty quick on you.

But about the grout/pointing bag - that sounds too runny to me. The mix has to be wetter than for normal masonry, but not so wet that it runs. Maybe the problem is elsewhere... You should only be filling those bags up 1/3 - 1/2 the way up, and roll in the corners and top. Grab the rolled up part in your hand like you're making a fist, then roll your fist in and down the bag. Be sure you keep the outside of the bag very clean - your knuckles will tell you why if you don't. Your hands should be 'feeling the burn' after about the 7th or 8th bag.

Or, if you want to go the power tool route, get yourself a $600 grout drill. Made by Milwaukee, I believe. You fill a small hopper and the drill with spiral bit thingie gives you a bead of mortar like a big boy's fuzzy pumper barber shop.

[jwholden]

Jeff,

Why would they crack? Too wet?

[Stonehenge]

If it's not some sort of footing to keep pieces from moving relative to other pieces, freeze-thaw will push that stuff around.

It works great in climates that don't freeze, but not so much in climates that do.

[jwholden]

Jeff,

There's about three to four inches of concrete below the block to act as a footing and a triangle about 1/2 way up the back of the block to resist damage from the ups and snowplow guy.

Do these shots look right? http://www.coronado.com/grout%20home.htm

[Stonehenge]

That link looks about right, maybe the bag is just a shade too full. But the consistency of the mix looks right. I think you'd get more out of the bag if you rolled the bag, rather than twisting it, like the guy in the pic is doing. Kinda like a toothpaste tube.

[Stonehenge]

By the way, I'd also recommend picking up a couple tucking tools, instead of the back of a wire brush for working the joints as they dry.

[jwholden]

Jeff,

Did you end up biting the bullet and getting the Milwaukee grout shooter?

Did you use any lime or stickers in your mix for the brick job you did? The lime really brought the mix to the next level!

[Stonehenge]

We didn't use any lime, but for the paver project we did we mixed in some stuff called 'Dry Block'. It's used to keep moisture from creeping into the mortar after it's cured.

We didn't get that drill yet, but we might...I'm trying to decide whether to tackle that limestone wall project yet this year. We have to take down the existing wall, excavate, pour the footing, let that footing cure, then build the wall. And it's not getting any warmer over here.