Installation Techniques FOR Sliced Antique Bricks

 

The old bricks are usually sliced to approximately 1" or ½" in thickness. They are then set onto a concrete slab with "thinset" or other tile installation method. Occasionally, the men cutting the brick insert a "slice" on the pallet, which has been cut on both sides. Please have installers use caution and make sure that the bricks are not installed upside-down and that no double sliced bricks are installed. You will be credited or refunded for any double sliced brick. The sliced side "up" may be apparent on the finished job and aesthetically throw off the visual appearance of your project.

 

• Thin set is normally used for the installation.
• The load-bearing surface of the installed brick has not been determined, but it definitely is a function of the strength of the underlying concrete slab. Cracking may occur under heavy weight (for instance under the weight of a loaded truck).
• It is not necessary to pre-soak the bricks in water prior to installation but on a hot sunny day soaking will help prevent motor or thinset drying out. Dry bricks may tend to absorb moisture out of the thinset faster than normal, causing a bond which may not be as strong.
• A one half-inch notched trowel is useful.
• One half-inch space between each brick usually works well, but can vary depending upon the area to be covered.
• Sealing is not necessary prior to installing.
• Grout is normally spread with a sponge the first time over. After that, most installers use foam rubber, about 1 ½”" thick. The foam may be cut from old car seats or anything similar and then it is soaked to about 60% water and used to remove the remaining grout. Any remaining light film may be removed with a weak solution of muriatic acid, being careful not to remove the patina of the "old Chicago’s".
  
• Sometimes a clear penetrating sealer is used for inside jobs or where food spills are likely. Non-gloss will keep the patina. Gloss is sometimes desired for these reasons.

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