Site and Brickwork Specifications Introduction Overview Mortar Specification Mortar Joint Finish Brickwork Specification Site Specifications Introduction This document contains specifications for the brick and brickwork construction prior to application of color application via our Nawtint™ process (patent pending). In addition, the document describes site conditions and program of works necessary for Nawtint’s™ application to fit into construction schedules for both single and double story residential properties or townhouse or villa developments. The manufacturers warranty available for color application to brickwork is also specified stating any exclusions. For larger developments and commercial projects there will be specifications and conditions determined on a project-by-project basis. Overview The Austral Mediterranean Collection of bricks is a unique combination of a permanent color finish being applied to completed brickwork, constructed of a specific face-brick and mortar type laid as “face” quality. By laying face quality brickwork, and using only the Austral Mediterranean brick combined with only a suitable “off-white mortar” struck with a full flush joint detail, the brickwork is then left ready for final coloring. The bricks and mortar are then recolored with a permanent tinting solution, i.e. Nawtint™ that is absorbed by the brickwork. Mortar Specification Formulation The mortar shall be formulated using materials consistent with achieving an off-white flush finished mortar joint. The ratio of sand to cement in the mix shall meet the requirements of Australian Standard, AS3700 in relation to the Masonry Code of Australia, namely formulations shall meet a M3 specification for all general-purpose environments and an M4 specification if construction would be subject to severe marine conditions. The sand that should to be used is light in color and typically used for light color ed mortar. The sand used in the formulation shall possess enough natural clay within its body as to make the mortar mix readily workable when wet and laying does not rely on chemical aids such as Bycol. Some sands are deemed “sharp” others have little or no naturally occurring clay properties. These sands would typically have been sourced from a river-bed or beach or dune. It is essential that the mortar formulations using sharp sands are investigated prior to being used in conjunction with the Nawtint™ process. This is achieved by forwarding a sample of sand intended for use to Austral bricks Laboratory. After laboratory evaluation, Austral will recommend a suitable mortar formulation to use in conjunction with the sand sample tested from the region of the sample source. This formulation can then be used for any sand product from that region. Cement to be used is off-white or light cement, typically used for the purpose of achieving a light color ed off-white mortar joint. These are Portland cements and not builders or natural cement. It is imperative that mortar in the process of construction conforms to this specification. Mortar Joint Finish The mortar joint shall be finished full and flush according to the following procedures and will not require cleaning after laying, by pressure washing. The mortar shall be applied to the brick and mortar bed during the laying process ensuring no excess mortar is squeezed out along the length of each bed, stretcher and perpend joint. Excess is cut flush across the brick edges using a bricklayer’s trowel. After one to two hours the mortar joint is finally finished flush and full by rubbing recently laid brickwork in a circular motion with an old piece of dry carpet. By rubbing back this ensures excess mortar and/or mortar smears are pushed up flush with all brick edges and will eliminate any cracks, crevices holes etc. In addition, rubbing back will remove any excessive mortar still adhering to brick faces, thus eliminating the requirement and expense incurred in hydraulic (water) pressure cleaning of the finished brickwork. When these bricks are laid as face quality, off-white flush joint and rubbed back, no further cleaning of the brickwork is required. Brickwork Specification Brickwork should be laid in accordance with Building Code of Australia Section 3, part 3.3 Masonry and part 3.3.4 Weatherproofing of Masonry AS3700-1998 Masonry Structures. These are Building Codes and Australian Standards that define the methods for correct installation of damp proof coursing and flashing in brickwork construction. Bricks must be laid face outward and any faulty bricks detected by bricklayers should not be laid in the wall (refer to Brick Specification). Brickwork should be laid straight and true as in normal face brickwork according to AS3700-1998. Mortar joints must be finished flush and full using off-white mortar (not gray– refer Mortar Specification). By following the above steps, brick cleaning is not required. This alleviates the risk of mortar damage i.e. mortar blowholes or brick face damage etc caused by excessive pressure washing. Brickwork laid in retaining walls and other earth filled applications must have a waterproof membrane between the brickwork and the materials used to fill the area, as well as suitable drainage including sufficient weepholes for the area to drain. Cavities and weepholes should be free of obstructions. Bricks should be laid free of excessive mortar smears or dags on the brickwork surface. . Brickwork is required to be dry prior to Nawtint™ being applied. This means that the brick faces must be dry above and below the damp proof course as well as the mortar joint. Bricks and or mortar that have been stained, discolored or damaged by other trades prior to application of Nawtint’s™ process, to continue the process the brickwork must be either; cleaned with water and/or water and detergent prior to Nawtint’s™ application, allowing sufficient time for the brickwork to dry completely. The damaged or discolored brickwork must be removed and replaced according to the brick and mortar specification. Nawtint’s™ representative should be advised at site inspection or earlier, if expansion joints are to be colored. The expansion joint should then be caulked with flexible off-white or light sealant prior to application. For superior results the bricklayer should lightly bag the underside of sill bricks and sides of each sill with mortar being used. If done prior to Nawtint’s™ application, final results achieve a neater integrated appearance. Site Specifications Site specifications listed here under are required both for single and double storey residential properties, townhouse, villa or commercial developments. That all brick, mortar and brickwork specifications have been met. It is essential the Nawtint™ process be applied over clean, dry brickwork, as previously stated, further cleaning is not required if the above brickwork specification is followed. Your client must be informed that should brickwork require pressure washing with water and/or acid to clean and remove excess mortar etc, it will after Nawtint’s™ application, appear different from that of Austral Brick’s displayed walls or display homes. The Nawtint™ coloring process will be programmed into the building cycle as would other applied finishes for brickwork, i.e. Nawtint’s™ application shall be scheduled after the roof tiles have been installed and fixed. For elevated work requiring scaffolding and roof safety fencing for access, Nawtint’s™ process must be scheduled for application whilst safe access equipment is installed on site, enabling Nawtint’s™ staff to perform their work safely. Ideally downpipes shall be affixed to gutters in houses with eaves, and not affixed to walls, this assists in preventing water running onto brickwork or mud splashing brickwork in the areas under downpipe holes in the gutter. If downpipes have been affixed to walls as well as guttering and down pipes, then Nawtint’s™ process will be cut in to the edges of downpipes and fittings. Alternately downpipes can be fitted after Nawtint’s™ application however, there may be delays caused by wet brickwork and splash marks in periods of wet weather. Nawtint’s™ representative will inspect each site at the onset of bricklaying, in order to check and instruct the supervisors/bricklayers as to laying requirements for Austral’s Mediterranean Collection bricks. Prior to application of Nawtint™ our representative will re-inspect the brickwork and notify the builder or his representative of its suitability for Nawtint’s™ application. This re-inspection will confirm the suitability of brickwork for application of Nawtint’s™ process. Any defective brickwork will require rectification and details of rectification communicated to the Building supervisor, and confirmed in writing to Austral Bricks.

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