Bavarian brickwork: features and recommendations for implementation

There are several options for laying bricks. The special Bavarian masonry is rightfully recognized as one of the most attractive. It has its own characteristic features, which are important to consider when performing it independently. Today we will analyze in detail what this method of masonry is and how to work with it correctly.

Before taking on the independent construction of aesthetic Bavarian masonry, you should make out in detail what it is. Bavarian masonry is a type of brickwork in which blocks of different types are combined. Elements usually have different colors, most often in red and brown shades. The result is a highly original and attractive composition that attracts a lot of attention.

Most sources are replete with information that this type of brickwork originates in Germany in the 17th century. In fact, these finishing materials are relatively new. They were able to gain significant distribution only a couple of decades ago. From the above information, an obvious question arises: where does Bavaria appear in the name of the brickwork? This designation is considered more of a commercial one, such as a block house or a hamburger. The connection with the aforementioned region in Germany is rather due to the fact that it is there that it is possible to see in large quantities old brick houses without plastering.

Aesthetic and fashionable Bavarian masonry is recognizable and in demand. If you are planning to turn to this vibrant combination of multi-colored bricks, then you should find out what characteristics it has.

• In the specified masonry, adjacent blocks usually have different colors.
• In the design, none of the colors should be accentuated against the background of others. Do not forget about this important rule, since if it is not observed, the masonry will turn out to be disharmonious.
• The pattern of such masonry should not be constantly repeated.
• The vertical seams should match across the row.

Before embarking on the Bavarian masonry on your own, you need to draw up the correct scheme. It is desirable to draw it in detail. In this scheme, you will need to reflect all the colors that you plan to stick to when laying bricks. Please note that there are a lot of options for Bavarian masonry.

However, you will definitely need to follow a number of important rules. It is permissible to use from 5 to 10 separate fragments. The combination that most appealed to should be implemented in accordance with all the technical features. In order for the Bavarian brickwork to look complete and aesthetically pleasing, care must be taken that the rows alternate through vertical seams.

Modern variants of patterns are extremely rarely made of bricks of different colors in a light tone. Basically, people prefer the dark options. From such materials, solid and beautiful structures are obtained that demonstrate the delicate taste of their owners.

Also, here you can refer not only to multi-colored, but also monochromatic masonry. For example, the corners of the house or door / window openings can be decorated with the same color. Often, in the facing of various buildings, craftsmen resort to spectacular herringbone-shaped masonry. Of course, the bricklayer must be very familiar with this technique in order to get the expected result.

The tandem of Bavarian and two-tone brickwork looks interesting. With this layout, the corners and openings are usually made lighter, and the walls themselves are laid out with red bricks or decorated with Bavarian masonry. In this case, it is customary to use approximate scales.

If you are planning to revet the facade of the house with Bavarian brickwork, then you should know that purchasing a batch of bricks at the nearest factory will most likely not help you. For such a finish, multi-colored blocks are made. Color schemes may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. When choosing building materials for such bases, you should look not only at their color, but also at other important criteria.

• Brick quality. In no case should there be chips, deep scratches or other similar defects on the blocks. Damaged materials will not last long, so it is important to look for high quality products without damage.
• Color uniformity. It doesn't matter if you buy a light brick or a dark one. Both materials should have a uniform color, without pale or dark spots that stand out.
• Manufacturer. Buy only good bricks from bona fide manufacturers. The most popular today are the plant in Stary Oskol, the LSR plants and the Golitsynsky keramozavod.

If we consider the specific parameters that a brick (for example, reduced) should have in Bavarian masonry, then they are as follows:

• strength grade - not lower than M150;
• frost resistance level - not lower than F50;
• moisture absorption - from 8 to 10%.

If you have secured all the necessary tools and building materials, then you can start the installation work. The first step is preparation. Let's consider what such events mean.

• Selection of the picture. There are many shades of Bavarian brick, but it is advisable not to place more than four on one wall base. The more flowers there are, the more difficult it will be to lay the masonry. To make the facade original and attractive, 3-4 shades are enough. You can try to combine different colors using specialized programs, but experts do not recommend doing this, because you will waste your time. None of the bricklayers adhere to the perfectly precise location of each individual block.

This is what the Bavarian masonry is characterized by. There is no definite alternation of bricks in it - there are no clear ornaments here. At the preparatory stage, decide on the main tone and a couple of additional ones. Do not forget that the main shade must be at least 50%. Others are permissible to buy in free proportions.

If you are unable to independently choose the main and secondary tones for Bavarian brickwork, then you can contact more experienced designers in these matters or consider a number of ready-made options.

• To lay the bricks as quickly as possible, you can roughly lay out blocks of different shades directly on the scaffolding. There is no need for precise calculations. If necessary, then each color can be added later.
• Bavarian masonry must be built exclusively for joining, therefore it is so important to purchase the required tools and fixtures in advance.
• If you wish, you can purchase a special colored composition. It costs more than simple compositions, but it turns out to be a more interesting and beautiful brickwork.

It is permissible to use Bavarian masonry both as a facing layer of the facade of a building, and as an outer row of brick wall bases. In the course of a separate cladding, it is allowed to use foam plates in order to additionally insulate the walls. However, not all experts advise turning to such solutions, because then there will be no special sense from the insulation, because it will freely position itself between the load-bearing wall and the cladding, and this will lead to heat losses.

After competent preparation, you can proceed to the construction of the Bavarian brickwork. Let's consider step by step how the blocks should be placed correctly.

• First you need to check if all the front walls are horizontal. This requires a plumb line. Check the position of the walls along their entire height, mark the foundation base with the preliminary arrangement of the facing materials. Keep in mind that the most modest gap between the main wall and the finish should be no less than the thickness of the insulating layer. If you will not lay the latter, then the indentation may be very small. Then all the cracks will need to be poured with a solution.
• Next, mark the location of the starting row of blocks. Please note that all blocks in the cladding must be intact, without damage. Lay out 1 row of Bavarian bricks. Start from one corner and gradually move to the one on the opposite side. There should be a gap of at least 8-10 mm between them.

• In order to keep track of the size of the seam, you should purchase a special device in the store or make it yourself from a square profile.
• If there is no whole brick at the end of the layout, then you will need to make the gaps a little wider. Make a gap between adjacent brick blocks by no more than 2-3 mm at a time. If this nuance is not adhered to, then the discrepancy will be striking. After about 20-25 bricks, it will be possible to remove within 10 cm in size. This is usually sufficient in most situations. If adjusting the gap is too problematic, then you can simply cut off part of the brick, and then apply it in a less noticeable area.

• Remove any rubbish from the wall. Pre-arrange scaffolding. You cannot do without them if the height of the base being trimmed reaches 1.5-1.6 m. Forests are usually made by the craftsmen themselves from wood. You can buy pre-assembled or rent metal structures. Everything here comes from the wishes of the home master.
• Now prepare the mortar for the masonry. It should be composed of 1 part cement and four parts sand. Liquid is added as needed. Make the mortar a little thicker than a simple red brick.

• Next, lay a waterproofing layer on the foundation - sheets of roofing material. Laying is done starting from 2 corners located on different sides. Arrange them about 4-5 strips high. Always follow the position of the corner bases with a level or plumb line.
• Each of the corners should be based on a width parameter of 4-5 bricks. In the course of further work, this value will be reduced by half of the brick block. While you are working out the corners, do not remove the alignment row. It will still be removed in the course of further masonry.

• Now stretch a construction string or rope between the lined corners. Be sure to check its perfect horizontal position. Install threads to control the level of the masonry.
• Then you can proceed directly to laying one brick at a time. Take these parts from the previously laid out installation row and lay out directly on the masonry composition. Adjust the width of the joints using square metal bars.

• The solution on the front side will need to be removed immediately with a damp cloth.Move the bar along the rows as they grow. Remember that it is better to choose the color of each next brick in accordance with the plan / scheme drawn up earlier, if you have chosen this method. In this case, the blocks do not need to be counted. It is enough to adhere to an approximate color ratio.
• When laying bricks, do not forget that the main color should account for about 50% of the entire masonry. You can also alternate different colors, if you wish. It's not scary to make a mistake in this matter.

• Then, after 4-5 rows, proceed to grouting. This is done using a small plastic, wood or metal fixture. If during the grouting process you notice gaps in the composition, then it should be added and smoothed again. Always clean the surfaces of dirt, otherwise noticeable mortar stains may remain on the Bavarian bricks, which will be difficult to get rid of.
• Lay bricks carefully in the area of ​​the openings. In this case, it is often necessary to cut blocks to length. Cut materials should not be placed at the corner of the opening. Place it earlier on several blocks.

• In order for the brick finish to come out more reliable and strong, it needs to be "tied" to the load-bearing wall base. To do this, you need to stock up on special reinforcement of a periodic profile, a metal mesh or a galvanized strip with perforation.
• If the bricks will go over the entire facing surface, keep laying the masonry further in the old pattern until the work is completed. Of course, if you want to organize the specified masonry only in certain areas of the building, then you will need to act according to a previously drawn up and detailed sketch.

For information on how to properly make Bavarian brickwork, see the next video.