DIY beginner - how do I fill this gap in outside wall?
- Thread starter bigweed
- Start date
Sponsored Links
- Joined
- 31 May 2016
- Messages
- 14,278
- Reaction score
- 2,107
- Country
Buy some ready mix mortar and use an old spoon.
https://www.screwfix.com/c/building-doors/ready-mix-cement/cat10300001
https://www.screwfix.com/c/building-doors/ready-mix-cement/cat10300001
Any ideas which one is needed? I'm thinking one of these two:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/tarmac-blue-circle-mortar-grey-5kg/96810
https://www.screwfix.com/p/tarmac-multipurpose-concrete-grey-5kg/271gy
Mortar not concrete.
I have seen many patches that appear to have been done with an old spoon, and they look horrible.
You may get less horrible results with a filling knife. Apply in several layers and press in hard because it will sag and shrink if you apply deeply. The layers will stiffen after application. You can do it all in one day. Mix with less water than you think you need until you are sure it will not be sloppy when pressed. Mix a cupful at a time in a plastic yoghurt pot or ice-cream box.
Clean off smears and splashes from the brickwork quickly, preferably with a dry rag and stiff dry brush. Mortar that is dry before it sets does not harden so is easier to remove. For this reason spray the inside of the hole with water and let it soak in before you start, so it does not suck your mortar dry.
The next day, it will have hardened so you can spray it with water to keep it moist, if the wall is exposed to hot drying sunshine. This will improve strength as long as it has not already dried out.
I have seen many patches that appear to have been done with an old spoon, and they look horrible.
You may get less horrible results with a filling knife. Apply in several layers and press in hard because it will sag and shrink if you apply deeply. The layers will stiffen after application. You can do it all in one day. Mix with less water than you think you need until you are sure it will not be sloppy when pressed. Mix a cupful at a time in a plastic yoghurt pot or ice-cream box.
Clean off smears and splashes from the brickwork quickly, preferably with a dry rag and stiff dry brush. Mortar that is dry before it sets does not harden so is easier to remove. For this reason spray the inside of the hole with water and let it soak in before you start, so it does not suck your mortar dry.
The next day, it will have hardened so you can spray it with water to keep it moist, if the wall is exposed to hot drying sunshine. This will improve strength as long as it has not already dried out.
Last edited:
Sponsored Links
I think the stuff in the tub is a dry powder.
Cement hardens by a chemical reaction between the dry cement, and water. Once wetted, the reaction begins. So if the pack contains cement mortar, it must be dry. Do not add water to the tub unless you intend to use it all within an hour or so. Spoon out what you need.
Add enough water that if you squeeze it in your hand into a ball, it holds the shape, but does not squidge out like mud.
Cement bags must be sealed and kept dry, moisture even from damp air hardens them.
It is possible to use chemical changes to speed up or slow down the setting time, but don't try to get into that.
Cement hardens by a chemical reaction between the dry cement, and water. Once wetted, the reaction begins. So if the pack contains cement mortar, it must be dry. Do not add water to the tub unless you intend to use it all within an hour or so. Spoon out what you need.
Add enough water that if you squeeze it in your hand into a ball, it holds the shape, but does not squidge out like mud.
Cement bags must be sealed and kept dry, moisture even from damp air hardens them.
It is possible to use chemical changes to speed up or slow down the setting time, but don't try to get into that.
Listing says
TARMAC BLUE CIRCLE MORTAR GREY 5KG (96810)
View reviews (58)
View all Q&A
Ready to use, multipurpose mortar for bricks, blocks, stonework and general patching and re-pointing. Contains plasticiser and lime to enhance frost and crack resistance.
TARMAC BLUE CIRCLE MORTAR GREY 5KG (96810)
View reviews (58)
View all Q&A
Ready to use, multipurpose mortar for bricks, blocks, stonework and general patching and re-pointing. Contains plasticiser and lime to enhance frost and crack resistance.
- Crack & Frost-Resistant
- 2hrs Approximate Setting Time
- Responsibly Sourced
- Pre-Mixed, Just Add Water
- Resealable Tub
Oh ok sorry. When I read 'ready to use mortar' I assumed that meant it was ready to use soon as you open the tub. But based on your screenshot, I still have to mix it with water. From what you're saying, you can't actually buy already mixed and made mortar then
For small jobs I have found this stuff really useful:
https://www.toolstation.com/fischer-dec-premium-express-ready-mixed-cement-cartridge/p95602
It does need a decent quality gun though, as the mortar can be quite stiff.
Also available in 'sand'.
https://www.toolstation.com/fischer-dec-premium-express-ready-mixed-cement-cartridge/p95602
It does need a decent quality gun though, as the mortar can be quite stiff.
Also available in 'sand'.
DIYnot Local
Staff member
If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.
Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.
Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local
Sponsored Links
