How to Install Old Chicago brick over concrete.

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How to Install Old Chicago brick On Existing Concrete.

If you wish to reinvigorate your dull concrete slab with old Chicago style pavers but don't want to rip up your concrete I have some good news. There is a better and more cost effective solution. The following article explains the steps on how you can install your old Chicago bricks over concrete with thin-set and mortar.

If you have an area at your house that is paved with Old Chicago antique bricks installed on sand, and adjacent to a concrete slab that you wish to pave with the same bricks you have to consider the following:

For this type of application you have to keep in mind that the height of the full bricks and the mortar can be 2 ¾ -3 inches.

If you have issues at door thresholds or simply this is too high, the thin sliced old Chicago bricks are the best way to go.

Thin sliced flooring bricks are basically the same old Chicago antique bricks that you use for any paving project but sawn in half. They measure about an inch in thickness and are an excellent choice for installation over any concrete surfaces.

How to install Chicago bricks over concrete.

Whether you choose the full size or the sawn cut Chicago bricks the steps are the same. The first step is to clean the concrete surface. You can either use a broom to sweep all dirt and debris from the concrete or use a pressure washing machine if the area is more stubborn. A clean and dust free area is essential for effortless installation and a long-lasting outcome.

The second step is the application of the bonding agent. This sticky blue stuff is designed for use as a bonding agent between your mortar and the hardened concrete.

In other words, it provides much better adhesion between the concrete and the Chicago bricks. It can be either surface applied to concrete or integrally mixed into the mortar you install your Chicago bricks with.

Installing old Chicago bricks on top of concrete.

For the application we use the paint roller to roll the agent on the floor.

For the installation we use thin-set mortar and S-type mortar mixed in 50% ratio.

Mix your mortar to a peanut butter consistency. We usually add a splash of white bonding agent to the mixture for better overall performance.

Install Chicago bricks on top of concrete.

I would recommend starting from an area that is adjacent to your building or from the spot that you can work your way out. Also if your pattern has a border included I would install the border first. Make sure that you have square corners at your starting point. Also, if the concrete slab doesn’t slope away from the building you have to elevate the area adjacent to the walls.

There are a few different patterns you can choose for your Chicago brick. Brick installation pattern shown on picture is basket wave.

Scoop out the mortar from the bucket and place it on the concrete.

Place brick paver in the mortar and gently tap it with a rubber mallet. Keep in mind that Old Chicago antique bricks are not equally sized.

These brick were hand made in a time when brick making machines were not as accessible.

(Often time a 100 years ago.)

The hand casting and firing process made old Chicago bricks somewhat unequally sized. Therefore, I would advise you to install the bricks with 3/8^th-1/2 inch joints. If you find a brick that sits too low, put some extra mortar underneath it and gently tap it down with a rubber mallet until it’s even with the surrounding bricks.

Old Chicago bricks installed on concrete.

How to lay bricks on concrete.

The use of the string line is also recommended to keep your outline and pattern straight. It is also useful for checking the height of your bricks.

The difference in the installation process compared to the traditional send system that when you install Chicago bricks on concrete you will have to grout the joints.

We typically grout old Chicago bricks with S type mortar available at any home depot. The easiest way to do this is pouring the mortar directly on top of the bricks and with a regular grout float work the mud into the joints. Scrape the access mortar off with a trowel. Here comes some elbow grease. You have to clean the remaining mortar off of the Chicago bricks.

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Quick note: If you work outside and have time before you grout you could pressure wash the Chicago bricks and a day after when it completely dried you could spray a brick sealant on the bricks. This will make it easier to clean the mortar off of your bricks the next day. To clean the mortar, use a sponge and rinse it often in clean water. Wipe it until all the haze disappears from the bricks.

Scoop out the mortar from the bucket and place it on the concrete.

Place brick paver in the mortar and gently tap it with a rubber mallet. Keep in mind that Old Chicago antique bricks are not equally sized.

Chicago bricks over concrete.

These brick were hand made in a time when brick making machines were not as accessible. (Often time a 100 years ago). The hand casting and firing process made old Chicago bricks somewhat unequally sized. Therefore, I would advise you to install the bricks with 3/8^th-1/2 inch joints. If you find a brick that sits too low, put some extra mortar underneath it and gently tap it down with a rubber mallet until it’s even with the surrounding bricks.

Important note: This method is a permanent installation. It will last for many decades without much of needed maintenance. However, if you are concerned about setting all of your bricks permanently, you could install the borders in mortar and set the rest of your brick pavers on sand. This will allow you to remove them easily in the future in case if you change your mind about the material or you if need to run an electrical or sprinkler pipe under your brick pavement.

Scoop out the mortar from the bucket and place it on the concrete.

Place brick paver in the mortar and gently tap it with a rubber mallet. Keep in mind that Old Chicago antique bricks are not equally sized.

To complete your brick paving project apply a sealant that is made specifically for sealing clay bricks.

Old Chicago bricks installed on concrete.

The sealant should penetrate into the brick surface and also seal the mortar joints. Depending on foot traffic, sealants may wear out after a period of time so re-sealing your Chicago brick patio is recommended at least once a year. With some hard work, elbow grease and many Chicago bricks, you can change your ugly concrete to a timeless masterpiece that last many years to come.

Recommended articles: How to pick the right brick for your project.

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