How to install thin sliced Chicago
flooring bricks.
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Old Chicago bricks are
an excellent choice both
for exterior and
interior applications.
However, full sized
bricks measure 2”1/4 X
4”x 8”. This size, the
height in particular, is
not always suitable for
floor installations.
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The height of the bricks and
the mortar can be 2 ¾ -3
inches. With this height you
might run into some issues
at door thresholds or full
bricks will simply be too
high.
The solution is thin sliced
flooring bricks.
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 a
superb choice for
installation over any
concrete surfaces.
How to install thin sliced
Chicago bricks on concrete: |
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Before you begin
installing your thin
sliced flooring bricks
you will have to clean
the concrete surface.
You can either use a
broom to remove all dirt
and debris from the
concrete or if you have
an exterior brick
installation project you
could use a pressure
washing machine. A clean
and dust free area is
essential for easy
installation and a
long-lasting outcome. |
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After
cleaning the concrete apply 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 thin sliced Chicago bricks.
I recommend using a paint
roller to roll the agent on the
floor. |
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For the
installation we use thin-set mortar.
Mix your mortar
to a peanut butter consistency. We
usually add a splash of white
bonding agent to the mixture for
better overall performance. I would
recommend starting from the part
that is adjacent to your building or
from the area that you can work your
way out. Also if your pattern has a
border included I would install that
first. Make sure that you have
square corners at your starting
point.
There are a few different patterns
you can choose for your Chicago
brick. |
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You should have your center
points of the paved area
chalk lined to keep your
outline and pattern
straight. Shown on picture.
Scoop out the thin-set
mortar from the bucket and
place it on the concrete.
Use a half inch notched
trowel to spread the
thin-set.
Place thin brick paver in
the mortar and gently wiggle
it a bit. Keep in mind that
all Old Chicago bricks are
not the same size.
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Therefore, I would advise you to
install the bricks with 3/8th-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. In a room start installing
your old Chicago flooring bricks
from the center of the room and work
one row until your inside wall, away
from the entry point and work your
way out. Leave areas adjacent to the
wall and around doors for cuts.
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The next step
after laying all your thin bricks is
grouting the joints.
You can grout
the bricks with S type mortar
available at any building materials
store.
Pour the mortar
directly on top of the bricks and
work the mud into the joints with a
regular grout float. Scrape the
access mortar off with a trowel and
clean the remaining mortar off of
the Chicago bricks with a sponge and
water. Wipe the brick floor until
all the haze disappears from the
bricks.
Note:
You can also apply a coat of sealant
on the bricks before you put the
grout in the joints. It will help
you cleaning the grout much easier. |
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After the bricks completely dried
out apply a sealant that is made
specifically for sealing clay
bricks. 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.
If you are an
environmentally responsible and
resource-efficient person you will
be delighted to hear that thin
sliced flooring bricks are 100%
recycled old Chicago antique bricks.
It is a perfect choice for your
green construction
project. |
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Recommended
articles:
How to pick the right brick for your
project.
We are
offering the following thin brick
veneer products:
Antique old Chicago brick veneer.
Why would
you settle for the ugly stucco on
your house?
We have real old Chicago brick veneers
in a wide variety of colors.
Old Chicago flooring bricks.
1" thick old
Chicago antique flooring bricks on
reasonable prices.
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